That illustrates the only real political game being played here, for prior to the election the Democrats assiduously avoided mentioning the caravan; they did not want to have to defend it – for that could harm them with moderate voters; and they did not want to criticize it – for that would harm them with the left; so they ignored it or pretended it did not exist. Now that the election is safely won, they can once again unmask their “open borders” agenda.
In 2013 the US government used pepper spray (pava capsaicin) at the border 151 times (when Barack Obama was President). In fiscal 2018 pepper spray was used 43 times. There seems to be a pattern here: when the US government is confronted with a riot at the border, it uses non-lethal force such as pepper spray or tear gas, to address the situation. If there is a Democrat in the White House, this is seen as a routine measure, so common and unremarkable that we – don’t remark on it. If there is a Republican in the White House, the use of gas is considered an illegal provocation, a violation of international law, and probably racist.
Hillary Clinton, the once-and-possibly-future candidate for President, took note of the illegal immigration problem in Europe this week. She hasn’t really paid much attention to the problem here in America other than to want to hold hands and sing Kum Bay Yah, but she has noticed it in Europe, and what she suspects is that uncontrolled immigration has spawned “right-wing” movements in reaction (remember, this is Mrs. Clinton’s take on things). She fears such reaction, so this week she suggested that European governments restrict the illegal flow into their countries so as not to bolster the right. And what was the reaction from the left? Of course, Mrs. Clinton was flayed. and, we suspect she soon will “clarify” her statement, much as the leftish former astronaut Scott Kelly (the husband of former Congressman Gabby Giffords) had to apologize earlier this fall for a favorable reference to Winston Churchill. The left is consistent – it won’t forgive anyone who deviates from the line.
The Republicans did not have a particularly good election in November, losing about 34 house seats and seven governorships; but it might be pointed out that many of the ones who were defeated or resigned their seats were the “anti-Trumpers,” some losing in “safe” districts. Thus the Republican party in Congress has become less moderate just as the progressive left has defeated some establishment Democrats and moved that party away from moderation as well. With the Republicans still in control of the Senate and the White House, the Democrats will not be able to impose a hard-left agenda, or open borders, but it won’t stop them from trying.