Love Thy Neighbor, But Who's the Neighbor?

Vance, a politician, recently made some controversial comments about immigration policies. He suggested that those on the "far left" care more about undocumented immigrants than their own citizens. He believes that the love of fellow citizens should come before loving those outside of your own country. This idea is based on an ancient concept called "ordo amoris, " or "order of love, " written by St Augustine and Thomas Aquinas, which focused on personal virtues and responsibility, rather than political policies. Vance, who converted to Catholicism from atheism, is using this philosophy to defend immigration policies. However, it is clear that he is misinterpreting this philosophical idea to defend policies he supports. He isn't considering how to apply his religious beliefs to the policies he is supposed to support. If he were, he'd realize that the policies he is trying to justify are not based on love, but rather a strong dislike for outsiders. The Trump administration's immigration policies have been harsh. They've targeted all undocumented immigrants, not just those who might pose a threat. This has led to a huge increase in arrests of immigrants who have not committed any crimes. The administration has also slowed down legal immigration. They've canceled programs that help immigrants enter the country legally. These programs are beneficial for both the immigrants and the country. But, the administration has stopped these programs. This has caused trouble for people who have helped the US in the past and were hoping to move to the country. This isn't a reflection of love or compassion for one's fellow citizens. The concept of "ordo amoris" states that one should prioritize their obligations to those closest to them, and then expand outwards. This doesn't mean that one should ignore or persecute those who are further away. The idea is to use the love and care for those closest to you as a starting point to expand your kindness to others. This is a key teaching in Judeo-Christian beliefs. The idea is that empathy and kindness should expand outward from the narrow and parochial to the broader and more encompassing. This doesn't mean that one should ignore or persecute those who are further away. It means that one should use the love and care for those closest to them as a starting point to expand their kindness to others. This is what people should do, but not all politicians are doing this. Vance should try to explain the administration's policies in terms of national interest rather than trying to fit them into a theological principle. He should also consider the fact that it is in America's national and moral interest to welcome peaceful and grateful newcomers. This is a blessing for them; perhaps even more of a blessing for us.