Ruben Navarette, a columnist for the San Diego Union-Tribune, writes in his latest column (via Real Clear Politics)

"Let me be clear. There is nothing inherently racist or nativist about opposing illegal immigration. There are plenty of good people who just want secure borders and who could care less about the culture or language of whoever is coming across the border."

And there are plenty of good people who want secure borders and also care very much about their culture and language. Navarette implies there is something wrong with caring about the culture and language of the United States.

Why in the world anyone would believe there's something wrong with Americans caring about the culture and language of their country, Navarette doesn't say. He just hangs the innuendo out there - if you care, you're probably a racist, or a "nativist."

Daniel Henninger at the Wall Street Journal makes a similar point in an insult-strewn video of one of their editorial board meetings (quote at 2:18 in video):

"Their objection is fundamentally cultural. And they can't say that, OK."

Why can't anyone say that? What's wrong with saying that? There are many objections to massive illegal immigration of course, but the culture issue is and should certainly be one of them.

Again, there's nothing wrong with Americans wanting to preserve American culture and American language. There is nothing wrong with pressing immigrants to assimilate into American culture and learn American language. There is nothing at all racist about wanting to preserve American culture and language. Culture and language have nothing to do with race.

Why these folks think they further their cause by slandering and insulting people who disagree with them is a mystery. Thankfully, it appears to be having the opposite of their intended effect so far. But make no mistake, the amnesty bill and the insults from it's defenders haven't gone away. Hasta luego.