My thoughts on the immigration crisis

First, let’s not say it’s wrong to bring political wrangling into the issue and then bring political wrangling into the issue.  A first priority should be helping those who are here.  I’ve seen that said across both sides of the aisle.  

Then, there’s nothing illogical or heartless about saying there is a problem that needs fixed. Again, both sides of the aisle are saying this.  I’ve been following this since I saw the story break on CNN several weeks ago.  Plenty on both sides have proposed their solutions as well as emphasized the need to help.  It’s not this side/that side.  Folks on both sides are coming about trying to figure things. 

Then, let’s not forget those who live along the borders.  They are important, too.  CNN had an official on talking about the concern over diseases and screening the refugees..  They admitted we don’t want this to spill out and jeopardize the surrounding populations.  Listen to those who live there.  The best way to keep them from reaching out to some radical group is to listen and acknowledge that they, too, are important. 

Of course pundits on both sides are doing what pundits do: how can we say it’s right when our side does it and wrong when their side does it.  That’s what pundits do.  And if we don’t want to see this issue get mired in that, then best not to get mired in it at all.

That’s not to say the solutions and the fixes aren’t worth discussing.  Of course they are. But if we want to, then we had best do our homework, and rise above those partisan pundits who are trying to make whatever they can from this.  It does us no good to condemn such punditry while being part of the same. 

In the meantime, why don’t we go radical and put our money where our mouths are.  Not just a little off the top, but get radical.  Sell our possessions.  Give our excess.  Take a child or family in.  More and more people away from the borders are getting involved, so we all can wherever we live.  This can also help those who live along the borders by taking the burden off their shoulders.    

And then slap our politicians around and say we want solutions, not partisan sniping.  Because one thing everyone agrees with: this can’t continue as it’s going. Just a thought.