This isn’t about politics. It has absolutely nothing to do with Democrats or Republicans. This is about families and more specifically, children.
The images we see of children in cages separated from their parents at the southern border is disheartening. The audio that has now been heard millions of times over of a young child crying “mommy” should weaken the hearts of the hardest, most insensitive humans. The fear, fatigue and uncertainty of that child were all felt in that one word: mommy.
I have a young son and nothing scares me more than being in a position where I can’t protect him, can’t comfort him, can’t hold him. Despite how hard I try, I cannot imagine what the immigrant parents who are separated from their children must feel. I can’t imagine how truly insignificant they must feel as their children are forced away from their arms with no power to do anything. I don’t want to feel their pain because it hurts too much, but in all honesty, all Americans — despite one’s gender, race, socioeconomic status or political affiliation — should imagine ourselves as one of those immigrant parents. We should force ourselves to empathize with them because then and only then will we feel enough compassion, outrage and clarity to right the wrongs that other human beings are experiencing — despite their gender, race, socioeconomic status, political affiliation or documentation status.
Politics aside, I understand that America has an illegal immigration issue. I am sure most Democrats, Republicans and Independents agree with that. I also understand that regardless of one’s political allegiance, enforcing current immigration laws is the responsibility of the federal government. Most from all political persuasions would agree with that as well, however, many claim the separation of children from parents is not a law, but rather a policy implemented by the current administration. Law or policy — it doesn’t matter because when people are treated inhumanely — just like slaves were and just like Japanese Americans were during World War II — individuals from all sides who represent various perspectives, must come together to correct the maltreatment. Period.
There is a basic level of respect that all human beings deserve, particularly the most vulnerable among us: children.
America prides itself on values and decency, but those characteristics are not represented at the southern border when children are literally pulled from their parents’ arms. This country should be ashamed of what is taking place. We should be ashamed of what we are allowing to happen to children.
People from all walks of life disagree with the separation of families. Doctors have warned that children separated from their parents will experience significant short and long-term health consequences.
Perhaps that is what should remain at the forefront of our minds as we wait for a solution to the inhumane treatment of children. Perhaps that is what will make the nightmares of the parents and the trauma of these children cease. Perhaps acknowledging and continually remembering the negative effects such actions have on children will implore this country to act in the best interest of innocent minors. Perhaps. Hopefully.
