We are so quick to criticize those who come illegally into this country from Mexico and rightfully so because we are a nation of laws. When a United States citizen breaks a law, there is a fair and impartial (well, that could be argued!) assessment of the crime and a punishment or fine appropriately levied.
So we say to those here illegally - "get out and go to the back of the line and apply to come into this country legally." It may take months, could even take years but who cares. After all, we are a nation of law-abiding citizens who watch our schools and hospitals taxed under the burden of those who are willing to risk their lives to come here. Bottom line - the price of medical care keeps going up and teachers are in short supply so let's not waste the money or the talent on those here illegally.
We cite another reason for this outcry against the illegal invasion - border security - the need to keep the bad guys out. Let's see, if memory serves me, the last attack came by way of an AIRPLANE not by a Mexican swimming across the Rio Grande. However, since we are now a nation in the grips of terrorphobia (fear of terrorists), a quick solution must be found. Which is why I think we should appeal to the pharmaceutical companies to come up with a much less expensive fix for this new founded phobia. A pill that one can pop as long as you don't have high blood pressure, acid-reflux, erectile dysfunction (for you men), frequent urination, but may cause excruciating headaches and diarrhea. Oops, so sorry, I digress from the topic at hand.
If you are tempted to stop reading because you think I am a cynic - you are wrong. And before you think I am a bleeding heart liberal crazy- wrong again - I'm a registered Republican (okay, no jokes allowed on the "crazy" part!)
Seriously, here is what I am. I am in the picture holding the hand of a little girl taking me to her "house" in Reynosa, Mexico. Take a good look at the neighborhood - a good hard look. Reynosa is where those found in this country illegally are dumped literally regardless of where they actually may reside.
And here is my heart - why is it that we, who are so smart, so talented and rich in comparison, can't find an answer to this problem that is both legal and humane? Why is there so much rhetoric and so little action except to build an ugly, expensive fence reminiscent of the Berlin wall between us and Mexico?
This is an election year. Please pay careful attention to the candidates on this issue. There are lives at stake. By the way, these little ones live in an orphanage because their parents are too poor to care for them.
Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me:
I lift my lamp beside the golden door.
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me:
I lift my lamp beside the golden door.
