It really is depressing that Democrats aren't all over this.  It's like they're afraid to allow themselves to be pinned to any opinion on anything.

Yes -- these people are the future of the Democratic party IF Dems manage to stand up for fairness now. Even marginal fairness!

About the youth -- this population simply has a median age 10-15 years younger than the Anglo population. One really feels it, being in these crowds.

About voter registration -- tricky to do in circumstances where asking someone whether they are a citizen can be awkward, even threatening. Ought to be offered as an option though. At the local immigrant event I attended today there were a couple of enterprising signature gatherers, so some organizing is going on. Not by the usual suspects though, so we are likely to feel "nothing is happening." So mistaken...

As with most complex political issues, little more than rhetoric is available for the average citizen to evaluate in order to fully understand the consequences of the numerous proposals being discussed. Immigration brings together a never before seen constellation that stands to change much of what Americans have come to understand about our economy, our political affiliations, corporate interests, globalization, trade agreements, the influence of unions, and many other ramifications yet to be identified or calculated.

Characteristically, the issue is polarized by intense passion on both extremes. This passionate posturing makes it increasingly difficult to carve out a compromise. Many politicians have taken positions based on their perceived constituency sentiment that allows them little room for flexibility. Regional economic considerations coupled with the potential impact to certain corporate and business segments create an incoherent patchwork of conflicting considerations. Navigating this difficult terrain is likely to foster more political stalemate than innovative compromise.

While Washington plays politics, Americans cannot ignore the fact that there are currently an estimated 12,000,000 reasons to resolve this issue. It's time for politicians to set aside the rhetoric and complete the daunting task of a thorough evaluation that will provide the necessary, albeit frightening, calculations and considerations. Despite voices to the contrary, these 12,000,000 people are here to stay. Unless we get about the business of accepting this reality and moving forward with a coherent and tangible policy, we will soon find ourselves with an additional 12,000,000 reasons to solve this problem.

read more here:

www.thoughttheater.com

There were a few counter-protestors but nothing major.  

There was a huge Salvadorian presence.

It was amazing, Senator Kennedy and Congressman Moran (VA) made speaches.  The Washington DC Cardinal, a Methodist Bishop who was speaking for all Methodist Bishops, Muslim leaders, Jewish leaders, and more importantly labor leaders.  That's right, John Sweeny as well as the president of the SEIU speaking for The Change to Win coalition.

EVERY single progressive should be proud of what happened today.

Thanks for posting this Matt.

I have very mixed feelings about the immigration issue.  I agree that all the rhetoric from both sides doesn't help.  I've lived in L.A., taught mostly latino kids and have nothing but respect for the struggles and triumphs that these hard working people go through and achieve.

However, as many experts have pointed out, illegals do create a downward pull on wages, especially for lower skilled workers.  Shouldn't we as Democrats at least acknowledge this dynamic?  After all part of our constituency is hardworking low skilled workers, especially African Americans.  Shouldn't we be sticking up for them too?

IMHO, the socialization process has started to break down.  The sheer number of recent arrivals has overwhelmed our society's ability to absorb them.  This has led to a million anectdotal stories for most born in the USAers.

I believe it is this failure to socialize that has so many Americans alarmed.  Who hasn't seen poor illegals at an emergency room seeking free medical care while we pony up with our costly HMO cards?

Who hasn't winced at rising property taxes that are needed to pay for extra classrooms and programs for the offspring of these illegals?

Who hasn't seen the complete disregard for the environment exhibited by many immigrants who dump and litter on a whim?

So, at the risk of being politically incorrect, this is one lefty who firmly believes that something must be done.  I don't endorse anything close to the House bill, but something must be done.  We need to find a way to fairly treat the folks who are already here while simultaneously finding a way to get a breather from this influx of undocumented and unsocialized immigrants.