Mailbag

Detention tension

This is a well-written critique of the Trump administration’s use of detentions as a means of enforcing immigration laws. To prove its point, it offers the case of one immigrant, Wilbur Morenco, who entered the country legally and is legally seeking asylum. He was taken into custody and kept at an ICE detention facility for 21 days before being released. It seems clear from the article that an injustice was done to Morenco, and I am happy that he is home with his family. Further, ICE should take steps to prevent such injustices from happening again.

The article, however, uses Morenco’s case to tar all of the detention activities with the same brush. It declares that “ICE is detaining more immigrants than it ever has before” and “it has created an incredible amount of fear in the immigrant community” without stating the legal status of the immigrants in question. It implies that detentions are the wrong way to enforce the laws—but no “right way” is given.

The handling of the 10 million-plus immigrants who entered this country illegally under the previous administration is one of the most difficult problems imaginable. And, as with almost any such problem, it has two sides. This article addresses one side, but, outside a mention in passing that “about 60% of those in detention” have “criminal convictions or pending criminal charges,” it ignores a detailed look at the other 40% and at why detention might be appropriate for any of these.

How many of the 40% live here with current tourist visas and current work permits? Probably not very many. How many of the 60% might get caught, released by local “progressive” officials, and then commit some heinous crimes? I would submit that one of the most important duties of elected officials is to protect citizens from theft and physical harm. How, then, is best to do that, given our current national situation? The ­article doesn’t even acknowledge the existence of that quandary.

We know that WORLD is not happy with the detention process. I’m waiting for an article showing that WORLD is not happy with the problems created by over 10 million illegal immigrants. 
     Edwin Montgomery Jr. / Colorado Springs, Colo.

Missing from this article was any acknowledgment of the problem of dealing with the millions who entered illegally, the result of nonenforcement. The immigration laws, especially before the Ted Kennedy bill, were designed to preserve a healthy body politic. They were pointed toward assimilation—people keeping their unique family history yet becoming American. Enforcement of those laws would have prevented the overload that resulted in cases exemplified by Mr. Mareno.
     Steve Conway / Edwardsville, Ill.

Jack’s masterpiece

I recently received the June edition of WORLD magazine. It contains some wonderful articles. One in particular, “Jack’s masterpiece,” by Theresa Abell Haynes, was one of the best I have ever read. I say that with strong conviction, because I have been a Christian since age 14, and I am about to celebrate No. 92.
     Rev. Allen J. Schlatter / Spencerville, Ind.

Did anyone else notice the parallel between Jack Phillips and the Apostle Paul? A literal voice-from-heaven salvation experience that may have been necessary to victoriously endure the coming persecution.
     David McMillan / Pembroke, Ill.

Moral anchors

Celebrating the “original faith-based mission” of military chaplains is always welcome, but taking away the display of chaplains’ military rank is a grave mistake. Gen. John J. Pershing tried that during World War I but later reversed that position because commanders came to treat chaplains as having little standing. Beyond the grassroots level of the chaplaincy, chaplains quickly discover that in order to take care of soldiers they must also take care of the system that takes care of soldiers. That takes having a place at the table, fighting for a fair piece of the pie with equal standing to everyone else in the room.
     Col. James C. Watson / Chaplain, U.S. Army (retired) / Ooltewah, Tenn.

Ketchup lessons

Thank you for publishing the amazing outlook of Lynn Vincent on her adaptation to continual pain and disruption. Besides helping me pray for her, it is so great to know a very talented writer who can put into words what suffering is like and what it’s accomplishing because of God’s presence. I deal with suffering too, and it comforts me and helps me look at God in it. So instructive.
     Ruth Solow / Highland Village, Texas

Reconnecting with the past

I lived in my beautiful, historic town for 20 years before I ever visited our town’s excellent museum with out-of-town visitors who asked to go there. Thanks, Theresa Houghton, for your challenging article and good reminder to celebrate our history.
     Kathy Whittle / Summerville, S.C.

Proud to be an American

I so needed and appreciated this essay! It’s a timely reminder of our history (and its ups and downs) and the wonderful fact that we have endured 250 years. Only God knows what the future holds for us, and we take comfort in the knowledge that He brought this nation into being and will accomplish His will in it.
     Susan Dickens / Greenbrier, Ark.

Gerrymander scramble

Gerrymandering seems like a waste of time for our political leaders, as both parties engage in the practice while accusing the other of foul play. Perhaps we should consider using unbiased AI to redistrict our states based solely on population data. By letting the chips fall where they may, we could move toward a more objective and fair system.
     Steve Norell / Eden Prairie, Minn.

Lonely hearts

As one who has led high school and college ministry for over 30 years, I lay the brunt of the blame for today’s singleness on the church and Christian parents. The Christian culture prepares kids for “getting an education.” Everything, from sports to school and all other activities, is focused on the goal of “going to a good college to get a good job” and not to “prepare yourself for getting married and raising children.”
     George Harris / Thousand Oaks, Calif.

While there is understandable disappointment in remaining unmarried, and there is a strong rationale for sifting “candidates” and disqualifying some, the emphasis in the article seems weighted toward the unwise: namely what I can get instead of what I gladly labor to become in the strength God supplies. The main aim seems to be finding “someone I can enjoy” more than someone I can serve. Listing attributes I want still gives that future partner the job description of keeping me happy, which he or she cannot possibly do, for that person is a sinner, and so am I.

Marriage introduces as many problems as it solves. Marriage is designed for our sanctification, so make that the pursuit while single or married and cultivate green grass no matter what side of the marriage/single fence you are on. The return of the Bridegroom is sooner than ever before.
     Sam Crabtree / Blaine, Minn.

I am 65, have been a Christian since I was 22, and have never been married, so this article really resonated with me. It has been a roller coaster of emotions over the years, but I have come to understand that it is not an indication of how attractive or likable I am. On the contrary, I have had to turn away a lot of non-­Christian men as I wait for one devoted to Jesus.

Yes, I agree with Katy Faust that we singles could use a little help being introduced. And, yes, I belonged to groups at church, tried online dating for longer than should be deemed appropriate (decades!), and joined clubs with my same interests. I have had to become content with the knowledge that it may not ever happen for me, while still holding out hope.

Do Christian men expect perfection maybe? Or is it just God’s plan for my life? Whatever the cause, I can relate to Emily Young’s living a full life without a husband. It is not necessary to have one, but there are some loving couples in my life that make me long for it.
     Connie Fleming / Mentor, Ohio

Correction

Mikie Sherrill is the current governor of New Jersey. (“New Jersey sues over ICE detention center,” July).

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