Opinion

50,000 puppies cross into US

by Julie Walker
Wednesday Jul 23, 2014




That got your attention, didn't it? You didn't even take a moment to consider if these puppies were pit bulls or poodles-you opened your heart.

But wait! Upon closer inspection we learn they are not puppies at all! Their humans. Human children. And they are coming to Bourne!

Suddenly your compassion diminishes.

Your reaction is not surprising. Recent studies show that humans have more empathy for puppies than we do for other humans (we have some for babies, but that ends at the toddler years). Other studies show that people who identify as "conservative" also test as more fearful. It makes sense that many citizens in this nation of immigrants are all too quick to criticize the temporary measures being put in place to deal with the 50,000 (and climbing) children entering the US from South America. These kids are not puppies and we view them as a threat.

So let's all take a step back and think about this. Here are some points for you to consider:

This nation of immigrants is terrified of immigrants. This nation founded in the "Christian Judeo tradition" has no problem ignoring the bible.

This nation, committed to slashing benefits to the poor while providing a substandard education for our children, is angry that "we should be taking care of our own" first. We weren't angry about the substandard care of "our own" in January, or February. It's unlikely we'll be angry after this crisis passes. Stop kidding yourself.

The costs of caring for these children properly is miniscule. Really, it is.

If you're of European or Asian descent, you probably think your grandparents came "over here" legally, had a job and spoke perfect English upon arrival. The truth is a tad different. Immigration laws were looser back then and, if the ads for Ancestory.com are to believed, there are more than a few "illegals" in your lineage.

Without getting all geo-political on you, the US has a history of messing with the governments of South America, causing instability. We also have engaged in a drug war which has helped build drug cartels. Weak governments plus strong organized crime equals South America today. You're welcome, neighbors!

Blaming President Obama's immigration policy for the influx misses the point. Human traffickers spreads lies about US immigration policy across the continent. Where was the CIA?

Oh, and about those traffickers-these children (yes, some of them are teenagers and some of them already have criminal pasts, just like our own children) have traveled through hell to escape hell.

This is a humanitarian crisis. We don't have to grant these children, who are refugees, citizenship, but we do have to care for them.

Still having a hard time finding compassion for these homeless children? Then close your eyes and picture them as puppies. Puppies who need a foster home.