Politics of Finding Balance

My last post I took very seriously and swore I would write about every topic brought up.  Then in my email inbox I received this question:  I would like to get your opinion of the whole illegal immigration issue. Are you for kicking all the illegals out & even denying the "anchor babies" citizenship if they are born here?  Or are you more the love your neighbor, we can make reform to get them legalized & paying proper taxes side?

 Um, next question please.   Crap, what did I get myself into? I guess I was thinking of butterflies and rainbows and not such heated topics.  Yet, do I have an opinion?  Yes.  Will you like it?  Probably not.  I’m not an extremist.  I see valid points on both sides. 

I once took a quiz about where on the map I am with being a Republican vs. Democrat.  After answering several questions, the quiz would pin what side of the fence and how far over the fence I was.  I’ve often thought I was a very strong republican.  Turns out I was smack dab in the middle.  Some may interpret that as indecisive.  I see it as balanced.  Balance between the EXTREME ‘right-wing’ (less change, less government) and ‘left-wing’ (more government control). 

My republican opinions come into play when I think of entitlement versus personal responsibility.  I already posted my feelings on that, so I’ll spare that long description twice.  I agree with responsible fiscal spending…again responsibility.  I believe strongly in elections, where people have a voice, instead of judges making strong decisions for the people as a whole.  I believe in local, state, and federal government. I do not believe federal should dictate states laws.  I believe a people governing themselves requires hard work and ingrains a deeper appreciation and love for their country and laws within that land. 

My democratic opinions come into play when I see people truly in need. I feel at times extreme republicans take a stance towards others in need as ‘they got themselves in their situations, it’s up to them to get out.’   The extreme democrat, on the other hand, would just give handouts.  I do believe in responsibility, but realize some have never been taught responsibility and do believe as a people we have a duty to teach skills to one another to help others become successful. I love the church’s ‘Perpetual Education Fund.’  The program is designed to help individuals be successful and give hope anywhere they live, not just within the United States.  I appreciate the democrats in their role as civil rights activists.  Because of that, women can vote, blacks can vote and both have the ability to have prestigious careers. I care deeply about individual rights…as long as government does not interfere in church and moral issues.  Also, extreme democrats are very much for government control.  In certain cases, that control can be beneficial for worst case scenarios.  For example, big wig companies (electric companies) could try to monopolize businesses and strong arm the people.  Government can at that point step in and create balance.  Government can also be beneficial for incentive based movements such as solar power and cleaner energy incentives for overall benefits to individuals and help businesses move forward.  

  

In my opinion, each extreme is very dangerous to society.  Ultra conservative can lack compassion which would not foster good working relationships and unity as a whole. They can come across as heartless.  Liberals can weaken by being entitled and not earning what is received. When everything is given many will not strive to be better nor improve which tends to lead toward a lack of appreciation and innovation.    Innovation/work and unity/compassion are the tools which have made this nation great.  Utilizing compassion without giving into entitlement is a difficult balance for many, but is essential for our future. 

    

In regards to illegal immigration, I was impressed with the church’s stance:

1.     ‘Love thy neighbor.  This includes all of God’s children, in all places, at all times.’  We cannot and should not judge.  If we have not walked in another’s shoes nor lived the life they have it is impossible to say that if in those same circumstances we would not choose the same paths they have chosen.  We may have chosen worse.

2    ‘Strengthen Families. Families are meant to be together.  Forced separation of working parents from their children weakens families and damages society.’  This, to me, means a father leaving his children to work in the U.S. is not beneficial for the family unit.  Neither is sending a father and mother back to their country while the children remain here without their parents beneficial. ‘No other success can compensate for failure in the home.’  David. O. McKay

3.    ‘Observe the Law.  Every nation has the right to enforce its laws and secure its borders.  All persons subject to a nation’s laws are accountable for their acts.’  If one is unhappy with the laws of the land they should do all they can to try and change that law, not break it.  My personal opinion in regard to ‘anchoring babies’ is they should not be allowed immediate citizenship.  The law was not obeyed by the parent.  With only one member being a citizen, it could cause division within the families.

I know I didn’t answer the question probably how this individual wanted me to.  I  didn't pick a side. Sometimes picking a side can cloud our minds from looking toward solutions.  I haven’t a clue what that solution is.  Illegal immigration places a heavy burden on health and education monies.  Yet, is it humane to turn away those in dire need of medical attention?  Is an individual's suffering or death the answer to prove a point? Is it beneficial to turn a child away from learning to read and write? Is illiteracy the answer to prove a point?  On the other hand if we release the flood gates, we can possibly drown and not be able to sustain ourselves.  There needs to be change and reform.   If illegal immigration is so prominent because of the difficulty to become a citizen, then solutions should be formed to alleviate the difficulty.  No process will ever be perfect.  Whether republican or democrat, it’s about doing the right thing.  It’s about seeing everyone’s point of view.  It’s being open to see the gray areas between the black and white.  It’s the letter and spirit of the law, its justice and mercy, its balance.