(Don’t miss the video—scroll down to watch it!)

No matter where you stand politically, one truth remains: behind every stance is a core principle. The real challenge is identifying what that principle is. But once you do, the position that aligns with universal law becomes much easier to recognize.

One position believes in the unlimited potential of the human soul—that no matter what challenges a person faces, they hold within themselves the power to rise above them. That through struggle, they can grow stronger and become better.

The other position holds that people, as a whole, aren't capable of solving their own problems. It sees suffering as something to be avoided at all costs—even if it's the natural result of violating universal law. This view says it’s inhumane to let people feel the consequences of their choices, and that to do so isn’t charitable… or Christian.

That concern is noble. Compassion matters. But the deeper principle at the heart of this debate is often missed—even by those with the most generous of hearts.

For the foundational principle that shapes all of my political views, read my earlier post: “Voting for Broccoli.”

Now, about the immigration issue in America…

When Mexico’s President Calderón addressed Congress, his comments were met with enthusiasm—especially from the left. But Congressman Tom McClintock’s response? That’s the one grounded in principles of prosperity and personal liberty—principles that apply to everyone, no matter what country they call home.

Watch the video first, and then read on.

People forget that freedom and liberty are rooted in principles. People across the world want freedom. But unless they identify, honor, and live by the principles that create it, freedom will always be just out of reach.

I’m not interested in hearing from someone who hasn’t proven the success of their political ideas. If Calderón’s approach worked, then why are his citizens leaving in droves? If Mexico were thriving—if it were a place people wanted to live—then I’d be open to hearing how his vision builds a great nation. As it stands, I think it would serve him well to study the U.S. Constitution and better understand why his people are willing to risk everything to cross our borders.

To be clear: I welcome anyone who embraces the principles that make this country great. Whether you bring those principles with you to America, or apply them in your own homeland, they work. They always work. They are the key to personal liberty, no matter where you live.

But crossing a border doesn't automatically grant someone freedom. True freedom is a mindset—and it begins long before anyone sets foot on U.S. soil.

Not all Americans live freely, even within our own borders. Freedom isn’t about location—it’s about alignment with principle.

Take Victor Frankl, for example. While imprisoned in a German concentration camp, he discovered a level of freedom most people never experience. He realized that while others could control his body, they could never control his thoughts. That last, sacred freedom—the freedom to think—was his to protect.

That’s where real freedom begins: in the mind.

Master your thoughts. Learn to respond to your conditions instead of reacting to them. When you do, the world around you begins to shift. The limitations you thought were permanent start to fall away, and new paths appear.

But don’t shortcut the process. Anchor yourself in principle. Trust God to lead. And whether the doors open for you to come to America—or you discover that what you’re seeking can be created right where you are—know this:

Anything is possible.

And that, more than anything else, is the essence of the American dream. When people from around the world begin to believe in that possibility—truly, deeply believe—they’ll find that the principle is universal. It works everywhere. Not just here.

Because in the end, it’s not about politics.

It’s about principles.

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