It is hard to imagine if bricks of gold were walking across our borders that we’d complain about the need to build vaults to keep the gold safe. We’d simply know it was worth the investment. But people are a resource that pays off better than gold. We somehow lose sight of this in fear or pessimism. But if we invest in people we are always better off. To me that is the real message behind the lines on the Statue of Liberty

Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed, to me:
I lift my lamp beside the golden door.

– The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus\

It is a wonderful reminder that as Americans we thrive on the potential every person brings to our country. While we have to be reasonable about keeling those out that truly mean to harm people. We do ourselves the biggest harm when we search out excuses to keep people out. For me bravery, freedom and compassion are American values, not fear, scapegoating and indifference.

A Madman has spoken…