America has a long history of successful integration of racial groups. Once upon a time, the Irish were extremely unwelcome in Boston, simply for being Catholics. Dozens of examples like this abound in American history. America is stronger than the countries you’ve listed because of the melting pot, not in spite of it. That’s because the selfishness you alluded to is contrary to a core American value: that a person is not defined by their ancestors’ virtues or sins, but by the content of their character. All the immigrants I know are fierce defenders of this principle.
It’s a pity some people can’t think of politics as possibly more than zero sum. A good policy should actually lift all boats. Middle America simply will not survive without more people and more economic activity, period. If native born children choose to move to the coasts, and no immigrants fill in the gaps, you’re not going to have the long-term prosperity you’re imagining.
It’s a pity some people can’t think of politics as possibly more than zero sum. A good policy should actually lift all boats. Middle America simply will not survive without more people and more economic activity, period. If native born children choose to move to the coasts, and no immigrants fill in the gaps, you’re not going to have the long-term prosperity you’re imagining.