I like so many Americans were again shocked that Texas Governor would again send busloads of immigrants to the residence of Vice President Kamala Harris. He did this in such callous way that he did not notify the Vice President and social agencies which could provide assistance. Thus, these helpless immigrants were dumped out into the cold outside the gates to the vice president’s residence.
Oh, did I forget to say that this was being done on Christmas Eve. That historic night when Mary and Joseph were looking for lodging so that Jesus might be born in a safe and warm location.
These immigrants like Joseph and Mary had no credit cards or money and could not get into a motel/lodging of that time. These immigrant travelers also were denied a room at the inn.
Finally, Joseph and Mary were offered a place in a barn and Jesus was born in a manger which is wooden trough for feeding animals. And yes, there were the smell of animals that would overwhelm your senses.
And Governor Abbott would celebrate his actions of sending innocent immigrants on a bus some without shoes others with no winter clothing and dumped out in the cold night of the Nations Capitol. The next morning Abbott might have gone to a Christian service and celebrated the birth of Jesus.
The responsibility of the preacher at that church should have been to question from the pulpit the immigration actions of Abbott. Especially when it was on Christmas Eve. And remind the parishioners of what Christians should do to welcome the stranger as it is outlined in the bible.
What if another coming of Joseph and a pregnant Mary were on the long bus ride from Texas. And what if then baby Jesus was born in a shelter in Washington, DC. Then Baby Jesus would be a holy anchor baby.
It is a major moral and political contradiction for so many called religious politicians to say they believe in Christ and yet abuse the human rights of a desperate people. This abuse is horrific, and we need to remind folks of their contradictions.
The legal boundaries and politics that exist today in the middle east would have kept Joseph and Mary from reaching Bethlehem.
While I have been taught to remain nonviolent and forgiving of the awful acts of those around me. But it is not clear as to what I should do to stop racist acts from being repeated time and time again. In the meantime, I will reach out to others with my own love and compassion. After all I do believe that love is stronger than hate.
The American Dream I embrace includes so many who are so different and special, it embraces those who love me and those who disagree with me and my beliefs. And I will protect the human rights of everyone and in the process ensure that mine might also be protected.
But when Governor Abbott and others continue to serve up fear and hatred of immigrants and to do this especially on a holy day is most unacceptable and I would say to him and to his supporters.
Have You No Shame!!
