I am a neighbor first. And my neighborhood hurts today.

From McNickGirl:

We care more about ideas than people. We care more about the idea then how it will actually function is our complex world of relationships and interdependence. Ideas have such power with us. We lock our minds on with without checking on what it's making us become. Ideas, good ideas become twisted all too easily. Our longing for peace over rides the need for for justice. Our search for God turns into dogma. Our patriotism narrows to uncritical acceptance. Our hatred for violence become passivity to evils. Loyalty turns to xenophobia.

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All this to say that I saw my neighbors arrested yesterday. These are good men. They pay rent in a tiny apartment and work long hours, expecting very little in return. I like their music selection - even when I have to listen to it late in the night through our thin walls. The INS agent I saw as they were lined up, leaning against the squad car was yelling at them, "Dooo youu aunderstaind Meeee?"

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I don't want this land of immigrants to close our doors on those who are willing to work and join us. At moments like these, I'm not just an American. I am one, but not only one. I am a neighbor first. And my neighborhood hurts today.

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