General

There are many big issues in our world today, but none cause more protest, unease, and even sway the elections of nations than the issue of immigration (think Trump in the US, Le Pen in France, and Angela Merkel in trouble in Germany).

In the United States, the battle lines on this issue seem set in concrete and have spilled over into chaos at numerous Congressional town hall meetings.

I believe it’s crucial we solve the immigration mess with both compassion and justice.

Here is my common sense proposal.

Before I share the ideas, let’s retrace how the immigration debate has changed in the past few years. To use a football analogy, the goal posts have been moved.

If we go back just one generation, let alone hundreds of years, it’s safe to say that the “goal posts” (fixed principles) on who got into this country were based on two common sense commitments:

1. Compassion for People – as evidenced in the words of the Statue of Liberty and seen in one amazing statistic: that the United States receives more immigrants to its shores than any other nation on earth (a million a year).  Americans are a welcoming people. Caring for people is goal post number one.

2. Respect for the Rule of Law – for hundreds of years we welcomed those millions through an orderly system of receiving refugees, granting visitor visas, allowing people to get green cards, and applying for citizenship. We understood that nations have borders, the rule of law must be obeyed, and that justice is a pillar of any free society. Respecting borders and the rule of law is goal post number two.

In the last decade or so, radicals began moving both goal posts. Today, the compassion goal post doesn’t take into account that we are fighting a global war on terror and that some people who want to come to America have no no intention to assimilate, but want to kill Americans. This myopia produces blinded compassion by those opposed to extreme vetting.

More radically, the rule of law goal post has almost been taken off the horizon. There is a substantial movement in America toward open borders–anybody can come into the US if they want to without penalty. This insane policy comes in the form of a clever word change: illegal aliens to undocumented workers.

It’s a slick trick. Now we are fighting over whether criminal illegal aliens should be deported and if immigrants from terrorism-friendly failed states should be strongly vetted–while millions who crossed the border illegally get a pass. Trespassing a border is no longer a crime to the open borders folks.

Yet, simple common sense says that’s a lie.

I don’t know one open border, bleeding liberal, Hollywood celebrity who practices open borders with their own home. If they really believe that people have the right to live where they want, cross any boundary  etc., then they should immediately remove all locks from their doors, security systems from their yards, and walls around their properties. We should demand they put a sign in their yard that says “All undocumented workers can use my house!”

Otherwise, they’re hypocrites.

That’s the insanity of the position. No one in their right mind would treat their family that way no matter how compassionate they are. Resources are limited in our homes and some people are dangerous. Why should we then allow the “American family” (nation) to be treated similarly?

Both nations and families need privacy and security.

The common sense goal posts of compassion and rule of law have been moved out of sight. On this vast field, with no sense of order, a potential civil war lies in front of us that could tear apart the American fabric unless we return to wise compassion and necessary rule of law.

Here’s my proposal, beginning with six governmental actions. Governments are ordained by God to execute justice and protect their people. Then there are four individual or private group applications. It’s in the individual domain that we are primarily called to show mercy to our fellow humans.

Both justice and mercy must be a part of our immigration solution because they are attributes of God.

JUSTICE – which applies primarily to the government.

1. Secure the border just as we lock our homes.

Praise God that President Trump, of all the presidents of the past thirty years, understands that you can’t have a nation without borders. Borders are a preserver of order, values, security and the uniqueness of societies. In fact, the Bible indicates that God Himself is involved providentially with the borders that make up nations (Acts 17:26).

Open borders is a satanic idea meant only to garner votes and create conflict in sovereign nation-states. They don’t work in a fallen world. We should move full speed ahead with building the wall and incorporating technology that will keep us safe. Nations should “protect their house” and their laws be respected. The sieve must be stopped.

2. Deport all criminal illegal aliens.

There should be no argument here. Those who commit crimes in this nation must be sent back to their country of origin. When you don’t obey the rules of the “home,” you get kicked out–with the exception of the crime of crossing the border (which I will mention later).

3. Extremely vet for extreme times.

It’s totally appropriate to call a “time-out” to figure out the best way to vet people from chaotic states. Terrorists want to come here and carry out jihad. We can’t stop them all–but many. This is not a Muslim ban, it’s just being smarter with cultures who believe killing others in the name of their god is okay.

4. Nationally implement E-Verify to stop business and individual cheating.

Make sure all workers in the US have permission to be here by expanding and nationalizing the E-Verify system. This will stop businesses from wrongly hiring illegals for cheap labor and illegals from breaking the rules with impunity.

5. Punish visa abusers with a ten-year ban from the United States.

Visa overstays contribute to a large portion of the illegal population. The penalty should be strong and swift. You take advantage of the privilege of coming here, then you lose that privilege for the next decade. That would put the fear of God into many a complacent student or visitor.

6. Change/clarify the foreign-baby law.

We need to stop the flood of Chinese tourists who have babies in San Francisco while on vacation and then claim citizenship for their child based on a loophole. Congress needs to clarify the law that “visitor babies” are no more American than calves born in a garage are cars.

COMPASSION – which emanate primarily from the attitudes of the people.

7. Re-commit to being the world’s leading champion of immigrants and refugees.

Let’s continue to lead the world in loving and caring for people. It just needs to be done legally and in an orderly fashion in our neighborhoods and states. That’s God’s heart and way.

8. Whole-heartedly accept Dreamers as US citizens (DACA).

Both presidents Obama and Trump are right that the children of illegal aliens should not be sent back to the country of their parents. Children are not responsible for the sins of mom and dad–clearly a biblical and common sense idea (Ezekiel 18:20 and Deuteronomy 24:16). It wasn’t their fault that they were brought here.

9. Give long-term illegal aliens permanent residence but no voting rights.

This is the fairest way to solve the dilemma of eleven million or more illegals aliens now currently in the United States. Amnesty spanks of injustice and deporting them remains unmerciful and disruptive. Let them pay a fine based on their years of illegality and take away the right to vote for twenty years.

This is neither amnesty nor cruelty. It is common sense mercy. The penalty for entering the country illegally should be forfeiture of voting rights for some time. Then they can apply for citizenship.

10. Declare a Day of Reconciliation & Renewal (R&R)

When the other major actions have been completed, the president should declare a national day of R&R–of Reconciliation and Renewal. On that day, all Americans should be encouraged to gather in their churches, city halls, businesses and homes to ask God’s forgiveness for the immigration nightmare we created, forgive and and seek reconciliation with one another, and proclaim the rebirth of freedom in the United States as a sovereign, just, and merciful nation.

This could be America’s Day of Jubilee (maybe a new national holiday).

Hallelujah.

 

I voted for Donald Trump. But I was not a big fan when he first ran for president. I didn’t like the loose tongue, three marriages and playboy past. I also had negative impressions of his wife Melania due to her many seductive photos on the Internet and super model past.

Both of my attitudes have changed–over time and after last weekend. 

On Saturday, February 18, I tearfully watched Melania Trump do something that Franklin Graham says has never been done before by any First Lady in US history. Then I listened to Donald Trump’s speech in Melbourne, Florida from beginning to end.

Both of them might be unconventional messengers of grace and truth.

First, let’s put in context “grace and truth.” John 1:17 states: “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” Both of these attributes are foundations of biblical faith. Grace points to God’s willingness to transform repentant people; Truth refers to reality–what works in real life.

As Melania Trump introduced her husband Saturday evening, I was skeptical. Beautiful woman. Trophy wife. Super model. Heavy accent (though she speaks five languages of which English is the fifth).

Then I nearly fell out of my chair when she invited the 9000 people in the airport hangar (and thousands more outside) to join her praying the Lord’s Prayer.

You can watch the prayer here.

I can’t recall a president or first lady leading a public prayer since Franklin Roosevelt led the nation on the radio on June 6, 1944 on the eve of the D-Day invasion. 

My impression of Melania Trump has changed. Though the prayer may have inserted by a speech writer, she didn’t have to do it. But she did. Says something about her (draw your own conclusion). Mine is, that at the least, she is open to spiritual matters. Maybe she is growing in her faith–and God used that to point millions of people heavenward.

Powerful. Uplifting.

At least on that occasion, Melania Trump was a messenger from God.

Then President Trump took the stage. The Melbourne rally was designed to re-create the campaign rally atmosphere which followed him throughout 2016. I haven’t heard the POTUS speak in person. I’ve never listened to any of his speeches from beginning to end. Only sound-bites.

This one I listened to completely. If you have 48 minutes to kill, you can watch it here.

Ater listening to every word, I can honestly say I agree with virutally all of Donald Trump’s positions. He spoke truth about the God-created domain of government from beginning to end.

I want you to judge for yourself.

I took the time to download the transcript of his 5200 word speech. Then I edited out the verbiage to the 33 main points. Lay your biases aside and see if you agree with the ideas that Donald Trump expounded. You might want to even put a check mark on a piece of paper–then add them up:

1. “When the media lies to people, I will never, ever let them get away with it.”

 

 

If I was to use a phrase to describe the alt-secular-left reaction to the new Trump Administration, I would use the term hissy fit.

I think you know what I mean from the protests, foul language, character assassinations, and outright hysteria over President Trump.

Here’s the dictionary definition: noun: hissy fit – an angry outburst or tantrum.  synonyms:  temper tantrum, tantrum, angry outburst, fit of temper, paroxysm of rage, histrionics. 

Sounds familiar. What’s really happening in America right now? 

Here’s a good analogy–it’s the Patriots versus the Vultures in Super Brawl 17.

If you missed the recent Super Bowl –possibly the greatest NFL Championship of all time–then I”ll briefly recap the game for you. It boasted a contest between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons.

The Falcons came our strong and dominated the first three quarters–which even included a “pick six” (interception for a touchdown) committed by all world quarterback Tom Brady. Late in the third quarter, when the score was 28-3, I turned to my wife and said “This game is over.”

But in the final quarter, the Falcons made some mistakes and the Patriots began to score and dominate–eventually tying the game and sending it into overtime. During this first extra-period game in Super Bowl history, the Patriots won the coin toss and marched down the field to win. When they scored the winning touchdown, it was their first lead of the game–and the only one that counted.

Patriots 34. Falcons 28.

Politics is much like sports. It’s a contest of ideas where, in the end, one set of ideas wins and the other opinions lose. Sometimes there is compromise in the middle, but not often. Usually, through the ballot box and public opinion, one set of principles triumphs over the other.

Let’s now compare what happening in the United States with the recent Super Bowl classic between the Patriots and the Falcons.

The Patriots

The Republican Party is the only major political party in America that still believes in patriotism. For 150 years, the Rs have generally adhered to the Judeo-Christian concept of limited government, economic freedom, civility & morality, and truth and justice for all. Because of these biblical foundations, many Republicans respect God’s special hand on our grand “experiment” and love America for its exceptionalism in world history.

Most Republicans are patriots.

These principles of liberty flowed for decades from the churches into all aspects of American life.. When the Church experienced revival, the nation prospered. When the Church receded in faith and action, the nation drifted from its moorings.

To be honest, the GOP never modeled these values fully or consistently. But at least they held to the belief that “blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 33:12).

The Vultures

I know the Patriots faced the Atlanta Falcons in the Super Bowl. Atlanta is a rising team with a great young coach, many terrific players, and a bright future. This is where the analogy breaks down.

For our politiical discussion, the Democratic Party better resembles the Vultures. I don’t believe this is an unfair label. Here’s my rationale for suggesting this particular mascot:

It sure looks to me like the Patriots versus the Vultures in Super Brawl 17.

For eight years, Barack Obama led the USA in a different direction than our heritage. Near the end of his two terms, secular ideas like gender neutral bathrooms and open borders had pushed the USA far away from its heritage and historic beliefs. It also dropped the USA to a staggering #17 on the list of the world’s freest nations–a historic low.

The score looked like it was 28-3 and the game was over.

America had embraced Democratic Socialism.

But then a “Tom Brady” figure appeared named Donald Trump–and believers in the nation began to pray while “forgotten men and women” voted en masse–turning the tide so greatly that, to everybody’s surprise, Mr. Trump won the US presidency.

Donald Trump got off to a fast start in his first two weeks. He’s new at civic leadership, the Dems are holding up his Cabinet nominees (the “players on the “field” aren’t equal), and it will take time for him to learn the ways of the presidency. But he’s a quick study.

In these first thirty days, he “threw an interception” by putting out his immigration order too quickly without considering the activist courts (and protesters) that would try to run it back for a touchdown.

Michael Flynn also made a serious mistake about courtesy phone calls to the Russian ambassador. He was wrong–embarrassing the Vice President to whom he either “re-called badly” or deceived.

Flynn resigned. Trust is crucial.

Another Trump fumble.

(Actually, new presidents often fail to confirm key leaders in their governments. Barack Obama failed on three of his, Bill Clinton on five.)

The Washington Free Beacon reported:

“Flynn took credit for his missteps regarding these phone calls in a brief statement released late Monday evening. Trump administration officials subsequently stated that Flynn’s efforts to mislead the president and vice president about his contacts with Russia could not be tolerated.”

“However, multiple sources closely involved in the situation pointed to a larger, more secretive campaign aimed at discrediting Flynn and undermining the Trump White House.”

What should have been the main headline was that some Vulture-loyalists in the State Department and Intelligence Agencies were illegally working to destroy the new Administration.

Talk about Vultures in the hen-house.

 Right now we are witnessing a brutal political contest with the American future at stake. However, I believe that the Patriots will regain momentum in the fourth quarter and come back to win.

Don’t be discouraged as you watch “Super Brawl 17.”

1. Pray like never before for our new leaders and all Americans. Intercede that God will touch our hearts, bring many to salvation, and turn the game around before it is culturally too late.

2. Tune out the negative voices and lies, even if you need to use your remote to stay above the fray. In our household, we’ve found ourselves muting much of the propaganda while cheering on the “plays” of the good guys who want to rebirth freedom and renewal in our country.

3. Never give up.  That’s the advice of Winston Churchill when facing the dark days of World War II. I’m sure the New England Patriots felt a bit down as they began the fourth quarter of Super Bowl 51. But they didn’t give up, but kept charging down the field and scoring–finally winning the game. Life is a continual contest.  The other team never leaves the field.

We must work harder than the opposition to win. 

If the recent Super Bowl taught us anything, it showed that games are not over until they’re over. We, too, must hang in there, do our part, and believe that we can triumph against the forces of darkness who want to deceive people and destroy nations.

Yes, this is all really about world evangelization.

It’s going to be a brawl. One side wins and the other loses.

Are you on the victorious side?