Doing and Shedding

Getting back to work, the Biden administration has four crises on the table, each screaming for attention: COVID Vaccine Distribution; COVID Maimed Economy; Immigration Reform (finally!); Unity of the American Spirit.  Oh sure, there are other crises challenging us, but now we have a cogent team in place to do something about all of them.

Clearly the number one priority is getting past the COVID pandemic. At the same time, priority #2 is helping the American economy recover from the effects of the pandemic. This involves helping the American people grasp some financial stability and remove the terror of loss of home, food, and hope.

The third priority is addressing immigration policies and programs. These have been sadly broken for over 60 years. Generations of politicians in the White House and Congress have allowed this unattended problem to grow into a crisis. Immigration has been the blood line of America from its inception. Immigrants settled the New World from England, then France and many other European nations at the time. Later, immigrants poured in from all over the world. We will defer discussion of the Native Americans already here for another blog posting!

Immigration has been our growth engine throughout history. It has enriched our culture, cuisine, religious thought, philosophy, and skill sets in industry, commerce and arts and crafts. Also, from the beginning of our history, these benefits have been with us thanks to a continuous supply of immigrants.

Over the decades immigration policy and programming became a jumbled mess. So complicated, few were brave enough to repair the problems. When anyone attempted to do that, other politicians rose up and barred the way toward progress. Both George W Bush and John McCain attempted to do this early in W’s first term. No go from both Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate. Roundly discouraged by most of them. So, nothing was done. Over and over again this has been the result. Shame on both parties!

Now we have a chance to systemically examine and repair the immigration system. About time. Stop the bickering and envision what immigration should be for the long term. Then figure out how to get there. Immigration is the soul of our nation’s peoples. Remember that.

Unity of Americans is not about belief. It is about action and accomplishment. What do we want as a nation? What do we need? What ideas must be stated and heard by all to begin to manage the possibilities? What ideas must be shed to remove blockades to progress needed for all? This is a perplexing problem to face but one that needs our attention and patience. Goodwill and positive thoughts are needed. Negative beliefs, postures and behavior are unhelpful at a time such as this.

So, shed the negative, think positive. Then follow that up with actions that will build a better tomorrow rather than tearing down what others think. Take a deep breath now and feel the wind beneath your wings. Imagine what we can accomplish if we but give ourselves and others a chance!

Hope!

January 22, 2021