I have been pondering this situation myself. I think it has to do more with arrogance.
I agree with the arrogance part - we will, because we can - sort of thing. HOWEVER, the "Elite" who make the decisions for the rest of us do not have to come in contact with what we do on a daily basis.
THEY are not the ones who have to deal with the illegals in their daily lives. THEY are not in positions to have illegals commit crimes against them. THEY don't have to worry about hospitals being closed and not being able to get medical care. THEY don't send their children to government schools where you have to fight to get classes taught in English. President Bush will not have to see HIS land in Texas destroyed by illegals. As for the American taxpayer? Why, we are just supposed keep paying and shut up.
I agree: "Our "leaders", both political and corporate, today are so insulated from the world of the common man that they think their insulation extends to the rest of us. They have enough wealth and power to protect themselves from any societal destruction that they simply cannot imagine it happening at any level of U.S. society."