The author makes the case that the adoption of Proposition 187, the anti-illegal immigrant initiative, in California in 1994 was "an expression of public frustration with a government and civil society that seem out of touch and out of control, and with external convulsions that our borders can no longer contain." He suggests that the general public is increasingly concerned about the services provided to illegal aliens and their costs, and that responsible leadership should admit that illegal immigration, even at current levels, is not an unmitigated evil, and be prepared to set and enforce immigration limits.
The abortion debate is currently in a period of transition as in moves from the courts to the legislative branches. All across the country, state legislatures are reviewing their abortion laws and many are preparing to enact restrictions. Congress may be a good avenue to ensure abortion rights by passing national legislation. There is a risk involved because all legislation is passed through a process of compromise and the pro-choice side should be very careful about what they give up in the process. It is possible that concessions will have to be made that previously would never have been considered. Further, if the national legislation gives away too much, it will restrict states that want to ensure liberal access to abortion. Attempts to arrive at a compromised minimum level, may be too low to ensure the protection of many women. To illustrate the variety of issues involved with abortion legislation, the support of certain justifications for abortion varies greatly. In a 1990 National Opinion Research Center poll, 89% approved of abortion to save the life of the mother, 81% in cases of rape, 78% if there was a strong chance of birth defect, 43% if the woman is married and does not want any more children, 43% if the woman is single and does not want to marry the man, and 42% if she wanted an abortion for any reason. In a time magazine survey, 69% of the people agreed with the idea that even in cases where they thought in immoral to have an abortion, the government should not have the right to prevent her from having it. Also, 69% of the people agreed that if a state does institute restrictions, it should not be judges or government officials, but rather the women's doctor who decides if the abortion should be restricted.
