Who cares?

                                                                                                           

The neighborhood was quiet. The inner-city noises of light traffic and the rumble of the occasional airliner taking off and landing in the distance were interrupted by the sudden thump-thump of a helicopter that “appeared” over the roof of an apartment building. Ropes were thrown out of open side doors and the dark figures slid quickly down onto the roof. They were armed with assault rifles, and they wore black balaclava masks over their faces with only the eyes visible. As they entered the roof access door and headed into the building, weapons at the ready, cars, trucks and vans surrounded the building with dashboard lights flashing. More masked men and women, wearing jackets labelled “ICE”, “FBI”, “DEA” and “DHS” piled out and either covered the exits on the ground floor or entered the building. Minutes later the armed masked men brought out men, women and children, hands zip-tied behind their backs and put them face first into the yard and began searching them. Some were led to vans and trucks afterwards; some remained on the lawn. The cries of children and a few screams punctuated the noises of agents shouting commands as they sorted the people into those who would, and would not, be taken away. This is Chicago.  

Armored vehicles roll down the ghetto neighborhood, National Guardsmen packed inside. State Troopers have set up a checkpoint to stop traffic. They’re writing tickets and checking documents. A van marked “ICE” sets off to one side, waiting for another customer. The tip of the Pyramid could be seen off in the distance, shining in the sunlight. This is Memphis.  

A small crowd, carrying signs and chanting “no kings, no fascists!” is gathered in front of the federal building where undocumented people are being brought. Some in the crowd are dressed in costumes. Frogs are dancing in front of armed men wearing riot gear. They spray him with mace. It’s ludicrous. Naked bicyclists in the dozens ride through the streets in a protest of federal policies of oppression and tyranny. It’s surreal. This is Portland.  

President Lincoln looks down into the Reflecting Pool towards the World War Two Memorial at the other end. On either side of the water are the Vietnam and Korean War Memorials. Across the nearby Potomac River is a bridge that leads to Arlington National Cemetery. The ghosts of the fallen speak to him daily as Abraham watches the National Guard patrol the streets and back alleys of the city. As Federal agents of various departments make arrests and soldiers rake leaves and pick up trash, they whisper to Old Honest Abe “this isn’t what we fought and died for.” This is Washington, DC.      

Over seven million Americans who love their country and believe in the Constitutional rights of everyone in America peacefully protested this last Saturday across the country. They believe the current administration is turning our beloved United States into a tyrannical oligarchy led by a dictator. When Abigail Jackson, White House spokeswoman, was asked by the media for a response to the protests she said, “Who Cares?”  This is why I fear for our country’s and, especially my grandchildren’s, future.  

God Bless Y’all.