OPINION:
Why is the pope making judgments about our immigration policies and calling a border wall unkind and “not Christian” (“Pope Francis on Donald Trump: Anyone who wants border walls isn’t Christian,” Web, Feb. 18)? Doesn’t the Vatican have walls, built for its own protection? Or is Vatican gold now up for grabs, and the churches left unlocked at night?
Immigration is not an entitlement, but a privilege to be respected. Indiscriminate and lawless immigration is a threat to our security, our economy, our unity and simple justice. Inclusion, tolerance and forgiveness are hallmarks of Christianity that benefit all who live here, but they should be balanced by the common sense that recognizes self-preservation is also a moral obligation.
To “love thy neighbor as thyself” is indeed a Christian principle, but to love one’s neighbor better than oneself is foolish. It is not in the Gospels. By opening our borders to any and all who are unhappy in their own homeland violates immigration laws carefully made for protection of our own citizens.
It is not unkind or unchristian to protect your family, your neighborhood or your country from those who have no just claim to them. Our gold is our freedom, our law, our private property and our identity.Without these things we cannot be a force for good in this world. The pope should know this.
ELIZABETH WARD NOTTRODT
Baltimore
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