Opinion: Stephen Colbert Makes Our Government Look Like a Joke

American is a nation of immigrants. However, I want fair and reasonable immigration laws, and I want those laws upheld by our government. We are also supposed to be a nation of laws. But our government has failed to uphold its immigration laws. The situation in Arizona stands as an example. If this shallow stunt did not go over well, perhaps it is because we do not need our representatives to remind us that our government already looks like a joke.

KNOXVILLE, TN (Catholic Online) - Stephen Colbert, star of "The Colbert Report," was invited by the democrat representative from California Zoe Lofgren to testify on US farm workers before the Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugee, Border Security, and International Law on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, today.  The invitation was not without controversy. After all, Mr. Colbert is a comedian, an entertainer. He is not qualified to testify on such matters, but who cares. Well, some people care. According to ABC news correspondent Matthew Jaffee, Republicans, in anticipation of his appearance, said that his testimony will be a joke. "Utah Republican Rep. Jason Chaffetz called Colbert a fake newscaster who will be speaking at a fake hearing." At one point, Democrat Rep. John Conyers, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, asked Colbert to submit his written statement and leave the room. Colbert replied that he was invited by Zoe Lofgren, who is the chairwoman of the subcommittee, and he would only leave if she requested it. Rep. Zoe Lofgren then claimed that many people wanted to hear what Mr. Colbert had to say. Thus, the comedian proceeded to entertain the crowd and bring attention to the hearing, which is exactly what Rep. Lofgren intended.  House Speaker Nancy Pelosi indicated the true nature of Mr. Colbert's invitation when she spoke with Fox News. The Speaker told Fox News, "Of course I think it's appropriate. He's an American. He can bring attention to an important issue. I think it's great." But the stunt did not seem to go over very well with the public. Patrick Gavin, from Politico, listed some quotes as follows: Washington Post's Aaron Blake thinks it " . . . made a mockery of Congress" ; the Hill's Mike O'Brien said, "This might be the most amazing public stunt before Congress" ; and Kathryn Lopez from the National Review believes that Zoe Lofgren ". . . made a joke of her committee. . . ." American is a nation of immigrants. I am not against immigrants. However, I want fair and reasonable immigration laws, and I want those laws upheld by our government. We are also supposed to be a nation of laws. But our government has failed to uphold its immigration laws. The situation in Arizona stands as an example. If this shallow stunt did not go over well, perhaps it is because we do not need our representatives to remind us that our government already looks like a joke. ----- Michael Terheyden was born into a Catholic family, but that is not why he is a Catholic. He is a Catholic because he believes that truth is real, that it is beautiful and good, and that the fullness of truth is in the Catholic Church. However, he knows that God's grace operating throughout his life is the main reason he is a Catholic. He is greatly blessed to share his faith and his life with his beautiful wife, Dorothy. They have four grown children and three grandchildren. 

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