The U.S.A.--The United States of Afraid?

Great Wall of China

All the political talk about building a wall between us and Mexico is more than disturbing, considering history.
Remember, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down that wall"? Now, we're saying, "Mr. Trump, Build that wall."
Consider the historic walls, many designed to keep people out, or is it to keep people in?  
What's the difference? A matter of perception, perhaps. Aren't they all built on fear? Today there is a story on the front page of the New York Times about Hungary building a fence to keep immigrants out. 

What kind of mindset does it create

for those living behind a wall?

Consider our high-priced "gated communities," many with guards at the gates and medieval architecture. All the houses are cookie cutter and all the people living inside think alike--perhaps medievally, excluding those who are different. 
You become hostages in your own land, thinking like medieval people seeking refuge in a stone castle for protection against the barbarians. I understand armed guards at military gates, but those living inside are not living in fear.
Has the U.S.A. become the United States of Afraid?
And, in the long span of history, have any of these walls actually worked? 

Here are some other famous walls, in historical order.

Hadrian's Wall, England

Maginot Line, France

Berlin Wall

North-South Korea

Israel

U.S.-Mexico

Flags and countries and blog readers

 Among the readers of this blog today have been residents of Israel and South Korea

Journalist extraordinaire!!

My autographed photo of Helen Thomas, when she visited here a few years ago.

Now she's had to resign because she dared express her opinions about the Mid-East conflicts. If she'd said to get all the Palestinians out of Palestine, she'd still have her job. But you can't criticize Israel in this country.

Helen Thomas is a living tribute to what journalism should be in America, and it tells you a lot about the sad state of journalism in this country that journalism can't tolerate a woman of such power and talent.  Protected by the First Amendment, but afraid to protect the First Amendment and live by it!  No wonder Americans don't have much use for traditional, yet spineless, journalism any more.

She's 90 years old and earned the right to say anything she wants.

Helen, you are welcome to talk to my journalism students anytime. They need you, and American journalism needs you.  Thank you!