The “push” of crime and violence and the “pull” of better wages is irresistible for many.
I have suggested for many years that we should create a Marshall Plan-like program for Central America. The Marshall Plan was created after World War II in order to help Western Europe recover after the war. The U.S. contributed $13 billion (over $100 billion in today’s dollars) to help our allies. This generosity was paired with our self-interest as we fought communism.
A similar plan for our southern neighbors would help them in improving infrastructure and other needed programs. The amount needed for the wall is about $25 billion by some estimates. Imagine how many schools, hospitals, bridges and water and sewage treatment plants could be built with this amount of money. There seems to be a choice here. Build a wall to separate us from our neighbors or help them toward a better life and lessen their need to go north. The latter choice is in our best interest.
Twenty-two-foot walls only help sell twenty-four-foot ladders. The challenge before us is to convince our political leaders that our nation’s best interest is to help our neighbors, not reject them.
Hal Jackson
Durango