The cause of immigration reform hit a huge speed bump in recent weeks, with the arrival at the border of thousands upon thousands of children from war-torn Central America.
War-torn? Yes. Gangs — micro-governments in the olden style — fed by drug money have turned the Latin American states to our south into war zones, alas not too dissimilar to the gang warfare that beset some of our great American cities.
Only worse.
No wonder the people in those countries are scared, and desperate. “Coyotes” are taking advantage of U.S. politicians’ inability to secure the border, or even cook up a coherent immigration policy, and charge large amounts of money to transport children to “safety” in the U.S.
Where they are gathered and detained.
In the midst of all the partisan bickering — a legitimate clash of ideologies, really — stands one hero: Glenn Beck. While President Obama avoids the border crisis as if avoidance solves problems, radio/TV/Internet sensation Beck is taking his trucks and buses and volunteers directly to the area Obama avoids, the detention centers and surrounding cities and churches.
He’s taking food, clothing, and comforts for the children.
Last night on The O’Reilly Factor he explained that governments are instituted to provide justice. He laments the lack of justice on immigration coming from Washington. But the business of the people — of caring Americans — is not primarily justice.
It’s mercy, Beck says. He’s raised millions, and he’s personally taking aid to where it’s needed.
Heroic. And very neighborly.
This is Common Sense. I’m Paul Jacob.