It is 2:17 in the morning on November 21st and the words are spinning.
“These people did not come here in search of a free ride. They came to contribute to America’s success.”
He is right.
Obama said it, they fight “anxiety” “fear” “heartbreak” – to stay in the United States. They live day-to-day actually hoping to remain unseen – to stay in the United States.
So, their desire to be amongst us is so deeply a part of who “these people are” that they will fight daily anxiety, fear, heartbreak, desperation, separation from loved ones and a myriad of other struggles with one goal in mind – to stay in the United States?
I’m sorry, doesn’t that sound like the fierce patriotism that “we” want?
Obama said, “Their hopes, dreams, and patriotism are just like ours.” I think some of these men, women, and children treasure their unseen patriotism more than most, don’t you think?
“I want to pay taxes to support this great country, but I cannot.” Isn’t this the kind of patriot we want?
Now, imagine being a decent, hard-working person (most of the undocumented people in the United States would fit under this umbrella, by the way) and living a life in the shadows where your daily goal is to remain unseen. It’s not ideal for many reasons, but the worst reason is: bad things can happen to a person that is unseen, as President Obama eluded to. When we do not “see” them, we do not know what exactly is happening to them (or their children). This is when serious injustice and inhumane treatment can happen to a person. On our watch.
I think President Obama said “it goes against our character to deport people like this.” What a bold statement and what truth lies within those words.
I’m proud of President Obama and the men and women who helped him announce this plan.
I’m proud to know there is a plan, at long last, that will help “these people.”
I pray the men and women who are charged with fulfilling these promises will be kind in their approach and void of malice, racism, or hatred.
I thank God for all the men, women, and children who were “seen” for the first time tonight.
The World of Before You 