The Republicans have capitalized on a narrative that "the Mexicans" are storming the border--intent on taking away *your* job! They're violent! They bring drugs into the country! They commit crimes! We gotta stop 'em! And people have bought into it .
In reality, the situation at the border is much more complex. But sound bites rule. So let the liberals deal with the problem that *they* refuse to address. And of course the "problem" is real people, with complex stories and complex needs. Too bad.
I think DeSantis' actions will backfire. Abbott and Ducey got away with bussing people to New York, Chicago and DC. Those cities had time to prepare for the busses and put services in place to assist the people. There was media attention, but probably because the arrival of the busses was anticipated and the cities (and nonprofits) responded, there wasn't a huge outcry. Perhaps there should have been... But DeSantis flew the migrants to Martha's Vineyard, without any notification. The good people of the Vineyard responded with assistance and compassion. And I think many people who want to see more controls at the border will see through DeSantis' vile attempt to "own the libs"--precisely because it was so callous. Well, I HOPE they will.
There are conflicting reports about how much the migrants were informed about what was happening. Some apparently were told they were going to New York City, others to Boston, some had no idea where they were headed. Clearly, all were lied to--either overtly or by inference. The cynics say that, in addition to dropping the migrants into a liberal bastion, DeSantis' real aim was to complicate their ability to make asylum hearings--which would increase the probability of their deportation.
It's an ugly, ugly situation--to which ordinary people have proved that we want to find equitable solutions that support the migrants and honor our nation's promise of being a place where those who are fleeing violence from their own governments can seek refuge. The question is whether we have the wherewithal to withstand the vile tactics of the Republicans who view the migrants as undeserving of even the opportunity to state their case, much less to being welcomed as people seeking better lives for themselves and their children.
Thank you so much. Right on. Well said. And I appreciate you taking the time to write this. We're planning a live video Tuesday afternoon to talk about how to talk about this kind of stuff and we were practicing it today. Very similar content to some of what you bring up here.
It's even worse because apparently the people sending folks to Martha's Vineyard did things that directly sabotaged their ability to get to needed immigration appointments. These people are asylum seekers, here legally and just trying to do the right things to get through the process, which is hard enough without this sort of interference.
I heard that news too, just after I posted this. I've since heard more detail on that. I am hoping that those in a position to pursue charges for these potentially illegal moves of humans have the courage, resources, and wherewithal to do so. - Vanessa
The Republicans have capitalized on a narrative that "the Mexicans" are storming the border--intent on taking away *your* job! They're violent! They bring drugs into the country! They commit crimes! We gotta stop 'em! And people have bought into it .
In reality, the situation at the border is much more complex. But sound bites rule. So let the liberals deal with the problem that *they* refuse to address. And of course the "problem" is real people, with complex stories and complex needs. Too bad.
I think DeSantis' actions will backfire. Abbott and Ducey got away with bussing people to New York, Chicago and DC. Those cities had time to prepare for the busses and put services in place to assist the people. There was media attention, but probably because the arrival of the busses was anticipated and the cities (and nonprofits) responded, there wasn't a huge outcry. Perhaps there should have been... But DeSantis flew the migrants to Martha's Vineyard, without any notification. The good people of the Vineyard responded with assistance and compassion. And I think many people who want to see more controls at the border will see through DeSantis' vile attempt to "own the libs"--precisely because it was so callous. Well, I HOPE they will.
There are conflicting reports about how much the migrants were informed about what was happening. Some apparently were told they were going to New York City, others to Boston, some had no idea where they were headed. Clearly, all were lied to--either overtly or by inference. The cynics say that, in addition to dropping the migrants into a liberal bastion, DeSantis' real aim was to complicate their ability to make asylum hearings--which would increase the probability of their deportation.
It's an ugly, ugly situation--to which ordinary people have proved that we want to find equitable solutions that support the migrants and honor our nation's promise of being a place where those who are fleeing violence from their own governments can seek refuge. The question is whether we have the wherewithal to withstand the vile tactics of the Republicans who view the migrants as undeserving of even the opportunity to state their case, much less to being welcomed as people seeking better lives for themselves and their children.
Thank you so much. Right on. Well said. And I appreciate you taking the time to write this. We're planning a live video Tuesday afternoon to talk about how to talk about this kind of stuff and we were practicing it today. Very similar content to some of what you bring up here.
-Vanessa
It's even worse because apparently the people sending folks to Martha's Vineyard did things that directly sabotaged their ability to get to needed immigration appointments. These people are asylum seekers, here legally and just trying to do the right things to get through the process, which is hard enough without this sort of interference.
I heard that news too, just after I posted this. I've since heard more detail on that. I am hoping that those in a position to pursue charges for these potentially illegal moves of humans have the courage, resources, and wherewithal to do so. - Vanessa