The Immigration Controversy

I hesitate to break my silence on this issue, but as a student of history I just can't hold my tongue any longer. However, rather than prattle on and on and on I'm going to limit myself to two comments.

Philosophical: This country has always been (and should always be) a place of refuge for those fleeing political oppression, for those seeking economic opportunity, and for those searching for religious freedom.

It hasn't always gone smoothly (slavery, anti-semitism, etc.) and it probably never will, but we must continue to strive to come as close to reaching the ideals upon which this country was founded upon as possible. We are what we are- and most of what we are is "good"- because we have accepted (if not always "welcomed") wave after wave of immigrants from all parts of the world.

Each group has taken its lumps along the way- an unfortunate "tempering" process that was worse for some groups than it was for others- and become part of "us".

Practical: Keeping people out of the United States has never worked in the past, and it will never work in the future. First, the country is just too damn big. Close the seven hundred mile long border with Mexico? Okay, fine. Are you prepared to do the same with Canada? Including Alaska, the US-Canadian border is 5522 miles long! Furthermore, I personally know of plenty of places in Maine that ANYONE willing to make the walk through the woods could travel freely between the two countries.

Second, and more importantly, no barrier we can put up- no matter how strong- will be stronger that the will of those people who wish to come to America. The Irish came here in boats nicknamed "coffin ships," the Hatians and Cubans have come here on anything- oil drums, rafts, etc.- that could float, others have attempted to stow away in the landing gear of airplanes, the list goes on. No danger has been enough to keep motivated immigrants from risking life and limb to get to our country. A wall that will keep them out? Not a chance.

Solution: Let "them" in. Let "them" work. Let "them" pay taxes. Let "them go" to school. Let "them" serve in the military.

Why? Because once upon a time each one of "us," was one of "them."