The Axiom Of Realistic Expectations
Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior
By Having Realistic Expectations
For Themselves, Their Lives, And Others

Like so many issues in our culture today, the misrepresentation of Arizona's immigration law by the media, politicians, civil rights activists, and others makes it nearly impossible to have a clear understanding of what is truly occurring in Arizona and why this legislation is necessary. As believers in freedom and the importance of citizens' rights, we feel that many Americans are making a terrible mistake in not supporting Arizona, placing their allegiances instead with those who are in our country ILLEGALLY. Further, it is with regret that we watch communities, such as "Los Angeles, Austin, Boston, and San Francisco," denouncing Arizona's attempt to protect its citizenry, even going so far as to introduce boycotts. ("San Diego Faces Own Medicine As Arizona Residents Cancel Travel Following Boycott Of State")

In reality, this matter is really not that complicated. The Arizona legislation only applies to immigrants who are in our country illegally. It is not racial profiling. Rather, it is an effort to defend an American state from the overwhelming burden of having to finance and accommodate approximately 460,000 people who have no right to be in that state in the first place. In short, Arizona is being forced to do the job our federal government has failed to do for decades: protect our citizens from the devastating consequences of uncontrolled illegal immigration.

According to Magna Sententia, our societies, as well as our individual lives, will only be successful if we hold ourselves to a high standard of behavior. Living in a country illegally is not a high standard of behavior. Additionally, allowing others to break our laws and then defend their actions is not a high standard of behavior. To be sure, when citizens and communities favor those who are obviously breaking our nation's laws, our entire social culture is tarnished.

• How can we teach our children to do what is right even when it is not the easiest choice, and to live lives of integrity and honor, when we support people who have no respect for our laws?
• How can we force those who enter legally to follow all of the rigorous immigration laws and not be willing to punish those who enter illegally?
• How can we expect our cities and neighborhoods to remain safe when we do not honor the measures that exist to ensure our national and personal security?

We could go on and on: This new law only allows authorities to question those who are stopped for another offense, and offenders can only be sentenced to a maximum of 30 days in jail, even when they are repeat offenders. ("U Of A Professor Discusses His Role In U.N. Criticism Of Arizona") However, the most important consideration when assessing Arizona's new law is: Does it protect the citizens of our country, as well as immigrants who are here legally? The answer to that question is a resounding, "Yes!"

Therefore, we fully support Arizona and Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer, and it is our hope that others will change their minds and decide to side with them as well. As for communities like San Diego who choose to boycott Arizona for standing up for its citizens: we have no pity for their lost tourism dollars.

We sure know where we won't be traveling this summer!

Anna and Ellie Sherise
Creators of Magna Sententia
Authors of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society