WHY IS THIS NOT FRONT PAGE NEWS?

WHAT’S IT WORTH?

by Robert Jones

It is a simple, but very relevant question seemingly never asked in this context – but which is appropriate for every, repeat every, situation where American “humanity” is the rationale used to demand that the Government “do something”. In this case, I’m asking it as it relates to Congressional and Executive handling of the crisis at our Southern border. Please note I am not proposing a solution, only putting forward one criterion that should be clearly and openly considered in the decision process.

First, to support the allegation that the question should be required in this instance, here is a quick look at one element of the relevant statistics — no BS and no political slant; simply a statement of fact.

According to numbers published several years ago by an Iowa Congressman (the Government does not collect similar numbers on a national level), in the five years between 2001 and 2006, people who entered the US illegally killed 45,725 Americans. 21,000 Americans were murdered and 24,725 were killed by invaders (the proper name for these people) who were driving under the influence. That number increases daily. The total number of Americans murdered grows at a rate of 12 people per day. Lest I be accused of slanting things for political purposes, here is a quick perspective check for those who claim most invaders are “good people who just want to work so as to improve their lives” or “these are just children (although many are in their late teens and unaccompanied) who are being separated from their parents”. Those statements may contain elements of truth. However, comparison statistics do not substantiate the associated claim that these people do not present an increasingly clear and present danger to American citizens. Specifically, those crossing the border illegally commit homicides at a rate of 58 dead Americans per 100,000; that is ten times the homicide rate for Americans, 5.5 to 5.8 per 100,000 citizens.

Think about that ratio for a moment. Let me repeat it for clarity. Even with the most positive spin, illegals are murdering Americans at a rate ten times greater than do Americans. Note, I have not mentioned the rates associated with rapes, child abuse, adult female abuse, muggings, or acts of gang violence, although they exist and are even higher than the murder rate. All the rates are increasing.

That is the non-monetary cost paid daily by Americans because illegal penetration of the border with relative impunity has been and is being allowed. Recognize this particular cost is rarely (if ever) mentioned by the open-border advocates, immigration attorneys, The Media, many Congresspersons, or the advocates of “sanctuary” cities or states — regardless of their politics. In my opinion, it should be at the top of the list of decision criteria, rather than remaining a deliberately hidden cost of American benevolence.

So, for those of you who advocate open borders for humanitarian or other reasons and seem willing to accept (for all of us) everything that implies (note: I have not even mentioned those invaders who are deliberately entering the US to commit acts of violence – think ISIS), please ask yourself one question. Look around your dinner table tonight and choose which of your family members you are willing to sacrifice on the altar of benevolence? Because, while you may not be selecting one of your family or one of your friends, you are certainly selecting someone else’s loved one.

In the broader sense, “How many Americans lives is it worth?” How many Americans are you willing to sacrifice in order to provide a “better life” for those not even willing to obey our laws, to get cheap labor, or to further your political or business agenda? This is not a hypothetical question. It is a real question with real consequences and real human costs. I submit it should be asked and answered prior to any discussion of how to change immigration policy.

What would be your answer?