Dear editor:
As all of us watch the crisis unfold at our Southern border, we have to ask ourselves who we are and how do we want to be defined as a nation. As a person who nearly always leans toward the liberal view on must social issues, it is hard for me to watch and listen to those who want to make this issue at our border about potential rapists, gang members, disease carriers, drug dealers and murderers. There is certainly reason for concern about those issues, but I expect the lawyers and judges will be checking the background on individuals they allow to stay in the United States. With that said, it is hard for me to believe that as Americans who believe in freedom and the protections for all people, and especially children, could ever advocate turning these individuals away at the border or returning them to their country with no concern about their welfare. Is that really who we are or how we want to be defined as a country? The anti-immigrant demonstrations and the rhetoric coming from some segments of our population are of great concern to me and hopefully define only a small minority of our population.
We pride ourselves as being a proud nation of immigrants who have come from all over the world in search of a better life. For those who have had the opportunity to visit New York City, the landing spot for many of our forefathers, we seldom miss the opportunity to look at or visit the Statue of Liberty and to reflect on what it stands for. We must never forget that this gift from the French government is inscribed with the words "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breath free, the wretched refuse of your teaming shores." For those who yearn to take our country back to some previous time, hopefully they will remember those words.
Our government has a very difficult decision to make regarding the handling of this crisis. We obviously cannot house and care for everyone in the world who has good reason to believe that the United States of America would provide them with a better chance for freedom and economic success.
Finally, what then is the answer? I wish that there was one answer that would fit all, but as in nearly every case, that is not a possibility or a reality. We won't turn them all away, we won't accept everyone who wants to enter and we must find an answer that is consistent with our values as individuals, as believers in God, and as citizens of the greatest nation on Earth. Pray for our leaders to find the right solution. Please share your thoughts.
Ray Warner
Hot Springs
Editorial on 07/23/2014