A Trio of Lies

This is the true story of Marcello D'Alessandro, who sinned. Three times. Causing pain and suffering to those most vulnerable, he reached for the American Dream. His sins caused ripples through generations, across continents. Did his poverty-stricken upbringing in Salandra Italy cause his actions? Or was it America's free-wheeling capitalist environment?

Since September 11, 2001 our country struggles with an age-old question. How should we treat foreign immigrants?

From the time of the Founding Fathers, we've struggled. We welcome foreigners with skills and willingness to work, especially for low wages. We vilify immigrants who steal jobs from our own.

This true story of a modern Italian family illustrates the problems and benefits of our schizophrenia. The story serves as a template for future action. We have choices: locking our borders or embracing those different from us.

How will we choose?