A CALL FOR COMPASSION

Immigration, and a call for compassion
The Lowell Sun
Article Last Updated: 11/14/2007 11:31:22 AM EST
http://www.lowellsun.com//ci_7459910?IADID

One of the primary roles of any form of government is to decide who gets what, when and how, therefore producing overwhelming reasons why the electorate should leave political decisions to the politicians. However, when the government fails to account for any of its actions and miserably fails to plan and decide who gets what, when and how, then the electorate has every right to question whether it is right to leave all political decisions to all politicians.
It is in this light that I am compelled to add my two cents to the Immigration-reform debate which has thus far miserably failed to acknowledge the very fact that as a nation of immigrants, we cannot afford to turn our backs on immigrants. Immigration, I insist, is about tomorrow. It is about sustaining this economy which in as much as we may not want to admit, is supported by the same immigrants, legal or not, that we now want to kick around.
The current immigrants to this country may be different but have the same goals as the founding fathers and as the subsequent waves of European immigrants had. They are all seeking the "American Dream," a dream for which they are willing to sacrifice plenty including the joy of family union and togetherness. They deserve credit, they deserve a chance to prove themselves and the process make this country great again!
It is very sad to watch politicians drive a wedge between people who would rather live together in harmony. The fear of an influx of a different culture in America is unfounded, nay, informed by ignorance if not prejudice. It is important that we, as a people, acknowledge the plain and simple fact that any other cultures outside of the United States are not failed attempts at becoming American, but instead they are valid, distinct and dynamic members of the human race whose additions to the American culture will not only provide varied models of reality into the American reality of life but also broaden our understanding of the global village for present and future reference.

SIMON NGUGI
Lowell