Shootin' it Straight - Bordering on Insanity (Free Access)

The bulk of my political beliefs are anchored firmly in common sense. If a law is implemented, can it be enforced without a bottomless budget? If a ruling is made, does it create meaningful change, or is it merely feel-good fodder?

I firmly believe that any proposal, suggestion, or objective should be solid enough to withstand scrutiny. Push everything to the center of the table, shine a light on it, and see what stands. Our nation was founded on the idea of a small central government that served its citizens. It was never intended to become the behemoth we see today. The duty of the federal government was meant to be extremely limited, precisely to avoid the tyranny from which our founders had just escaped.

As a general rule, I am a hardliner in most political matters, using the Founding Fathers' intentions as my template. That being said, I acknowledge that some areas may fall into a gray zone. While only a few, there are instances open to varying interpretations. But with all that said, open borders and unfettered illegal immigration is not one of them. There is no reasonable argument for not strictly controlling a country’s borders and regulating who enters.

The left often appeals to Christian values and humanity when discussing immigration. Sadly, that’s their only real argument—one that rings hollow coming from a party that, in my view, often disregards moral consistency. Immigration has always been welcomed in this nation, but legally. This country was built on blood, sweat, and an unwavering commitment to a shared way of life. Not everyone trying to come here shares that commitment, and that’s a problem.

A nation without borders isn’t a nation for long. The hypocrisy surrounding illegal immigration is laughable—those advocating for it aren’t leaving their own back doors unlocked, hoping to wake up and find strangers occupying their living rooms. The same voices that once insisted vaccinations were essential to our survival now welcome individuals from places with broken healthcare systems that may not even recognize vaccines. Those who mock the educational levels of "red states" now support the entry of people from countries ranked far lower in global education indexes.

The illegal immigration debate is non-negotiable. You wouldn’t welcome strangers into your home without knowing who they are or what they’re bringing. Immigration is fine—with a filter. If you want to relocate here and enjoy the benefits of our nation, it’s only fair that you contribute something in return. We demand the same of a partner, a co-worker, or a teammate.

This is about far more than the usual appeals to compassion. It's a matter of national security. It’s essential to maintaining the integrity of our elections, and it’s vital to preserving the values we hold as Americans.