This whole Arizona fascist discrimination thing is drilling at me like a bad toothache. I don't really even know how to respond to a law that, at its heart, deprives people of life, liberty, and happiness based solely on the color of their skin. So I'm going to take a page from TheNephew's book - solidarity and prayer for him as he continues to go through his own personal struggle - and make a music diary. Embeds below the cut.
First up is "Prayer of the Refugee" by Rise Against. For me this song embodies a lot of raw emotion right now, especially the anger I feel at the loss of freedom for the people who this law discriminates against.
Next is "Deportees: Plane Wreck at Los Gatos" which is a Woody Guthrie standard sung here by Arlo Guthrie and Emmylou Harris. Emmylou has one of the most beautiful voices in modern music, and anytime Arlo sings one of his dad's songs it sends chills up my spine. And, after all, Deportee is the classic immigration protest song.
Last, I think it is appropriate for me as a Christian to include this song, "God of Justice" by Tim Hughes. When the Religious Right co-opts the language of God to serve their twisted political ends, they should be reminded that we serve a God who loves the orphan, the widow, the homeless, and the alien. A God of Justice.
I hope this helps other people meditate, pray, and stand in solidarity as they vigil for Arizona and its people tonight. I continue to pray for the day when justice will roll down like a mighty water and mercy like an ever-flowing stream, not just in the United States, but around the world. Peace be with you. Goodnight.