U.S. tax dollars can’t solve world’s woes

As a so-called migrant caravan wends its way through Mexico and demands asylum in the United States, I ask why these Central Americans don’t seek asylum in Mexico. We all know the answer – this country has so much more to offer. And it makes me feel vulnerable and concerned (“Next steps for Central American asylum-seekers will unfold mostly out of public view,” May1).

Daniel Speckhard, a former NATO official and CEO of Lutheran World Relief, believes the United States must be more financially involved in the Northern Triangle of Central America. On the surface, that makes sense – yet reality has a way of interfering.

History has shown, time and time again, this happens when one group enjoys affluence while those in surrounding places barely scrape by. The situation in the Northern Triangle of Central America is a classic example. Yet this problem must be addressed by neighboring countries and by the United Nations. My tax dollars can’t solve it.

Our complacency scares me. We live in a land of abundance and luxury compared with so much of the world. This is even more frightening when you consider how we broadcast our lifestyle, even to the most humble shacks in poverty-stricken nations. When you realize our total dependence on technology is also dangerous, this alarm should increase. What would happen if a massive calamity hit and it lasted a very long time? The fall of the Roman Empire comes to my mind.