Insightful reporting and writing that sheds light on activism in real time. The term "bounties" and "bounty hunting" in the context of immigration policy is like a page out of a dystopian novel written by Margaret Atwood. Canadians are bracing for an influx from the U.S.
Note: I had never really considered the significance of changing the definition of "refugee" to person with a “well-founded fear of persecution" according to standards established by United Nations conventions and protocols. (Refugee Act of 1980)
Trump, MAGA, and their allies in Congress and elsewhere have made "hate" a linchpin of their campaigns to stay in power. The "other" includes brown-shinned people from Latin America.
Prior to the Iowa primary last June, 4th district Congressman Randy F ran ads on local Des Moines TV (Ames is in that district). The central theme was immigration and the dangers of "open borders" -- as if the horde was lapping at the doors of everyone NW of Des Moines and stealing, raping, breathing the same air, etc. The byproduct is that people are afraid and willing to rid themselves of perceived insecurity.
These "hordes" originate in Central and South America, of course, because of instability. gangs, poverty, etc. that make like intolerable. By one report, there are 20 million displaced persons on the move in Western Hemisphere. About 8e million from Venezuela alone, and not all uneducated laborers. Read: https://losangelesdeclaration.com/
Just seeing this, after a day away. Such great information on how to connect and begin to figure out what we can do to help in this scary scenario as it closes in on us. Thanks, Bob! IMMJ is doing great work.
IMMJ is hosting a meeting today to help prepare for what lies ahead. A beginning.
Oh my. Sounds like a sequel to the old wanted dead or alive TV show from days long ago. Neil Young has a lyric in a song that sings, "hate is everything you think it is". That is where we are now in this country. People are even applauding assasination of human beings. I am going to try to do my best to stand up to hate and intolerance. I need large helpings of grace to do that and I hope the Good Lord will help me with that.
It is a sad state of affairs this has become and possibly unfortunate things to come. Illegals knew from beginning what they were doing and what the ramifications could be but of course for them it was worth it, sad but true. Hatred abounds, just like the Trump-haters that call him every name in the book, so sad. I don't think 'mass' deportation will happen for very long as where will these people be dumped? This country has had illegals working here for years, citrus, vegetable but when we didn't close the border for the massive influx we were setting ourselves up for the mess we have allowed to happen. I know a man in Texas that had a very talented illegal working for him for several years in a landscaping business. the illegal said why should I spend big $$$ to be citizen. He'd have to pay taxes, pay ins, (when got hurt went to ER and got treated for free) have drivers license. To become citizen the employer would have to lay the talented man off and prove for so many months he needed this specific person. NOW, where were our political parties and interested citizens in the past yrs to get this immigration thing rectified. When European immigrants came to this country, my ancestors and maybe yours, they spent time in immigration centers. I have seen the facilities in Hamburg, Germany and listened to family talk of staying there to be vetted before coming to America. Yes Trump and his words are scary but at least he has the brass to address the situation compared to the lilly-livered of the past that let it get worse. As far as schools, I've known many parents so frustrated for their children becoming bored at school as the teacher has to spend so much more time with the illegals' children. The result is more home schooling and sending children to private schools, if possible. I see so many illegals with no drivers license in auto wrecks with no insurance and I think you know who ends up paying for that. What is maybe about to happen could be so bad but we can pat ourselves on our back for letting it getting to this. So sad!!
Bounty hunters in 2025? This is a precursor to a violent civil war in modern America. Which is what some would welcome, I am convinced. MAGA has become more fiction than a John Wayne western.
Agree, I just checked out their website and signed up. The best thing we do right now is pay attention and get connected with credible and knowledgeable resources. Of course, that’s one reason to follow Bob!
I pray the Catholic Bishops' statement is more than words on paper. When Bishop Zinkula was here in Davenport he was very engaged in social justice work. As Archbishop, WOW! He could be a powerful force and inspire other denominations to step up. Bob, he may be someone to interview on this issue.
I don't understand the hatred. Everyone reading this is probably the descendant of an immigrant although my grandmother on my mother's side has some definitely indigenous features. Most people do not understand that a good part of our present food production is the result of immigrant labor. I remember well the time when Iowa welcomed immigrants. It is possible to change again.
Missouri is an embarrassment and I live in Kansas! Keep up the great writing.
Thanks Kristin!
Insightful reporting and writing that sheds light on activism in real time. The term "bounties" and "bounty hunting" in the context of immigration policy is like a page out of a dystopian novel written by Margaret Atwood. Canadians are bracing for an influx from the U.S.
Note: I had never really considered the significance of changing the definition of "refugee" to person with a “well-founded fear of persecution" according to standards established by United Nations conventions and protocols. (Refugee Act of 1980)
With respect to your note, I hadn't either.
Trump, MAGA, and their allies in Congress and elsewhere have made "hate" a linchpin of their campaigns to stay in power. The "other" includes brown-shinned people from Latin America.
Prior to the Iowa primary last June, 4th district Congressman Randy F ran ads on local Des Moines TV (Ames is in that district). The central theme was immigration and the dangers of "open borders" -- as if the horde was lapping at the doors of everyone NW of Des Moines and stealing, raping, breathing the same air, etc. The byproduct is that people are afraid and willing to rid themselves of perceived insecurity.
These "hordes" originate in Central and South America, of course, because of instability. gangs, poverty, etc. that make like intolerable. By one report, there are 20 million displaced persons on the move in Western Hemisphere. About 8e million from Venezuela alone, and not all uneducated laborers. Read: https://losangelesdeclaration.com/
And much of that instability/gangs/poverty, etc. are the result of past U.S. policy. But you can't teach that in schools in red states.
1984 is here.
Just seeing this, after a day away. Such great information on how to connect and begin to figure out what we can do to help in this scary scenario as it closes in on us. Thanks, Bob! IMMJ is doing great work.
IMMJ is hosting a meeting today to help prepare for what lies ahead. A beginning.
so much insight and clarity -- thank you
Oh my. Sounds like a sequel to the old wanted dead or alive TV show from days long ago. Neil Young has a lyric in a song that sings, "hate is everything you think it is". That is where we are now in this country. People are even applauding assasination of human beings. I am going to try to do my best to stand up to hate and intolerance. I need large helpings of grace to do that and I hope the Good Lord will help me with that.
It is a sad state of affairs this has become and possibly unfortunate things to come. Illegals knew from beginning what they were doing and what the ramifications could be but of course for them it was worth it, sad but true. Hatred abounds, just like the Trump-haters that call him every name in the book, so sad. I don't think 'mass' deportation will happen for very long as where will these people be dumped? This country has had illegals working here for years, citrus, vegetable but when we didn't close the border for the massive influx we were setting ourselves up for the mess we have allowed to happen. I know a man in Texas that had a very talented illegal working for him for several years in a landscaping business. the illegal said why should I spend big $$$ to be citizen. He'd have to pay taxes, pay ins, (when got hurt went to ER and got treated for free) have drivers license. To become citizen the employer would have to lay the talented man off and prove for so many months he needed this specific person. NOW, where were our political parties and interested citizens in the past yrs to get this immigration thing rectified. When European immigrants came to this country, my ancestors and maybe yours, they spent time in immigration centers. I have seen the facilities in Hamburg, Germany and listened to family talk of staying there to be vetted before coming to America. Yes Trump and his words are scary but at least he has the brass to address the situation compared to the lilly-livered of the past that let it get worse. As far as schools, I've known many parents so frustrated for their children becoming bored at school as the teacher has to spend so much more time with the illegals' children. The result is more home schooling and sending children to private schools, if possible. I see so many illegals with no drivers license in auto wrecks with no insurance and I think you know who ends up paying for that. What is maybe about to happen could be so bad but we can pat ourselves on our back for letting it getting to this. So sad!!
Bounty hunters in 2025? This is a precursor to a violent civil war in modern America. Which is what some would welcome, I am convinced. MAGA has become more fiction than a John Wayne western.
Please keep shinging a light on these stories! People need to hear 'em!
Thank you, Bob. Thank you for the link to the Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice.
Agree, I just checked out their website and signed up. The best thing we do right now is pay attention and get connected with credible and knowledgeable resources. Of course, that’s one reason to follow Bob!
This one of the scariest scenarios I can imagine that might take place in our communities. Including Iowa communities.
Will bills like the one in MO be one of those stealth proposals Reynolds and Iowa Republican legislators drop on us?
If so, will and how will Iowa’s religious institutions respond?
I wouldn't be surprised if it was adopted by Iowa Republicans. Iowa's Catholic bishops have offered support. https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2024/11/20/iowas-catholic-bishops-express-solidarity-with-migrants-trump-deportation/76434677007/
I pray the Catholic Bishops' statement is more than words on paper. When Bishop Zinkula was here in Davenport he was very engaged in social justice work. As Archbishop, WOW! He could be a powerful force and inspire other denominations to step up. Bob, he may be someone to interview on this issue.
Very interesting thought!
Where can I send you a private message or email?
rdwleonard@gmail.com
I don't understand the hatred. Everyone reading this is probably the descendant of an immigrant although my grandmother on my mother's side has some definitely indigenous features. Most people do not understand that a good part of our present food production is the result of immigrant labor. I remember well the time when Iowa welcomed immigrants. It is possible to change again.
I don't understand it, either. I know many of the machinations/motives behind it, but it doesn't match my lived experience.
It's a dilemma reminding me of the Albert Einstein quote: "We cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them”
That's correct we can't continue to put our head in the sand!!
Great quote!
Excellent piece. Thank you. Yes, prepare for the worst, and work to mitigate whatever ends up happening.