To the Supreme Court I go... (JC)

During Bill Clinton’s re-election campaign, laws to strengthen the US/Mexico border were enacted in order to influence voters in the large electoral states of California and Texas.  In particular, one law required that a 14-foot fence be built across 40 miles of the border, essentially blocking access to California.  If immigrants from Mexico wanted to enter the US now, they would have to cross extremely desolate area of the Arizona desert – something US officials considered highly unlikely.

However, they underestimated the desperation of immigrants who sought freedom from poverty and oppression.  What happened next fundamentally changed the country’s relationship with the state of Arizona.

The floodgates of Arizona were opened; and the border crossers, determined to find freedom and opportunity, continued their trek across the desert.  Some found their freedom, but many perished on the journey.  The dangers of the desert do not deter these people, and many lose their lives each day.

In 2010, Arizona State Senate Bill 1070 (SB 1070) became law and made national headlines.  It had many similarities to the controversial Patriot Act, in that it gave law enforcement officers the power to detain and/or harass anyone they felt “looked suspicious” or those resembling “illegal” immigrants.  This heavy-handed response was, in part, Arizona’s answer to the Clinton Administration’s border laws.  Arizona lawmakers felt such laws sent Mexicans pouring across their borders, and “infecting” their state with immigrants.

The real problem is SB 1070 which exacerbates racial profiling and discrimination against Mexicans.  It takes us back to the “Jim Crow” South, and more recently to the Trayvon Martin case – if you look a certain way, you are automatically “suspicious” or a criminal.  My friends still kid me about “Driving While Black” – but, unfortunately, it is true that when you are a person of color, whether Muslim, Black, or Hispanic, you are often-times guilty until proven innocent.

On Monday, April 23, I will be speaking out against SB 1070.  Join me, other Unitarian Universalists, and people of faith at 10:00 AM in front of the Supreme Court building in Washington, DC to say NO to this bigoted bill.  Come stand in solidarity with our brown brothers and sisters who deserve to be treated with worth and dignity.  “Can I see another’s woe and not be in sorrow too?” (William Blake)

There is no easy solution, but SB 1070 is not the answer.  Arguments are being heard by the Supreme Court next week which could render the bill useless, or uphold this prejudiced law.  We all agree that a solution must be sought, but intolerance is not the way.  Will you stand with me?

--Rev. John