There are many candidates vying for the title of America’s biggest problem; terrorism, crime, and government corruption are usually those that top most people’s list. But, while these are very real problems that should be addressed, there is one other problem that looms over this nation like a malicious spectre, threatening to devour our freedoms and prosperity.
Mexico.
The oppressive and infamously corrupt socialist regime of Mexico has created an environment in that country that compels any who can to risk everything to flee that impoverished nation. This, combined with our own nation’s inaction in maintaining the integrity of our borders and our gleeful eagerness to grant amnesty and public government services to these people (who can reasonably be defined as economic refugees), has been a constant drain on our economy and a perpetual and increasing strain on our social structures. The amount of money we spend on health care, housing and retirement for these people is outrageous, and only grows by the day.
Identifying this as a problem of human rights, the left asserts that we should enact policy that grants mass amnesty and adopt a “loose border” policy which encourages others to come to America to escape the insufferable hardships of that blighted nation. The problem with this policy is that America, though vast in expanse and economically powerful, does not have unlimited resources. By asserting this sort of “solution”, we create a perpetual drain on our economy and a constant dilution of our culture.
Many others, seeing the economic, social and government policy consequences of this mass migration become enraged at our nation’s inability or indifference to this growing problem. Out of frustration, many lash out at these illegal immigrants and advocate such unworkable ideas as mass deportation, while harboring a borderline racist attitude towards these people.
Both of these views are incorrect. Neither addresses the problem. The problem is the corruption in Mexico. As the most powerful nation on this planet, what does it say about us that we would allow such a travesty of humanity to continue unchecked in a country whose border connects with our own? Not only do we allow the continuance of this oppressive regime, but we encourage it with our governmental interactions. It seems all-important that we are on good terms with this government that has denied prosperity to its people, while the people themselves live under the oppressive thumb of poverty and corruption. That we would travel thousands of miles to “free the Iraqi people” but fail to address this issue that exists right under our nose is baffling. The additional reality that replacing Mexico’s oppressive regime would be far easier than that of Iraq and many other nations only compounds the confusion.
It is very likely that we could help Mexico to become a free and prosperous nation without even firing a shot. The threat of military force would almost certainly not even have to be brought to the table. In an age where the world increasingly sees us as a bully-tyrant nation, this opportunity to reassert our fundamentally American philosophy of leading by example should not be overlooked. We could address this issue with policy, not force, and almost surely be completely successful.
First, we need to enforce our borders. Spend some of the “War on Terror” money on more border patrol officers, facilities and equipment. A porous border is, after all, a security threat to this nation. Additionally, border enforcement is one of the primary reasons the colonies united in the first place (and consequently, the reason Texas, my home state, petitioned to join the union). Our politicians are so busy writing up new legislation with new price tags for new programs that they have forgotten completely this most basic of responsibilities. Once adequately equipped, our border enforcement can be allowed to actually do its job, and ensure that all who enter this country do so by legal means. This initial thrust in this “war” with Mexico would prevent the thousands of yearly illegal entrants into this country and keep them in Mexico, which would admittedly only deteriorate that impoverished nation’s situation. But this is only the first step. Mexico can be saved, and America can be credited with helping to facilitate its salvation.
After the borders have been re-established, we can address this problem of government corruption. Ronald Reagan spent his entire term as President fighting against the global threat of oppressive communism, which is essentially what Mexico experiences today. They may not have vast numbers of military personnel and state of the art military equipment, but they do not need it, as the citizenry there is forbidden to possess firearms and no country threatens them. With the fall of the Soviet Union, we as a nation set the problem of Communism aside to address other matters. After living so long under the threat of nuclear annihilation, we rejoiced at the end of the Cold War and proclaimed our victory over global oppression. But there are other more subtle battles to be fought, battles that do not determine the mortal lives of people but the very existence of governments. There is more than one way to infest the planet with oppressive regimes, and Mexico has found one. The process may take longer, but it’s as inevitable as the setting sun.
Instead of legislation that reinforces the oppressive regime in Mexico (trade pacts, acceptance of their “refugees” in mass numbers, etc), we should instead wage a “paper war” on them. We need a leader that will stand up and say that this government is wrong and oppressive and our nation will have no part in preserving that government. Mexico’s economic dependence upon the US would require concession. They simply would have to reform their government or cease to exist as a government. If they choose to reform, America could assist in many ways. If they would, for example, allow a free enterprise capitalist system, we could in turn assist in providing agricultural and other technologies, and Mexico could reclaim some of its barren landscape and increase its ability to be self-sufficient. If they would allow all of their business to be privately owned, we could assist by education and example in stabilizing their disastrous economy. If they will give their people a voice, we can magnify it so that their voices are heard. Once reformed, we could address Mexico not as a third world nation but as true friends. Instead of simply accepting however many Mexicans can sneak across our borders, we could help to re-instill a sense of patriotism in that nation, so that instead of wishing to flee, the people of Mexico will want to stay and improve their nation. And if they fail to concede their oppressive ways, the people of Mexico will address the problem, and America could stand on the side of the people, giving them the world voice and support that would ensure a free Mexico.
Once the people of Mexico begin to see the emerging freedom and liberty of their nation, many who previously wished to flee would instead now wish to remain to rebuild and improve their liberated country. This helps America as well, as border enforcement under such a scenario becomes much more feasible.
This all starts with American leadership. We need a leader who has the guts to stand up and address the issue. As President Bush said of Ronald Reagan regarding the Soviet Union, “he saw evil and called it by its name”, we need someone today that will do the same with Mexico. When Reagan called the USSR an “evil empire” many people and many nations responded with some very negative sentiments. But at the end of the day, they were an evil empire, and we ended that evil and the world once again rallied around us as a beacon of hope and freedom. That took guts, and that’s what we need today. Just as importantly, that’s what the people of Mexico need today.
