“The land of the free and the home of the brave” is quickly becoming an oxymoron with the latest decision by the White House to deploy the National Guard to the southern border region of the US. This is another indignity aimed at our immigrant and refugee sisters and brothers who predominantly come from communities of color. Those coming today are mostly women and children seeking request for asylum under US domestic law. They post no security threat, nor are they the villains that the White House portrays. In addition this administration’s suggestion to arm teachers and security guards in our schools and the continuing militarization of our city streets is a sad commentary on the moral values of this current administration.
To confront areas of tension with weapons of violence is to breed more violence. Adding to tensions already present is to set a stage which is dangerous, ineffective and morally irresponsible.
Our Catholic Social Teaching stresses that equality and dignity are the result of human security (not border security), freedom to learn and thrive in an atmosphere of respect (not fear of being killed for holding a cell phone), and where the common good of all enacts sensible gun legislation (and not bowing to a gun lobby whose only interest is a profit motive.)
We encourage all members of Pax Christi USA to use our collective power to address the disproportionate and growing issue of militarism that is both a contradiction and an affront to our values as members of the community of peacemakers.
Picture by Steev Hise
Thank you for this beautifully written statement re the militarization of the border. Blessings on the peacemakers.
It’s too bad the Republican Party doesn’t know about the Catholic Social Teachings. I think they’ve become so corrupt and worship money, not God. The only way to fix this is thru prayer, political action, such as “Impeachment Marches”, and voting. My Dad always said the Republicans were for the “Rich” and the Democrats were for the “Working Poor”. I hope we still have a country when they’re done and Americans don’t forget the Republicans lack of “Spiritual and Moral” leadership in the future when they vote.
I am already a member and am receiving and acting upon the good works of Pax Christi, especially the work against violence and on behalf of refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers. Thank you