It is Up to Us

In the post-election excitement I see overtaking a lot of people I am concerned that complacency, lethargy, and a general civic disengagement will only increase. The tendency is to think someone else has everything under control—some elected official. Let us not forget that no one is going to legislate strong community. It is up to its members to make of it what they will. Those with an anti-immigrant agenda are taking a very active role.

Before everyone gets too comfortable let us take the example of Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley to illustrate how little a Democratic majority really does for the issue of immigration. Merkley wants to continue the push to punish employers of undocumented workers. He also relies on the same haggard rhetoric that will not elevate the analysis of, and public discourse around, the issue of immigration. Furthermore, he has a history of siding with Oregonians For Immigration Reform.

All civil rights issues have been furthered by citizens, and now is no exception. Those who work towards anti-immigrant objectives are vocal, active, and taking matters into their own hands. It is up to us to protect our communities against their hate, and to cultivate our communities so they are able to become the safe, vital, and welcoming places that they are capable of becoming.