The Values of Having an "Open Society"
The Values of Having an "Open Society"
Assuming that a relatively “open” society applies to American citizens, of course there are many advantages to this as well as disadvantages. Some advantages are: the freedom of movement (travel), and the cultural enrichment that will be provided by international travel. The disadvantages are: the exports that US citizens bring in that could be dangerous, if criminals run out of the country too easily.
The advantage is that people become culturally enriched, and if people become more culturally enriched when they learn about new things in different countries, they can use this knowledge to promote diversity. For example, ambassadors from the US travel to foreign nations to protect American citizens who travel to that country. That shows that we are still “safe”, mostly anywhere in the world.
Also, another advantage of easy travel is the freedom of movement/travel. Citizens from other countries like Mexico, Vietnam, China, etc., may not be able to travel so easily. US citizens can generally travel anywhere they want, anytime, as long they have the money and a passport. Contradicting this idea, countries with economic stability and good social status similar to the United States like Japan, can travel very easily also. From my knowledge, countries like Vietnam, China, etc, it’s not as easy as the US to go out-of-country. It is a lengthy process, since citizens are seeking for a better life elsewhere and government officials must check to see if the reason for travel is a valid one.
But, of course, to any idea, there is a bad side as well as a good side. Situations where a United States citizen committed a crime, and then they flee the country, in hope of escaping punishment. When foreign travel becomes too easy for travelers, it also becomes very simple and easy to criminals. For example, Marc Rich, who was a US fugitive, accused of tax fraud, fled to Switzerland, where he had resided for over 10 years, therefore becoming a Switzerland citizen and exempt from US officials. Recently, Bill Clinton pardoned him, causing controversy among the American people.
Also, drug dealers constantly smuggle drugs in illegally from South America or Mexico. Every year, we hear about a big drug bust on the news, usually caught from smuggling drugs into the United States. ...