Readers say we have to stand up for immigrants
Journal has clearly lost its backbone
The recent Journal editorial questioning the judgment of city councilors pushing a memorial that confirms Albuquerque’s status as immigrant friendly is weak-kneed and cowardly. Where’s the backbone? While other mainstream media outlets are calling out Trump administration lies — false claims of voter fraud, e.g. — the Journal team urges caution lest we lose federal monies? Our city has a centuries-long tradition of being made up of a diverse melange of people from all over; we in New Mexico, of all states, should not be creating a fear-based climate of exclusion, xenophobia or oppression. Shame on the editorial team for adding to the already heightened state of uncertainty and anxieties among the immigrant community instead of standing up to a regressive, likely unconstitutional wave of race-based raids in this country. SUSAN SCHUURMAN
Albuquerque bullying. We know this because he has signed an executive order which threatens to cut federal funding for so-called “sanctuary cities,” thus exercising his position as a bully trying to intimidate others into doing what he wants ....
In the APA’s: “How parents, teachers and kids can take action to prevent bullying” website section, they state “preventing and stopping bullying involves a commitment to creating a safe environment where children can thrive, socially and academically, without being afraid.”
This last excerpt, when applied to our city government context, sounds very much like what the Albuquerque City Council is doing by reaffirming the city’s 2000 resolution that granted us the status of “Immigrant-Friendly City.” Councilors Isaac Benton, Klarissa Peña, Pat Davis and Diane Gibson are publicly taking a stance against an aggressive behavior that will be ongoing unless proactive measures are taken ... to stop it.
All four of them have introduced a memorial that strives to create a safe environment where all Albuquerque residents can thrive, regardless of their national origin, religion and immigration status. This measure does not, in any way, interfere with the enforcement of public safety. On the contrary, it establishes clear guidelines that our local law enforcement agency will not serve as immigration agents because that is the duty of federal immigration agencies.
...Perhaps the real question is: “Why wouldn’t you stop a bully?” ISAAC J. DE LUNA NAVARRO
Communications director, Listo NM