Obama's Shame

Let’s help our own before helping immigrants

Local Letter to The Editor

Regarding “A tide of migrant mothers” (July 6): Crisis for influx of immigrant mothers/youth and the assistance the United States is providing makes me cringe. Back in the ’70s with three children, no insurance coverage and a court system that offered no help to collect $25 a week child support left me in crisis mode 24/7. I, too, just wanted a better life for my children and the only answer was to look to myself.
Yes, I suffered, along with my children, but I worked and juggled bills to feed my children, cloth them and put a roof over their heads. I had no tables heaped with free baby clothes and diapers, and no churches to offer a sandwich. And to this day there are still single parents struggling to survive even though working and paying into the system.
I found hope and courage, not from handouts or the government, but from within myself, and prayers, amidst sleepless nights. I earned my way to provide for my children.
Single U.S. residents/parents struggle with surviving every day – and we open our borders to help others when we can’t even help ourselves? We send aid to other countries when we can’t provide enough aid for our own residents?
It’s important to remember this when you vote or donate to a worthy cause other than your own. If we are going to be heroes, let’s start with legal residents needing dreams, food and diapers.

Sami Smith, Madeira, Ohio