THE KEY IS 'ILLEGAL'

Nevada wasn't the only state that decided a number of intriguing ballot
initiatives Tuesday. As we mentioned last week, an Alaska measure
completely decriminalizing marijuana was among the most interesting.

It lost, with 57 percent of the electorate voting no.

Another closely watched and controversial proposal was on the ballot in
Arizona. It would prohibit illegal immigrants from receiving various
government services.

The proposal passed with 56 in support of it.

It's surprising the vote was that close.

Predictably, various groups are scurrying to mount court challenges. They
claim the question was too vague.

"We are carefully reviewing the poorly written initiative to see how we can
challenge it on behalf of those who would be affected," Thomas Saenz, vice
president of The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, told
The Associated Press.

Mr. Saenz should admit, though, that no matter how specific the measure's
language, his group and others opposed to allowing the United States to
enforce its immigration laws would be scrambling to find sympathetic
liberal judges to overturn Tuesday's result.

But consider: U.S. taxpayers are obligated to cover the costs of health
care, education and other government services for people who are in this
country illegally?

That anybody would answer such a question in the affirmative should trouble
rational Americans.