Problems into profits

Granddad was a college professor. Dad was an insurance agent. In the ’70s and ’80s, south Arkansas was scattered with empty public buildings and crumbling, derelict commercial properties. With a dwindling population in the area, these abandoned eyesores were liability hazards for the owners and dangerous nuisances for the rest of us.

Most people saw a problem. Dad and Granddad saw opportunity.

They had the buildings demolished and hired people, ranging from unemployed teens to disabled retirees, to clean the mortar from the bricks and put them on pallets. The bricks were then sold locally and all over the South as premium, vintage house-building material.

The workers were paid a fair wage, and Dad and Granddad made a substantial profit. These men are remembered long after their deaths for many reasons, but I remember how they turned problems into profits.

America, with her rapidly aging population, has been led to believe that there is a huge problem waiting at our southern border, ready to overwhelm us. I believe we should instead see that God has extended a helping hand, if only we are wise enough and brave enough to reach out and accept that hand.

These hungry souls at our borders are the answers to so many of our problems. Here is the vital youthful energy we so desperately need. Here are the builders, teachers, health-care workers, and public servants of tomorrow, if we can just accept them today. We can set up something like the Civilian Conservation Corps to house, feed and employ these “huddled masses” so they can be set on their path to citizenship. Let America accept this gift from God. Let’s refuse to turn these valuable assets into bitter enemies. Let’s turn our “problems” into profits.

Make America greet again.

MAC CHILDS Fayetteville