A Time to Celebrate?
Our nation’s 250th celebration of independence is upon us this week. For most of my 75 years I’ve been proud to be a citizen of these United States. Celebratory music made my heart swell and often made me weep with pride. But this week I find myself crying with sadness and even embarrassment as our government turns its back on those we welcomed, embraced, and assimilated into our beautiful tapestry called America.
I wept today as I thought about “Lady Liberty” and what she has represented for 140 years (dedication 10/28/1886). Everything about her embodies what America has meant to the world’s oppressed: her torch lighting the way to freedom; her crown of seven spikes representing all seven continents; her tablet that bears the date July 4,1776; the broken shackle and chain she stands upon. And then, there are the words on her pedestal.
A young Jewish poet, Emma Lazarus, a resident of New York, wrote “The New Colossus” in 1883. Unfortunately, she did not live to see her poem installed on the Statue’s pedestal in 1901. My teachers tried to have me memorize most of Ms. Lazarus’ words when we studied American History – representing immigration and opportunity - and I think that’s when I first felt patriotic pride.
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, with conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand a mighty woman with a torch, whose flame is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command the air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame. “Keep, ancient lands, your stored pomp!” cries she with silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” (E. Lazarus 1883)
Possibly 1.3 million “Americans”, lawfully living and working in our country under Temporary Protection Status (TPS), now face deportation to Haiti and Syria. TPS holders contribute about $29 Billion per year to the U.S economy and pay $7.9 Billion in taxes annually. They face family separations, loss of employment and deportation to countries deemed essentially uninhabitable. I find this unconscionably cruel and inhumane. Only congressional action can stop this. Call your Senators and Representatives ASAP.
Look closely at Lady Liberty’s face. I bet you’ll see her weeping too.
RESIST CRUELTY
Janet Jeffery – Gold Beach
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