The case of Cpl. Cesar Armando Laurean and the alleged beating of Marine Lance Cpl. Maria Lauterbach to death may have ramifications that extend their arms beyond the arena of criminal law and morbid fascination. It may even have an effect on the dialogue of our current political candidates.
The issue of immigration, illegal or otherwise, has been at the forefront of national attention for some time now. It is more than a national conversation weighing the merits of the possible solutions. It is a political football. The issue has, however, lost traction among the talking points of the candidates for president, on both sides.
There is a vested interest in the media portrayals of Hispanic immigrants. Immigrants are often shown as undocumented, unknown criminals from another country who have relocated to the United States and usurped our national resources. They are also portrayed as hard-working people who have come here to find a better life for themselves and for their families. Every single media portrayal of immigrants effects national opinion, and therefore political opinion pertaining to the issue of illegal immigration.
Laurean is in fact a Mexican national, not an illegal immigrant like so many others who have been seen in the news lately for various crimes against American citizens. It cannot be ignored that he is from Guadalajara and many in the media are postulating that he may have already escaped to Mexico where he has a strong support network. In Mexico Laurean has family. In Mexico Laurean has friends. In Mexico Laurean may never be forced to face the consequences of his alleged actions.
The possibility of a high profile escape from the U.S. to Mexico, by a person who allegedly raped, murdered, and then burned the body of an attractive, pregnant white woman may once again force the issues of border security and illegal immigration to the forefront of the political arena. Even as this case has no technical connection to the debate over illegal immigration and border security.
The issue of immigration, illegal or otherwise, has been at the forefront of national attention for some time now. It is more than a national conversation weighing the merits of the possible solutions. It is a political football. The issue has, however, lost traction among the talking points of the candidates for president, on both sides.
There is a vested interest in the media portrayals of Hispanic immigrants. Immigrants are often shown as undocumented, unknown criminals from another country who have relocated to the United States and usurped our national resources. They are also portrayed as hard-working people who have come here to find a better life for themselves and for their families. Every single media portrayal of immigrants effects national opinion, and therefore political opinion pertaining to the issue of illegal immigration.
Laurean is in fact a Mexican national, not an illegal immigrant like so many others who have been seen in the news lately for various crimes against American citizens. It cannot be ignored that he is from Guadalajara and many in the media are postulating that he may have already escaped to Mexico where he has a strong support network. In Mexico Laurean has family. In Mexico Laurean has friends. In Mexico Laurean may never be forced to face the consequences of his alleged actions.
The possibility of a high profile escape from the U.S. to Mexico, by a person who allegedly raped, murdered, and then burned the body of an attractive, pregnant white woman may once again force the issues of border security and illegal immigration to the forefront of the political arena. Even as this case has no technical connection to the debate over illegal immigration and border security.
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