I never thought I’d say this, but Thank God for George W
Bush.
Now, wait— before you think I’ve been taken to a remote
location and brainwashed by some of my relatives, let me explain. Shrub, as I
affectionately call the former President, passed a law in 2008 that protects
children who show up at the US’s kitchen door without their parents and in need
of help. It makes sense, seeing as we like to see ourselves as the big chinned,
wide shouldered, apron-wearing country that hands out lemonade flavored with
corn syrup to all the world’s children.
While I like to joke that I’m scared of children, (and that,
like horses, they can smell fear, which is why they follow me around) truth be
told, I believe children are actually kinder and less cowardly than most
adults. Especially adults like Regina Thomson, who:
“believes the federal government is breaking its own laws in
allowing the waves of youths to cross the border and remain in the United
States and that states like Colorado are adding to the problem by becoming
‘sanctuary states." –Nancy Lofholm, Denver Post*
Listen up, Regina; the children showing up at the border are
just like the kids who came over on ships from Europe in the second World War. There
is no other sane reason a mother would send her child to another country alone.
The only difference is, in WWII those kids were fleeing from crazy Nazis and
today these kids are trying to escape crazy drug cartels in Central America.
(Crazy drug cartels that the United States has supplied with guns, I might
add.) To everyone who thinks these kids aren’t America’s problem: I think you should
want to be careful about how you tackle this situation. After all, you can’t
claim to be a good Christian (or any other organized religion’s devotee, for
that matter) and hate refugee children. Jesus loved little kids, yo.
I cannot imagine being eight years old and finally crossing
the border into what I believe to be a safe and free country, after a harrowing
journey by myself, only to be met by a bunch of old white people screaming at
me. I mean, who is spreading this bullshit on their toast every morning— Fox
News?
Shame on US. And shame on you, President Obama, for trying
to deny these children the same due process we allow murderers and drug dealers
(who, of course, are the reason these kids are coming in droves to the border
in the first place.) And shame on every member of Congress who heads to the
beach with their own kids this month, instead of dealing with this humanitarian
crisis.
What the heck happened to this country? When did we turn
into a bunch of sniveling yellow bellies with no compassion for other people’s
children? Unless you are of Native American heritage, we are all descended from
immigrants. So, the conclusion I am forced to draw is that we are actually full
of fear and loathing for ourselves because of the genocide that was perpetrated
on the true natives of this land. It is despicable to think about, just as it
is despicable to imagine adults standing at the US/Mexico border yelling at
children who are fleeing for their lives.
Immigration is not an issue to take a stance on, but an
opportunity for all of us to generate a chain of positive action. “A single act
of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and
make new trees. The greatest work that kindness does to others is that it makes
them kind themselves.” –Frederick William Faber
You know what I wish? I wish I lived in a country with
reality shows about the Real Housewives of Wherever putting on their best track
suits, loading up their minivans and going down to the border to help these
kids out (perhaps with a pit-stop at Shrub’s ranch to pick up one of those
giant checks!)
Ways to help from Carbondale:
Donate to Ariel Clinical Services- arielcpa.org/2938 North
Ave Suite G Grand Junction CO 81504
Email your US Representative, Senator or President before
they go on summer vacation
Foster a kid
Stop watching Fox News.
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