I find it sad for all of us that the people, our neighbors are stuck in this seemingly endless battle that’s passionate and somewhat brittle in each of our positions on immigration.
It’s not fair to any of us to be pitted against each other like this. This very issue started cropping up in the late ’70s, and it’s been a political football ever since. It has been a total failure and breakdown of communications for decades on both sides. And now, all of us have been drawn into this battle, and it should have never gotten to this point.
I understand and appreciate our concerns on both sides. The irony is, both sides really do have a position of moral high ground. Where the differences start to arise is defining who it is all of us are talking about. And what era of time do we want to grasp onto that reinforces our particular point of view of America? As far as I can tell, both sides are not talking about the same groups of people, whether it’s refugees or the stream that’s coming over the southern boarders.
How does anyone have a chance to solve a problem or issue if we don’t have a clear, firm idea of who we are dealing with and what the problems are? It all calls for the start of asking the right questions, which I believe we need more than entrenched opinions.
As far as the students are concerned, I think it’s a great idea that they are involved and learning. That’s the purpose of our schools. The only concerns I have are how the students came to their conclusions and what depth do they have on the issues from both sides? It should at least be expected if they are asking the City Council and mayor to consider a motion, either honorary, or with the full weight of our city.
My fear is the heavily leaning liberal teachers and administrators. If students have been through robust and thorough discussions and debates, I think it would be appropriate, if this is going to be considered by the council and mayor, that the students should demonstrate their grasp of the facts and depths of the issues of both sides.
A student public debate forum that families and citizens, and, of course, the council and mayor can attend? I can’t think of a better project for everyone, if it’s done right.
Community government in action. No telling what any of us could learn from each other.
– Walt Hagelin
