“The bosom of America is open to receive not only the opulent and respected stranger, but the oppressed and persecuted of all nations and religions; whom we shall welcome to a participation of all our rights and privileges.” - President George Washington
Your descriptions of the Border Patrol and what they do along the river sounds remarkably like hunting and I wish that description would be shared widely so people understood how these people are acting against other people. Though, I suspect far too many are ok with the hunting of humans.
Great piece, Jim, a compelling read with important context. On this Sunday morning, it has me reflecting on a week in which a Fox news anchor told viewers that the Statue of Liberty was never meant to be welcoming. It also calls to mind a couple of songs by Bruce Cockburn, perhaps the best singer/songwriter Canada has ever produced. I can't decide which of his songs from the 1980s - "The Trouble With Normal" or "Call It Democracy" - was the most prescient... or listening to them now, maybe just symbolic of what little progress we've made since then.
Excellent piece, as usual. You had mentioned that we need a Marshall Plan for the countries affected by our previous policies. I do believe this is the only effective and long term way to address this problem. Unfortunately the impoverished migrants are confronting a wall of impoverished American politics. I doubt I'll see the wisdom and leadership needed to address this issue any time soon.
Until we invest in the Northern Triangle, this tragedy will repeat itself on an endless loop. But I no longer think we are visionary enough or have sufficient morality to make such an investment.
Hey Mick - what a kind thing to say and a great thing for a writer/analyst to hear. I appreciate you taking the time to drop a line. If you are inclined and have a moment, when you can, share the stuff. I am, of course, looking to grow my circulation and make if affordable for me to continue the work.
And will not change until we get another governor who does not want to spend billions on guns and cops and soldiers and razor wire and floating barriers, I fear.
Your descriptions of the Border Patrol and what they do along the river sounds remarkably like hunting and I wish that description would be shared widely so people understood how these people are acting against other people. Though, I suspect far too many are ok with the hunting of humans.
The governor of Texas made a joke that the only reason he wasn't shooting immigrants is because he'd be prosecuted by the Biden administration.
I saw that. Unfortunately too many people agree with his sentiments.
I keep hoping against hope that we are turning the corner on this guy and his venality, but it's hard to find any substantial evidence to that effect.
Great piece, Jim, a compelling read with important context. On this Sunday morning, it has me reflecting on a week in which a Fox news anchor told viewers that the Statue of Liberty was never meant to be welcoming. It also calls to mind a couple of songs by Bruce Cockburn, perhaps the best singer/songwriter Canada has ever produced. I can't decide which of his songs from the 1980s - "The Trouble With Normal" or "Call It Democracy" - was the most prescient... or listening to them now, maybe just symbolic of what little progress we've made since then.
Thanks, Patrick, as always for your support. I don't recall those songs by Cockburn but will check them out straightaway.
Excellent piece, as usual. You had mentioned that we need a Marshall Plan for the countries affected by our previous policies. I do believe this is the only effective and long term way to address this problem. Unfortunately the impoverished migrants are confronting a wall of impoverished American politics. I doubt I'll see the wisdom and leadership needed to address this issue any time soon.
Until we invest in the Northern Triangle, this tragedy will repeat itself on an endless loop. But I no longer think we are visionary enough or have sufficient morality to make such an investment.
Just wanted to say:
I didn't know you from your previous work, but I find "Texas to the World" extremely compelling, interesting, essential. Thanks for your writing.
Hey Mick - what a kind thing to say and a great thing for a writer/analyst to hear. I appreciate you taking the time to drop a line. If you are inclined and have a moment, when you can, share the stuff. I am, of course, looking to grow my circulation and make if affordable for me to continue the work.
Will do!
Very well said.
Thanks, Mauri. Appreciate you hanging around and reading. And caring.
This is a great piece of work, glad you continue to put this subject out there.
Thanks, Steve. Wish I could stop or avert my eyes, but not possible.
This say it all. What a horrible tragedy… regularly repeated.
And will not change until we get another governor who does not want to spend billions on guns and cops and soldiers and razor wire and floating barriers, I fear.