It's a two-sided coin.

Some immigrants bring wonderful things to America; others bring disrespect, bad habits and crime.

And that challenges the very essence of what America is about-freedom.

Lawmakers in Washington, D.C., are debating how to fairly deal with the booming population from illegal border crossing, and we hope their decision is wise.

Meanwhile, the average Joe and Josephine's everyday life is affected and local officials are challenged to weave new resident needs and culture into community living.

What a magnificent country America is and we are button-poppin' proud to shout that truth.

In a gentler time, when good seemed more evident than bad, a sonnet was written that became the welcoming voice to arriving immigrants seeking freedom and opportunity in the United States of America.

It is best recalled by this line: "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breath free..."

The first successful Jewish American author, Emma Lazarus, wrote the Colossus in 1883. Today it is displayed on the Statue of Liberty on a plaque engraved in 1903.

In its entirety the poem reads:

"Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, with conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed sunset gates shall stand a mighty woman with a torch whose flame is imprisoned lightening, and her name Mother of Exiles.

"From her beacon-hand glows worldwide welcome; her mild eyes command the air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame. Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp! cries she with silent lips.

"'Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breath free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these the homeless, temptest-tost to me. I lift my lamp beside the golden door.'"

Symbolic of America, that sonnet has served as both an Irving Berlin show tune and a call for immigrants' rights.

Each person paints this world as they see it with a different paintbrush-and sometimes I think we're each using a whole different can of paint.

Still, one thing remains evident. Freedom and human rights are painted with the red blood of war by those who fought for our right to live in our homes in peace, walk in beautiful parks showing respect for nature and voting for candidates of our choice without fear of reprisal.

If we love something we take care of it. Yet, this crazy, disposable pace of life we live, that's too busy for family dinners or conversation, breeds a pond for unhealthy habits.

We can't change the whole world; we can start where we live.

Once tucked away unheralded between hills, Des Moines has been a sleepy waterfront-and an undiscovered jewel.

Not now. Many new faces, new cultures and new languages are evident. Healthy growth is good. Gut-sickening crime is not!

Des Moines citizens took a huge step for improved safety when they recently passed the property tax levy lid lift to fund additional police officers and equipment.

It cannot stop there. Neighborhoods need to team up and work with law enforcement for safety with the goal of living without crime or fear of crime.

It's said we teach people how we want to be treated. The same could be said of how we want our community to grow.

We need to set by example the highest of standards and behavior as our footprint for others to follow. Little things count: pick up our trash in the park, clean up after our dog, respect each other and those who would share our part of the world.

As famed humorist Will Rogers said, "Keep moving. Even if you're on the right track you'll get run over if you just sit there."

Born in America or from another land seeking a better life, preserving the American way is our mutual charge. Those who are well intended will do that.

People with anger in their hearts and trouble on their mind will not-and our children will pay the price of gang-related crime-while our communities feel the brunt of human and financial hardship.

Human lives paid for America's freedom we must safeguard it.

Will Rogers also said, "A man only learns in two ways, one by reading and the other by association with smarter people."