That is the beginning -- of the largely irreversible madness -- dehumanize a group; normalize the idea that they are insects, not humans. The rest falls -- naturally, in order. Lest you think this is hyperbole, consider that the New York Times said exactly the same as early as 1922, regarding the then emerging Nazis. Make no mistake, Donald Trump (the sitting president) has just rhetorically relegated an entire class of humans to insect status. In public. In writing. It is well-past time to stand and oppose, peaceably. . . .
March on June 30 at Noon, local, in your city. March to each ICE detention facility, each time one occurs in your area. All it takes for evil to triumph, is for the good to do. . . nothing. [End updated portion.]
Over the last 60 hours or so, I've been trading observations -- in comments -- with someone opposed to the entrance into the United States of undocumented families.
Feel free to go look -- if you are curious.
Moreover, because Mr. Jefferson Beauregard Sessions claimed this was a biblical matter, I have more than occasionally answered in kind -- but perhaps not always. . . kindly. For that I sincerely apologize. I am capable of better than that -- to be sure. [Ed. note: image at right, and in the masthead at the moment, is derived from Kabutha Kago's fine art. Do go see it.]
Having said so, I do wish to reiterate that the lesson of the whole New Testament -- and John's gospel in particular -- is captured in the beatitudes (technically Matthew, but whatever) -- in my opinion. Even if I no longer adhere to all these covenants, there is much wisdom in them (whether divine, or not so much).
The humanitarian in me sees that the Good Shepherd compassionately tends his flock. And all people, regardless of geographical accidents of birth, are. . . his flock. I hope my anonymous commenter takes some note of this. It is just one opinion, but I think it is the accepted teaching, of almost every mainstream church that calls itself. . . Christian.
Onward, into the luminous and cooling dawn. Be excellent -- to all your brothers and sisters -- and all. . . are.
6 comments:
This thread started with a comment which cited a verse from Proverbs 15:27 saying:
"Whoever is greedy for unjust gain troubles his own household..."
First biblical law only comes from the five Books of Moses, law does not come from the Prophets or from other books like Proverbs.
Second the verse above is taken out of context as shown by the ellipses. The full verse (in a more accurate form) goes
"He who is greedy of gain troubles his own house, but he who hates gifts will live"
From the rest of the verse we see that this is talking about bribery. Even the original translation cited recognizes this by using unjust gain even though their is no word for unjust in the original Hebrew.
As for immigrants, refugees, and borders the Five Books of Moses (Pentateuch) has numerous passages that deal with these issues.
Borders are clearly acknowledged in the Pentateuch:
"When the Most High gave nations their lot, when He separated the sons of man,
He set up the boundaries of peoples according to the number of the children of Israel." (Deuteronomy 32:8).
But there are numerous references in the Pentateuch and in law to foreigners and strangers which depending on context refer to what we would refer to as immigrants who are naturalized citizens, permanent resident aliens, temporary visitors, and refugees including economic and political. There are also references to security from potential enemy infiltrators, and laws regarding immigrants who refuse to accept the country's laws
"They shall not dwell in your land, lest they cause you to sin against Me, that you will worship their gods, which will be a snare for you". Exodus 23:33
Overall there are over 30 references to immigrants and refugees in the Pentateuch. And the law to not oppress the stranger (which includes refugees and immigrants is the most repeated law in the the Pentateuch.
A few examples of which follow:
"You shall not wrong nor oppress the stranger, for you were strangers in the Land of Egypt" Exodus 22:20
“When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not taunt him. The stranger who sojourns with you shall be as a native from among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord, your God.” Leviticus 19:33-34
"For the Eternal your God is God supreme and Lord supreme, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who shows no favor and takes no bribe, but upholds the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, providing food and clothing — you too must love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt" Deuteronomy 10:18-19
In the present situation we are talking about possible refugees both political and economic. The pentateuch repeatedly warns against oppressing this group and it seems to me that this is the situation we are dealing with.
In contrast the term biblical specifically refers to the Christian Bible which includes both the 'New Testament' and 'Old Testament'. However Christians reject "Old Testament" law, which is what I've been citing. Thus"Biblical Law" technically only refers to the "New Testament".
The christian gospel says 'do unto to others as you would have done unto you.'
So I would ask any christian who says that these actions are rooted in biblical law, Is ripping children who have no control over their situation from their parents something you would have done to you and your children.
Thank you. Well said.
Yours perfectly delineates that both the pre-dating Hebrew traditions and the New Testament ones were historically, and are to this day, unified -- in opposition -- to taking children as hostages, at any national or geopolitical border.
Kind of disconcerting that such analysis is needed.
But there you have it.
Thanks again. . . and namaste.
But~no. We need to raise the anger further:
https://www.cnn.com/2018/06/19/politics/trump-illegal-immigrants-infest/index.html
Indeed, Anon.
And I just read we (he) may withdraw from the UN Human Rights Council later today.
http://thehill.com/policy/international/393021-us-plans-to-withdraw-from-un-human-rights-council
This looks increasingly like pre WW II Germany.
He is a lost soul. Blue wave in five months; Mueller probably before then.
Namaste. . . .
It isn't just him; it is all of the people in his administration and the Republican party that support him.
A recent poll says that Republicans support his policy:
http://theweek.com/speedreads/779794/over-half-republicans-support-trump-administrations-family-separation-policy-quinnipiac-poll-finds
"...a whole 55 percent of Republican voters support the practice, a Quinnipiac poll released Monday found, while 35 percent of GOP voters oppose it."
pardon my 'french': WTF~!
WTF -- indeed, erstwhile Anon. . . .
Nationwide though, two-thirds of registered voters strongly disapprove of the 45 hostage taking policy.
It is astonishing, frankly -- to me, that it is only 2/3rds disapprove. . .
But the movement has begun.
Of that I am certain.
Namaste -- updated the post. Do keep smiling. . . .
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