I remember watching in horror the many war films depicting the Nazi's and their reign of terror. I distinctly remember watching the Nazi's as they boarded trains and buses asking "papers" and the mad scramble among the passengers as they reached for the documents. And, always, the terrified few who did not have proper papers and were dragged from the trains and buses, to meet their worst fears.
Fast forward to 2018, United States of America and watch as ICE agents board a Greyhound bus and "ask for papers" which results in the removal of a woman who is considered an illegal immigrant and getting ready for deportation. It does not matter that she is a visitor from another country who is visiting her family and not overstayed her visa. She did not show the "right papers" and, therefore, subject to the law of the land.
What has my country become? When did we turn into Nazi Germany of the last century? When did we elect a president who does not hide his racism and contempt for non-whites? When did this country abide by the rules of Nazi Germany and not the rules of the United States of America? What happened to all those who turned blind eyes in Germany in the 1930's? Just look at today and you have your answer. They are alive and well in the U.S.
No longer are the racists, neo-Nazis, KKK followers hiding in the shadows. They are alive and well and showing their whiteness and hatred of all non-followers. And why not? Their leader is the current president of the United States and he continues to stack the deck with his ultra conservative views and judicial appointments. Yes, he is also stacking the third leg of government; the Judiciary and his Republican Party is complicit. Why not, they ask? We are in power and hold all of the cards and better do this while we can. The conservative wing of the party is celebrating the appointments and turning a blind eye to the womanizing and other despicable acts by the president. As long as they hold the majority, they will continue to turn the blind eye.
So, if you are a person of color (any color I might add), prepare to "show your papers" at any time. If you are Jewish and continue to turn the blind eye to the blatant racist is the White House because "he favors Israel", the be prepared for your turn. Yes, it will come. History has a way of repeating itself.
