Berlin Wall – Mexican Style

To escape tyranny and repression in the pursuit of liberty and safety, those who lived in Communist occupied East Berlin fled by the hundreds to West Berlin.  In 1961 the Communists constructed a wall separating East Berlin from West Berlin. This prevented any further migration in search of a life absent of brutality and ripe with hope.  Today, millions attempt to flee into the United States for exactly the same reasons.

There are those who will argue that our Mexican wall is not intended to limit freedom and liberty or to prevent the escape from poverty and brutality but rather to protect our boarders.  The Berlin Wall was also touted as a “wall of protection” to counter its accurate description as a wall of repression.

While limiting freedom and protection may not be the stated purpose or intent of our Berlin Wall on the Mexican border, it is, nevertheless, the end result. Germany could manage the migration in the 1950's and Jordan can manage it today but America can't?  That should be of real concern to us.  We also need to consider if this wall is truly the only means by which we can stem the tide of illegal immigration or if it just the simple-minded and most visible approach, and thus the most politically expedient.  

How about a diplomatic solution comprised of creative thinking, negotiating skills, and hard work?  This certainly would not be difficult for our new Chief Executive (President Trump).  How do we know this?  Because we have been told, on many occasions, of Trump’s world class negotiating skills in arriving at successful agreements.

How about we find a solution that encompasses our making friends rather than enemies through alienation?  How about we demonstrate some worldwide leadership through compassion and understanding rather than through bullying in the creation of a climate of fear and intimidation?  How about leadership at home that stems the tide of national hatred for, and fear of, immigrants rather than intensifying and exploiting those hatreds and fears for political gain?  

Is this really what we have become? Is this really who we are?  Rest assured both Presidents Kennedy and Reagan are turning in their graves.

How many times have we heard “economic progress” used as justification for the Berlin Wall and now for the Mexican wall.?

 “And there are even a few who say that it is true that communism (repression) is evil, but it permits us to make economic progress…Let them come to Berlin.”    ~ President John F. Kennedy

 “Mr. Gorbachev, Tear Down This Wall!”  ~ President Ronald Reagan

 Illegal immigration and the refugee crisis are golden opportunities for America to restore much of her lost respect.  Yet it appears as though we lack the mindset, skills, talents, will and political courage necessary to take advantage of the opportunity and are content to squander it. 

 There was a day when America was indeed far more noble and committed.  Certainly, reviving that sense of moral obligation would go a long way toward making America great again.