Opinion: Diplomacy is Called For
Diplomacy is Called For
An AJC article appearing on April 18th, 2006 quotes Senator Chip Rogers as saying:
An AJC article appearing on April 18th, 2006 quotes Senator Chip Rogers as saying:
"I would suggest the government of Mexico stop concerning themselves with what we do in Georgia and instead worry about their own corrupt government, which has caused millions of their own citizens to leave their home country. A foreign government has no place in making Georgia law."
While the subject of immigration is clear at issue it is inappropriate that Georgia politicians to start a diplomatic row with Mexico. Even more so if trade relations between our states are in jeopardy.
The issue is immigration.
Migrants come the US and Georgia for many reasons but economic opportunity is likely to be at the top of the list.
But making a statement like the above, assuming it is an accurate quote, and accusing an entire foreign nation of having a corrupt government is neither appropriate nor wise. This is also unlikely to be the reason for migration decisions.
May I respectfully suggest that Senator Chip Rogers and the Governor plan a trip to Mexico post haste and sit down with representatives of the Mexican government who would likely be happy to receive him.
If Georgia representatives feel a need to enter into the international arena of politics they certainly owe it to all involved to educate themselves and have direct dialogue with the parties before making statements which are damaging to positive existing international relations that go well beyond immigration.
At the very least, representatives should plan to meet with the Mexican Consul of Atlanta to diffuse this row quickly. They should come to a better understanding of the importance of the relations between Mexico and Georgia.
Senator Roger and governor Perdue should go to great lengths in considering words sent abroad. Diplomatic private discussion are called for with local representatives of the Mexican government if not the government of Mexico itself.
Toning down of the current heated debate is also called for on both sides. The trade relations between Georgia and Mexico are important and these are now at stake given an escalation of potentially damaging rhetoric.
Keeping to the issues and doing so in a diplomatic fashion is always timely and appropriate.
The issue is immigration.
Migrants come the US and Georgia for many reasons but economic opportunity is likely to be at the top of the list.
But making a statement like the above, assuming it is an accurate quote, and accusing an entire foreign nation of having a corrupt government is neither appropriate nor wise. This is also unlikely to be the reason for migration decisions.
May I respectfully suggest that Senator Chip Rogers and the Governor plan a trip to Mexico post haste and sit down with representatives of the Mexican government who would likely be happy to receive him.
If Georgia representatives feel a need to enter into the international arena of politics they certainly owe it to all involved to educate themselves and have direct dialogue with the parties before making statements which are damaging to positive existing international relations that go well beyond immigration.
At the very least, representatives should plan to meet with the Mexican Consul of Atlanta to diffuse this row quickly. They should come to a better understanding of the importance of the relations between Mexico and Georgia.
Senator Roger and governor Perdue should go to great lengths in considering words sent abroad. Diplomatic private discussion are called for with local representatives of the Mexican government if not the government of Mexico itself.
Toning down of the current heated debate is also called for on both sides. The trade relations between Georgia and Mexico are important and these are now at stake given an escalation of potentially damaging rhetoric.
Keeping to the issues and doing so in a diplomatic fashion is always timely and appropriate.
Respectfully,
Erik Voss
erik@ICAtlanta.org
404-457-5901 Direct
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