Grand Rapids, Michigan (CNN) -- In case you plan to see Wednesday's GOP debate, allow me to offer up some crib notes so you don't get lost. First, when you hear the candidates talk about "job creators," that's just another way of saying "rich people" or "the guy bankrolling my super Pac." When someone says "family values," that's to remind the audience that they don't like gay people; "religious freedom" means "Christianity"; and it's not really a GOP debate until a candidate attacks the "liberal media" for asking questions they're too afraid to answer. Now there will be plenty of other buzz words and euphemisms that will be tossed around during the debate, but since it is being held in Arizona, chances are the most popular phrase will be "secure the border."
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"Secure the border" has been a theme of the GOP presidential campaign
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LZ Granderson asks why focus is on Mexico border rather than larger one to the north
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He says the U.S.-Canada border is less than 1% secure
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Granderson: Hidden message in the debate is about race and fears of a changing America
Mexico
They all will receive applause, and it will all sound great ... until you realize that "secure the border" is slang for "keep the @placeholder out."
Mexico
There are definitely reasons for serious concern about safety along the Mexican border, but according to our own intelligence, @placeholder should hardly be our only concern.
Canada
This is not to perpetuate the myth that the September 11 terrorists came through @placeholder or defame our northern neighbors.
U.S.
America
It's a part, but the larger truth is that nonwhite people will be the majority in this country by 2040 and this browning of @placeholder scares the hell out of a lot of people, particularly some white people.
Mexico
The thinking goes that if the country can deport the @placeholder who are illegally here and stop new ones from coming in, maybe that trend will slow down or even reverse.
Arizona
That sentiment is at the core of the racial profiling laws started in @placeholder and is at the core of the entire illegal immigration conversation.