1.  Identify the issue of this commentary.

2.  The "third rail" refers to a subject that tends to be avoided because of its controversial nature; something that is dangerous to tamper with.  What two reasons does Mr. Sowell give for both Democrats and Republicans regarding illegal immigration as the third rail of politics?

3.  One of the main arguments in support of illegal immigrants is that they do work Americans won't do.  This is the argument that Mr. Sowell addresses.  How does he counter (respond to) this argument?  Is his argument persuasive?  Explain your answer.

4.  Mr. Sowell says: "Even those who write editorials about how we need Mexicans to do work that Americans will not do would not be willing to write editorials for a fraction of what they are being paid. If Mexican editorial writers were coming across the border illegally and taking their jobs, maybe the issue would become clearer."  Is this a strong argument?  Explain your answer.

5.  Most Americans vote for a candidate based on his/her stand on many issues (social, economic, homeland security, etc.).  By avoiding this issue, do you think politicians really believe that Hispanic-Americans all support illegal immigration?  Do they further believe that Hispanic-Americans would only vote for a candidate based on the one issue of illegal immigration, without regard to how a politician stood on education funding, social security reform, tax reform, abortion, homosexual marriage, etc.?  Do you agree with these assumptions about Hispanic-Americans?  Explain your answer.

6.  Politicians should address this issue - either by insisting that current immigration laws are enforced if they support them, or by changing the existing laws if they don't like them.  To write your opinion to your senators or representatives, at senate.gov and house.gov.  (When writing to express your opinion, state the issue, and what you think the official should do to solve the problem.  Always maintain a polite tone.)