Humane Conditions for Human Beings!

Almost everyone will agree on the beauty of a flower.  There is a natural appeal to the eye that generally comes across as both pleasant and even calming.  This may be true for other things in daily life, from cute animals to artwork or a beautiful table setting.

Oddly enough, this universal appeal doesn't apply to our own species.  In particular, I point to the current issues related to immigration to the United States, particularly along the southern border with Mexico.  

The Evil of the Demonization of Immigrants

Before his election, Donald Trump was characterizing those crossing the border as generally criminals: "They’re sending people that have lots of problems, and they’re bringing those problems with us. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.”  (Presidential announcement speech, June 16, 2015).  Trump and many of his supporters have been demonizing these human beings.  Trump has a continuous pattern of demonizing or down-playing those from poor countries, or who are people of color, or just not from northern Europe.  This plays to hatred of immigrants and people of color, hatred that can be found in some of Trump's followers but more especially in the fringe extreme right and hate groups.

This demonization of peoples if evil!  This is not the American way.  This does not support the works of our Declaration of Independence that all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  In this matter of demonizing human beings, Trump is un-American!

The Evil of Inhumane Treatment of Detainees

Migrant camp at the border by Tijuana. 
Nov. 2018 photo by AP.

Current reports indicate that the number of peoples crossing the southern border and detained by the United States is overwhelming facilities resulting in overcrowding and unsanitary conditions, including for children.   This poor treatment of human beings in not the American way.  

More funding is needed immediately to improve conditions so that they are humane and sanitary.  If there are more people than can be held in safe and humane conditions, then people need to be released on one side of the border or the other.

The persistence of inhumane and unsanitary conditions in another sign of the un-American actions of the Trump Administration!

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Contact your elected representatives in Congress and demand immediate action to ensure humane and sanitary conditions for detainees!! 

No Cages; Families Belong Together

The Trump Administration's "zero tolerance" policy has resulted in the US Government treating human beings like animals, stored in cages, separating parents from young children.  Fortunately, the child separation policy has ended, but the damage to the children could be life-long. But the cages remain.

Though the number of persons crossing the southern border without documentation is reduced from year past, somehow this Administration thinks that treating human beings like animals is how to "discourage" people from crossing the border, all while the Administration has done nothing regarding its promised wall funded by Mexico after a year and a half in power.  The Trump development companies could erect luxury condo high-rises or a casino in a couple of years.  What's up with this wall?  Was it just a stunt for the campaign?

A rational policy would look at the areas of high crossing rates, and focus better security there both in terms of walls/fences, surveillance and, officials on the ground.  There should be foreign aid to improve conditions in the countries where people are leaving.  And an information campaign focused on these nations announcing that one needs documentation to enter the US.

Finally, there should be "sanctuary" zones in neutral locations outside the US where those seeking refugee status can remain in a safe place while their appeal is processed.

But treat all humans as humans!!

No cages!

Families kept together!