What’s happening in Syria is very sad, but the reality is that people are living in misery and fear in scores of countries throughout the world, especially in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Shouldn’t all these people have as much right to live in America as Syrian refugees?

In theory, I believe people have a right to live in any country they so choose, without anyone’s permission. But in reality, it doesn’t work for those who are legitimate citizens of a country, because it lowers their living standards, reduces the number of job opportunities, and endangers their lives. Which is why reality has to top theory for people who believe in a civilized society — a society based on the rule of law.

Compassion is an admirable quality, but the reality is that a bankrupt nation is in no position to help anyone. Under the best of circumstances, it will take decades for the U.S. to become solvent — and that’s assuming honest people with conservative financial values become the majority in Washington and put an end to the rampant criminal activity in the nation’s capital.

Which leads to a final question: How much are YOU willing to wager on that happening?