The following is from an article in The Iowa Independent (see link below):
Instead of building a border fence to help stem illegal immigration, the U.S. government should implant microchips into immigrants before deportation, much like what is done with pets, Pat Bertroche, an Urbandale physician and one of seven Republicans running in the 3rd District Congressional primary, said Monday.
While speaking at a Tama County Republican forum, Bertroche made it clear that he wasn’t joking when he suggested treating undocumented immigrants like pets.
From the Cedar Rapids Gazette:
“I think we should catch ’em, we should document ’em, make sure we know where they are and where they are going,” said Pat Bertroche, an Urbandale physician. “I actually support microchipping them. I can microchip my dog so I can find it. Why can’t I microchip an illegal?
“That’s not a popular thing to say, but it’s a lot cheaper than building a fence they can tunnel under,” Bertroche said.
Wow. Let’s treat illegal immigrants like dogs. Let’s act as though this is a perfectly sane thing to say when running for political office. And since Pat Bertroche is a member of a party which is supposed to stand against big government and governmental intrusion into our lives, how does this “bag ‘em and tag ‘em” approach to illegal immigration square with this idea?
Just when I think people cannot be more inhumane or less compassionate of others, along comes this guy who tells the world with a straight face that hundreds of thousands of people should be treated no better than some household pet. And this guy is a doctor???
It makes me sick.
Install microchips in illegal immigrants, GOP candidate says
By JASON HANCOCK 4/27/10 10:00 AM
I just deleted Pat Bertroche from my Facebook. He claims on his FB page , he was joking. But really, do we need ANOTHER jokester in our government. As an Iowan let’s not make another mistake. Lenoard Boswell need replaced but not by Pat!!! Plus, from my preivous ‘discussions” with Pat on Fb, he seems quick tempered and less than compassionate for those poeple who have falling down on hard times. Plus people need to read the reviews written by his patients. As his claims for being a Christian, going to chruch doesn’t make you a Christian, your actions, beliefs, and relationship with God is what makes you a Christian.
I have heard this phrase before. Here in Temecula Ca, near the heart of minute men headquarters, there was a demonstration a few years ago where the cover of a small local rag had a woman, not a sign of any Native blood, carrying a sign that said bag em, tag em, deport em. I found this to be so deeply disturbing that I can still that image and I think of it often. I think this whole issue is going to get even more uglier, before its gets any better.