Letter to the editor: Tragedy at our border

Recent media articles and commentary, either directly or by implication, project that inadequate child care or security at the southern border are the fault of the U.S. This is unfair and irresponsible reporting and opinion. No country or people in the world have shown more commitment and support to troubled people anywhere or of any age.

As a grandfather and father I have great sympathy for these tortured children. However, the media’s selective dramatic storytelling ignores the true story of the real villains.

First are the political manipulators who lead people into these conditions. Second are the Central American countries who ignore the needs of their own. Third is the Mexican government, failing to prevent it at its source. Fourth, and most important, are the parents who abandon their responsibility and put their children in harm’s way.

And finally, our own political establishment that weaponizes the tragedy by obstructing good-faith efforts to alleviate at least some of the problem.

Until all put people’s interests ahead of their own selfish interests, no problem, humanitarian or otherwise, can be resolved.

Louis F. D’Emilio

Penn Township, Westmoreland County