ThinkProgress misrepresents Chertoff comment about environmental damage on border

The Clinton-linked site ThinkProgress offers the post "Chertoff: Immigrants 'degrade the environment'" [1] about the following comment from DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff (link):

"Illegal migrants really degrade the environment. I've seen pictures of human waste, garbage, discarded bottles and other human artifact in pristine areas... And believe me, that is the worst thing you can do to the environment."

First of all, he's not only correct, but even the Los Angeles Times has noticed the problem:

...At Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, 2 1/2 million pounds of garbage is scattered through broad valleys and desert arroyos every year, according to Roger DiRosa, the refuge manager...

Secondly, Think Progress has shown once again that they're the kindergarten version of other smear merchants such as MediaMatters. Some things should be obvious to everyone, but apparently are not to the 76 people who've left content-free comments on their entry:

1. Cheroff was referring to "illegal migrants", not "immigrants". There are only 27 words separating the two phrases in their post, so give them points for boldness.
2. Think Progress failed to direct their readers to any articles backing up Chertoff's claims, such as the LAT one above.
3. Bush and Chertoff are only supporting the fence (to the limited extent they are) in order to obtain an amnesty; they're on the Democratic Party's side in this matter.
4. And, both Think Progress and the Bush administration are on the side of those who profit from illegal activity and not on the side of the great majority of Americans.

[1] thinkprogress.org/2007/10/01/chertoff-immigrants-degrade-the-environment/

Immigration2007b · Mon, 10/01/2007 - 10:14 · · Importance: 1