The Adventures of Jonathan Gullible - Bastiat Institute

To lose your freedom
is to lose your
present.
Extract from
Jonathan’s Guiding
Principles
Chapter 29 • New Newcomers
Brainstorming
• Are border guards responsible for what
happens to refugees who are turned away?
• What is the difference between newcomers
and new newcomers?
• Why?
• Should young men be required to work for
the military?
• Are there other examples?
• What ethical issues are involved?
Commentary
People move. Whenever they move to a new
place they are referred to as “newcomers” until,
over time, they have become established. When
others come they are the “new” newcomers. It
is a pattern that people around the world have
experienced. Indeed, all of us have ancestors
who have moved from one place to another
because of fear or in order to take advantage of
some opportunity.
Since this experience belongs to all of us, it is
sad and tragic that people who are moving today
are hated so much by those who are already
established. Insightful people empathise and
welcome newcomers. Fearful people shun and
revile newcomers.
Not all newcomers are unacceptable. Wealthy
tourists and businessmen are welcomed because
it is hoped they will leave their money when they
depart. Powerful people are always welcomed,
even though they may have gained their wealth
by very brutal and sordid means.
Newborn babies are always welcomed as
citizens, even though they will be dependents
for many years and have yet to learn skills,
language, and customs. Newborns are not
rejected even though some of them might one
day turn to crime or might one day be in trouble,
or “take” another citizen’s job. No, the potential
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