As the daughter of an evangelical minister, I was taught to love my neighbor, to provide food and shelter to those in need, to welcome the stranger and to uphold the bonds between parents and children. I was taught that just because it’s the law or government policy, doesn’t mean it’s right. Slavery was legal but immoral.
Two months ago, President Trump announced his “zero tolerance” immigration policy, and his administration enthusiastically enforced this new policy of separating families who illegally enter the U.S. In six weeks, nearly 2,000 children were separated from their parents.
Numerous religious groups condemned Trump’s “zero tolerance” policy, including the Southern Baptist Convention, U.S. Conference on Catholic Bishops and African Methodist Episcopal Church, among others. Religious leaders use the terms “immoral,” “sinful,” “disgraceful” and “unconscionable” to denounce this administration’s practice.
At a June 15 public meeting, I shared with Congressman Tipton my concerns about children being separated from their parents at the border. I asked what he planned to do about this morally reprehensible practice. He replied, “It’s Obama’s fault.” I countered that I was not interested in blame but rather what he planned to do. Again, he stuck with the party line “This is Obama’s doing,” and then walked away.
Scott, you are trying to deceive me. The Trump administration established this policy, and you won’t work to keep families together. Instead, you blame others. When something is wrong, change it. Tipton is wrong for District 3, vote him out this November.
Barbara Noseworthy
Durango
