According to the Brookings Institution there are some 47,000 unaccompanied children in the USA from Central America, almost all of whom arrived this year. There is no question that the numbers have overwhelmed an already out-of-date system and there is no question, or should not be any question, about our responsibility to care for these children while our legal process takes its course and they are either deported or granted asylum.
But now Congress, which has been the most grid-locked Congress in history, is about to adjourn for the rest of the summer without taking the actions necessary to assure that these children are cared for and that their legal process is managed properly and efficiently.
This nation has always been built on compromise. This nation became a beacon to the entire world because we had a legislative process that worked. This nation grew great and strong because we elected people to "GOVERN" and to "REPRESENT THE BEST INTERESTS OF ALL AMERICANS." Now all of this has been thrown out the window and our system is absolutely derelict in its duty to our people, our principles and our heritage.
Maybe I am a heretic -- I have been called worse -- but I do not care if you are a Democrat or Republican, I do not care if you are an arch liberal or a Tea Party conservative, there are 47,000 children languishing in this country without proper care, without beds to sleep in, without medical attention or schooling. Now, 435 Representatives and 100 Senators are leaving for vacation where they will party, sun themselves, drink too much and eat some of the best food available...all while these 47,000 children languish.
Shame on all of you!
You have abdicated your right to be called "legislators." You should be called "abdicators" for that is what you are.
In the military one gets court martialed for dereliction of duty, but in Congress one gets re-elected for another term. It is time for the American people on all sides of the aisle to speak up and tell these overpaid abdicators that they dare not leave Washington until they take care of these children!
***UPDATE - 7/30/2014***In response to many of the comments to this post, please read this follow-up article.