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Common sense on immigration reform

The two words “common sense”, reflects the general acceptance of the proper solution to a problem or question that may arise in the daily life of an individual, organization or public entity.

When the public entity is the federal or state government, the adjective common seems to reflect the opinion of the majority of the population, while elected officials seem to use a policy more aptly called “none sense.”

For example if a leak were to occur in a building, common sense would lead to a roof repair or a new roof. Our esteemed lawmakers would refer the matter to a committee, who would refer the problem to a private entity, who would recommend a new structure for an exorbitant amount while leaving the existing roof as it was and have the same leak as before. Of course it is absurd, but considering the actions of Congress, the similarity is plain for all to see.

Consider the immigration problem that was not solved after repeated efforts during the Bush administration. For the past five years, the Obama administration has also tried to get some form of legislation on immigration policy through Congress.

In response to the problem, Republican members of the House and the Senate have joined together, determined not to allow any meaningful legislation be passed.

Meanwhile, with a sensible solution staring them in the face they have failed to see the leak in the roof. The leak of course is Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala. The poverty and living conditions in those countries are intolerable and that is why they are coming to our country for help and for relief from the corruption and greed caused by the drug cartels.

The poverty caused by drugs in Central America has also caused children to be sold into prostitution and forced to steal to eat. So we build a fence? A good deal for fence suppliers, but the people continue to arrive.

A common sense approach could have been a little foreign aid and some encouragement to invest in some industry in Central America that would provide employment and a decent standard of living. We certainly have not had any trouble with Canadians flooding into the United States.

Erling Landsverk
King

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