The Pope and Our American Heritage

Like the WSJ editors, the SL was inspired by the Pope Benedict's recent visit to the United States and his obvious affinity for the American people and their traditional values. This would include his encouragement to the American church to continue welcoming and assimilating immigrants. He stated that "countless dedicated religious sisters, brothers and priests together with selfless parents have, through Catholic schools, helped generations of immigrants to rise from poverty and take their place in mainstream society." These efforts have not only energized the tremendous progress our nation has experienced during its short history, but also strengthened the Judeo-Christian framework the founders intended for this country. While border security is a critical issue facing our nation and must be pursued aggressively, it should not be confused with the anti-immigrant position espoused by some on the right. Nor should our immigration policy be a free for all merely designed to dilute American values and culture and provide a disenchanted voting block for the left.