Push and Pull
The poverty of Mexico push the impoverished. The opportunities in America pull. The fence at the border has gates ajar. If you make it through you have a job, even if a shadowy existence. You are often recruited for work-- even needed and rewarded far beyond those rewards available in your homeland. But some don't make it and some die en route. It's worth the risk to tens of thousands and more. Yes, there are powerful mixed messages to attract and deter, and the real life pressures to provide for your family. Push and pull.
Then there is the criminal element and the lure of "easy" money. Drugs across the border-- pot, coke, and meth the destroyer, probably the nastiest of all today. Estimates suggest that 70% of the meth in Arizona is via the southern border. At what cost is that to our citizens, especially to our kids who are pushed at incredibly young ages? Then, there are the ruthless human smugglers swindling the life savings of those desperate for a new life. And who knows how many terrorists have entered hidden among the multitudes-- enough have been caught to indicate that many have made it through. We may suffer a large cost again suddenly some day, because the gate is ajar.
What is the role and responsibility of government? Is it not first to establish and enforce the laws of the land to protect the lives and freedom of its citizens? We also desire to be a nation of compassion, care and concern for our neighbors, especially for the oppressed and afflicted. Can we accommodate both of these mandates at once? Push and pull.
Then there is the criminal element and the lure of "easy" money. Drugs across the border-- pot, coke, and meth the destroyer, probably the nastiest of all today. Estimates suggest that 70% of the meth in Arizona is via the southern border. At what cost is that to our citizens, especially to our kids who are pushed at incredibly young ages? Then, there are the ruthless human smugglers swindling the life savings of those desperate for a new life. And who knows how many terrorists have entered hidden among the multitudes-- enough have been caught to indicate that many have made it through. We may suffer a large cost again suddenly some day, because the gate is ajar.
What is the role and responsibility of government? Is it not first to establish and enforce the laws of the land to protect the lives and freedom of its citizens? We also desire to be a nation of compassion, care and concern for our neighbors, especially for the oppressed and afflicted. Can we accommodate both of these mandates at once? Push and pull.
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