Recently, Arizona law makers passed a law that says that police can ask to see a person’s papers if they are suspicious of them being an illegal alien. There has been a firestorm ever since. First, I am generally an advocate of fairly open and easy immigration. If you can get a job and make money here and you will obey the law (and pay taxes), I am for you getting in and having a shot at American freedom. America is full of immigrants. Second, I will admit that I am very concerned when the government makes judgment calls. I worry about the abuse of power and could see bad things coming from a law like this—were it abused. I generally think that the police (in general) do the best job of making discretionary decisions (Shall I compare thee to Congress?), but I could see how an overzealous policeman could stir up trouble with this law. So, for the record, so far I have real ambivalent feelings about this law. (more…)