Immigration: I was struck with an unusual emotion this morning: I was angered by a news story on the "plight of migrants" or something. Now, my brand of libertarianism includes the open-border deal. Aside from measures for national security, I see no problem with guest workers, immigrants, or other flavor of newcomer. The more, the merrier, as far as I'm concerned. But what angered me was the common notion that the "undocumented" (and what a euphemism that is) workers in America are exploited by capitalism, eaten up and spit out by a heartless system that treats workers as interchangeable parts. This is manifestly absurd to begin with. Why the hell would they continue to come otherwise? And in droves! But that's not entirely the point. Rather, my anger was that the real exploitation is in the other direction: illegal immigrants exploit us. They take advantage of a system that has built jobs, created benefits, endowed prosperity. They pay no taxes, are able to get schooling for their children, can get health care in clinics and emergency rooms, and can even get some welfare benefits, despite lacking citizenship. Dry your eyes, NPR listeners, and wake up to reality. They come because the "brutal" life of a migrant or illegal in America is a hell of a lot better than life back at home. And Republicans, you wake up, too. They will continue to come. A free country with closed borders is a contradiction. Make these people citizens. Tax them (but flatly, please). If Mexico empties, so be it. The strain will only be for a generation or two, rather than artificially attenuated by futile immigration policies. Besides, reform will come in Mexico about the time ... okay, no stupid metaphors. Reform will never come in Mexico. Let these people choose taxed guest worker status or full immigration. Better for them; better for us.