Democracy unplugged

Recently, I went with a group of Dreamers to Sen. Tom Cotton’s office. There were about 20 of us, mostly young Latinos and a few of us Anglo women, crowded into the reception area. The “meeting” represented the extremes—beautiful and poignant stories by several of the Dreamers with a well-organized presentation on the one hand, and blank stares from the two Cotton staffers who received the group. It was so striking. There were quite a few questions about the senator’s position on DACA, all answered by “We can’t say, we are only here to take your comments to the senator.”

The two young female staffers hugged their notepads in front of them, so looking as if they were shielding themselves from feeling anything. And when we asked how they would get our comments to the senator if they weren’t taking any notes, they said not to worry, they would remember them!

The only positive thing I can report is my memory of the strength of character of these young Dreamers and their friends. They were beautiful. And afterwards, in the wild 45-mph winds on that cold day, they stood on the curb holding their signs for cars passing by on Old Wire Road, chanting and singing. Amazing folks. Why is it again that we want to deport them?

For those of us supporting them, we were perplexed: What exactly are the rules for legislators regarding citizens’ comments? Are staffers really required to take a count and report that number to the legislator? Does the count have to be reported to some legislative body? Did we participate in democracy in vain?

SUSANNA BRINNON

Fayetteville