Name-calling Miami the third world is hardly original, but coming from an outsider -- a Colorado congressman, no less -- those are fighting words.

Rep. Tom Tancredo made the reference to a reporter for a conservative Internet news site, calling Miami an example of what happens with uncontrolled immigration. Too bad for the congressman he can't back his arguments with fact.

He cited the crime rate as one example, apparently unaware the crime rate here is down. He talked about ethnic enclaves where no English is spoken, having never visited Miami's cultural mosaic of neighborhoods.

Sure, Miami has its problems. What big city doesn't? But its dysfunction has little to do with immigration and a lot to do with economics.

By the way, Tancredo's district includes Littleton, Colo., where the worst school crime occurred at Columbine High, and that had nothing to do with foreigners.

Rep. Tancredo has made a name for himself stumping for get-tough immigration laws. In Miami, he's made a name for himself as clueless.

That's our take on things. Let us know what you think.