The U. S.  Immigration & Customs and Enforcement Agency yesterday extracted a $2.25 million ransom from Broetje Orchards in eastern Washington state.  This major grower of apples was (gasp)found guilty of utilizing the labor of over 950 individuals not authorized to work in our country.  I know my mind slows with age, but let me get this straight:  1) we have over 12 million people in the U.S. not authorized to work,  2) these folks need to eat, 3) our elected public servants (what an oxymoron) from both ends of the political spectrum refuse to secure our southern border, 4) we now antagonize and hold for ransom major employer of these individuals while most of us hire the same category of workers routinely on our roofs , in our yards, and in our homes.   It’s my daily affirmation of the “L” status on my voting card.   WHAT THE HECK !