Two of the country's most outspoken DREAMers -- young immigrants brought illegally into the U.S. as children -- confronted Rep. Steve King at a fundraising event this week. And while the Iowa Republican is known for his extremely reactionary positions on immigration, the activists say he managed to surpass their expectations. "At one point, he was not only condescending, but insulting," activist Cesar Vargas, who confronted King, told msnbc. "That really shows how extreme the congressman is even at this point."
If he'd sat there stoically, it would've been tantamount to admitting he found King's disposition toward these two deferred-action beneficiaries -- who were brought to the United States illegally by their parents as minors -- unremarkable. And to many Republicans, feigning surprise at an immigrant's command of English and calling her a lawbreaker is unremarkable. As is the suggestion that children should refuse to travel with their parents absent proper authorization, or that they should self-deport once they grow up. It's certainly unremarkable to the gentleman shouting "Go home!" at her (at the 6:30 mark). But most people don't find these kinds of things particularly commendable.