Children Political Pawns and Moral Outrage

In the 1964 Disney movie classic, Mary Poppins, Mr. Banks pleaded with the departing nanny to not quit, with the exhortation – “think of the children”.

Over the years, this expression in one form or another, has been used by: politicians, religious groups, media outlets, fundraising campaigns and anyone who wants to appeal to the universal compassion for children.

Now we, at OneMeanDream, believe in the ethical treatment of all humans, regardless of external factors. We encourage people to live their dreams and do the things they’ve always wanted.

Yet, one must also be willing to suffer the consequences of their actions, or inactions. And not shift the blame on someone else. However, this seems to be lacking in the current usage of the phrase – think of the children – and the problems at the Southern U.S. Border. Here are the issues, as I see it.

1: Our politicians – from the executive, legislative and judicial – are using children as political footballs.

Before we get too hyped up and angry, we must remember – our political leaders are the only ones that can clean up the immigration policy mess and its ongoing enforcement.

As of today, the only thing they seem willing to do is grab the nearest microphone or keyboard and express how much they care about the children. And then go on to shift the blame. Yelling that its everyone else’s fault. But not their own.

For decades, these same politicians have used children as pawns to attack their political opponents. Rather than defending the other pieces on the board, like the parents, children, immigration officers, social workers and others directly involved in the chess game.

 There’s to many politicians more worried about losing their place of authority than using their authority to make a real change.

2: Our Media – especially the 24-hour “news” networks and websites.

The use of old photos, inaccurate reporting, false information, out of context video, false messaging and personal bias abounds in a majority of our news providers.  If these same outlets spent the same amount of time focusing on solutions (instead of the problem), the pressure on politicians and public dissemination of information would do more than just drive people to their partisan corners.

If they really cared about the children, why keep up the constant hype. Why not use your power to pressure both parties to deal with the issue?

Oh yeah, that’s because angry, upset and fearful emotions bring in more eyeballs, clicks and all those millions of dollars in political advertisement every two years.

3: Countries people flee from.

Speaking of being held accountable. Why not hold accountable the governments of the countries these people are fleeing from?  Why blame the country that has taken millions of immigrants in for so many years?  Where is the moral outrage against those countries that can’t take care of their own populations?  Where’s all the hit pieces, political propaganda and finger-pointing against them.

Oh, I forgot there isn’t any.

4: The adults causing the children to enter illegally.

Let’s be honest with ourselves, children are removed from parents every day. As a foster parent and youth worker, I worked with many children taken away from their parents. It could have been due to criminal activity, abuse, neglect, divorce or simply because someone complained to the right people. The amount of these children pales in comparison to the current problem at our border.

However, in today’s debate, this is conveniently overlooked. Currently it’s not a political hot button, and people have focused their attention elsewhere.  Yet, the fact remains that if you want to enter any country, you must do so properly. If you don’t, there will always be repercussions. For both the adults and the children themselves.

Just try to get into an airport illegally and see what happens.