I received a compelling email from Congressman Nick Langworthy last week, expressing his deep concern about our country’s open borders. In it, he said, he’s introduced a new immigration bill–a critical step, he says, toward holding the Department of Homeland Security accountable for the millions upon millions of illegal immigrants (or “newcomers” as they are often called by the legacy media), and demanding transparency and action from the Biden Administration.

I applaud the Congressman’s efforts, as he, and I assume all of our elected officials, understand the American people’s concern and confusion about our open border.

Langworthy does a good job addressing issues important to our district in western New York. He recently held a press conference with Erie County Sheriff John Garcia and other local officials to “highlight a growing crisis that has been largely overlooked by the Biden Administration — the dire situation at our northern border.”

I find the word “overlooked” in his wording to be very generous. How could President Biden possibly “overlook” the illegal entry of 20 to 35 million people coming across our borders? Especially since he is housing them, feeding them, providing them with cell phones, and flying them around the country to their new homes? This is an enormous, well-funded operation and not something the Commander In Chief simply “overlooks.”

More importantly, why is this happening? That’s the bone I want to pick when it comes to open borders–why is no one asking why? What does the Biden administration gain from this, exactly? More votes from a grateful immigrant population? Is he fulfilling a strong and burning desire to house the world’s tired, hungry and poor? Or have Europe and America both decided to create greater diversity in their countries by allowing rampant immigration?

Missing from Langworthy’s email is the “why.” And so I called his Washington office to ask him. I’m sure he has pondered this question himself from time to time. I’m sure he’s discussed this with his fellow representatives over pale ales and appetizers at D.C. watering holes. Maybe his father-in-law or neighbor has asked him, “Why do you suppose Biden is letting all these people in?”

The young woman who answered the phone in Langworthy’s office listened to the explanation for my call. I must say, there was a moment of silence when I ended my short speech, and I wondered if I was the only person who has called to ask such a question.

She put me on hold, and when she came back, she said she’d pass along my comments but that the representative wasn’t in today and she didn’t have access to his schedule. I hung up thinking that people who ask hard questions in today’s world are rarely rewarded with answers.

Too few Americans are asking “why” about a lot of things. Why are food prices so high? What is the true reason behind it? Why are our young people, just now reaching important milestones like marriage and having children, unable to buy even modest homes for an affordable price? Or how about the $200,000 question, which is why has a man with an obvious mental deficit been allowed to lead this country with barely a peep from anyone for nearly four years?

Our representatives are our liaison to the government–the government Americans work hard to pay for. If our elected officials are not asking the hard questions, then we must ask them ourselves.

Last weekend’s edition of the Post-Journal featured a front page story about food insecurity in Chautauqua County. It’s no surprise to anyone that food has become somewhat of a luxury– unaffordable to those who are struggling financially. And so, again, my question is why? How do we account for the increase?

According to the New York Times, some companies and restaurants have continued to raise prices on consumers even after their own inflation-related costs have been covered. Recently, PepsiCo, reported that its third-quarter profit grew more than 20 percent. Likewise, Coca-Cola reported profit up 14 percent from a year earlier, thanks in large part to price increases.

Restaurants keep getting more expensive, too. Chipotle Mexican Grill, reported $257.1 million in profit in the latest quarter, up nearly 26 percent from a year earlier. “The trend is evident across a wide variety of industries,” the Times explained. “Executives from banks, airlines, hotels, consumer goods companies and other firms have said they are finding that customers have money to spend and can tolerate higher prices.”

We can tolerate higher prices? A majority of Americans are living in debt.

Sometimes when you ask why, the answers are intolerable, which is why many of us have stopped wanting to know. But ask anyway. Our input is critically important. Call your elected officials and ask “why” to your own burning questions.