Ever since I saw the picture of our Statue of Liberty, with a sign beside it reading "Defending America", I have experienced one reaction after another. Shock, that someone could twist the meaning of that inspiring monument. Anger, at those who would want others to believe that she is barring them from our shores. Confusion as to why anyone, that was raised in this country and had the same history taught to them, could use our iconic symbol of freedom in such a negative manner. And, sadness, that one of our own had lost his or her moral compass.
What has our country become? What have WE become? What happened to "love thy neighbor, as thyself"?
I saw very little, if any, common sense, decency or compassion in the faces and actions of that crowd that stopped those buses in California. That was NOT a peaceful protest. They were angry, yelling derogatory words at the occupants and even lashing out and spitting on some of their own neighbors for not sharing their opinion.
Those buses held children, for Gods' sake! Young boys and girls, women, mothers with babies! They were fleeing countries caught in war and in chaos! Their lives were in danger! They may not have seen her as they crossed our border, but THEY know that she holds a welcoming torch and NOT A STOP SIGN!
Some of the women and girls were raped, during that log trek. They had been told to not tell or they would be killed. But, THEY CONTINUED ON! They came to get away from the violence, and what did some of our countrymen do? They met them with a hatred they were all too familiar with!
THEY ARE NOT "ALIENS"! THEY ARE HUMAN BEINGS! THEY ARE REFUGEES! (Google it...there IS a difference!) And, by law, they are entitled to asylum as they go through due process. I don't know all the ins-and-outs of that whole thing, but I do know that I was horrified and ashamed that those Americans felt they had the right to express their "freedom of speech" in such a hateful manner.
Thanks to the people of Isidro, those refugees were given a decent welcome! They should not have to fear anyone, in this country!
Common sense, decency and compassion have been at the core of every decision this country has made, since OUR FOREFATHERS IMMIGRATED TO THIS GREAT LAND! That magnificent Lady, standing so proudly in our harbor, deserves an apology from those who chose to use her for their own ignorant reasons!