It’s Analogous!

by Dr. Jack Sternberg, Contributing Author: Do you like analogies? I like analogies. They often make clear and understandable difficult issues. So here’s an analogy to think about.

Anyone Entering America
As you fly (travel) into America from abroad everyone is required to fill out a form before landing. This form is from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and is a Customs Declaration and asks these questions of ALL travelers (Americans and foreign nationals)

I am (We are) bringing in:

(a) fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, food, insects or
(b) meats, animals, animal/wildlife products or
(c) disease agents, cell cultures, snails or
(d) soil or have been on a farm/ranch/pasture or
(e) have you been in closed proximity of touching or handling livestock?If you answer yes to any of these questions, you will be detained, examined and questioned.

So, let’s try to analyze and understand these questions and why they are needed.

The simplest reason is that we do not want America to become contaminated or invaded with harmful species of plants and insects or allow harmful infectious agents (bacteria, viruses, fungi) to arrive in America. These laws are for our protection. There are innumerable laws in effect to define what is dangerous and what is harmless. Anything that is good and harmless should be accepted. Presently, when in doubt, the possible offending agent or person is quarantined or not allowed entry into the United States. These rules are in place to safeguard the United States. I would doubt anyone would disagree with the purpose of these restrictions.

In addition, we sometimes intentionally but inadvertently bring foreign substances into America that we believe will do good but with time prove harmful. My favorite example would be the Kudzu vine that was imported into the South from Japan to help with soil erosion. Now we know that Kudzu is invasive and considered a noxious weed. The plant spreads quickly and climbs over trees or shrubs and grows so rapidly that it kills them by heavy shading. It presently has no beneficial purpose. It is also next to impossible to eradicate once it starts growing.

So here’s the analogy. Why should we treat immigrants and refugees any differently or not think of them using the same criteria? Why not be as sure as possible that they will add to America and not be detrimental to our society?

The vast majority of immigrants and refugees are most likely harmless and may someday become productive American citizens like so many before them. But, some are not. These may someday act just like an invasive species of plant or animal and harm America. They too can hide from detection when attempting to enter America and only be discovered using thorough screening. If not discovered, the damage that they could cause to America is enormous.

We are already seeing the damage that has been done to the Eurozone countries by terrorist attacks, increasing angry mobs, attacks on women and worst of all, the effect of each country’s culture and identity. This has been due to the massive and uncontrolled influx of refugees and previous immigrants. There has been essentially no screening and the vast majority of newcomers have been young males ages 18-35, not families and children. And I fear the worst is yet to come for Europe.

To me, the analogy is clear. Just like we extensively screen those substances entering the United States from abroad for anything harmful, we must even more so “vet” those who wish to live here permanently. Isn’t that just common sense and when in doubt, shouldn’t we err on the side of caution?

Acting in this manner doesn’t mean that America is uncompassionate; it just proves America can show wisdom and have discernment.
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Jack Sternberg, MD, is a retired medical doctor and former Chairman of the Garland County TEA Party Patriots in Arkansas, and a contributor to the ARRA News Service.

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