No Ban, No Wall

As we learned about DACA and Asylum seekers the country was also beset with the trauma of a Presidential order that banned immigration from Muslem countries for those who had already been cleared by U.S. immigration authorities.  These were individuals with previous background checks and families to receive them.  At the same time threats were being made to build a wall on the border with Mexico.

Calls for protest went out to activists across Texas for a protest at the capitol in Austin.  Lucretia and I had thought about going, but to travel to Austin and fight traffic downtown seemed too daunting.  That was before I was awakened during the night with images of what our country would look like if we followed through with banning Muslims and Central Americans because of our fear of them.  I woke up and wrote down my thoughts.

 The reality that we could face the kind of hatred against foreigners that Hitler had stirred up against Jewish people prompted me to suggest that we had to do something!  Lucretia was easily persuaded and we were on our way to protest in Austin.

Once we got to the capitol we met a loose organization of people who were drawn there for the same reasons.  We had to voice our concerns.  Among the crowds were various organizations.  Congressional representatives, local politicians, and people of all colors joined to chant and declare "No Ban, No Walls".  We were appalled at what was being witnessed at airports as passengers were being detained and sent back.  Lawyers spoke of what they say and how many of them stepped up to represent those who needed them.  It was a call to action for all of us.