Protesting on the Street Corner
We had amassed on the street corner for an hour parading our “No ICE” and “ICE Out” signs, urged on by the many approving honks, waves and thumbs up of passing motorists. Not everyone responded positively; though — there were a few thumbs down, as well. Pondering that, one protestor mused, “How can anyone not be in support after viewing the video of Alex Pretti’s shooting by ICE?”
Searching for Perspectives
The question stayed with me. I looked to conservative media for an answer. What I found was many of those who initially supported ICE operations were now agreeing that ICE has gone too far. However, they still supported the ICE mission to arrest undocumented immigrants who had criminal records. “No ICE” was a step too far for them.
Evolving the Message
Since then, I’ve changed my sign to “Rein In ICE” in accordance with more and more messaging that is calling to hold ICE accountable; to demand ICE follow accepted use of force protocols; to end their racial profiling and illegal searches; and to unmask. These are measures I support and ones that those “thumbs down-ers” would likely agree with, too.
Lessons from Past Movements
If we’ve learned anything from the controversial “Defund the Police” movement, it is that eradication is a losing argument. Most of us believe in law and order. We support holding both criminals and law enforcement accountable. Let’s be clear that we are demanding reform. That will allow our chorus to grow. More honks may well mean more lives saved
What comes next after DEI? An invitation.
DEI is leveling the playing field. But here’s the thing white dudes don’t understand. To be fair, you gotta share. You can’t have it all to yourself ever again. Rather than fight us, how about if we all work together to ensure quality education and ample job opportunities for everyone? Otherwise, don’t be surprised in your coveted meritocracy if eminently qualified females and minorities beat you at your game.
Submitted by P. Abrahamsen