Political Interruption: Your Tired, Your Poor...
...Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free marched today.

Immigrant rights demonstration (Trib)

4:39 p.m.: Cardinal Francis George, speaking at the rally's interfaith prayer service, says the issue is one of respect for human rights.

"Respect is the reason we are together this afternoon," George says. "Families should not be divided. Husbands should not be separated from their wives, or mothers from their children."

"People who have been part of this country's social and economic fabric for years should not now be treated as if they do not count, as if their contribution can simply be dismissed and they, sent away," the cardinal adds.

George calls on the U.S. to "clean up the inhuman situation that marks our borders and shames us all," and on Congress "to enact comprehensive immigration reform legislation."

Other scheduled speakers include U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) and state Sen. Martin Sandoval (D-Chicago).

Barack Obama (D-Ill) also spoke, I understand. Note all the "D's".

Trib, Sun-Times estimate we had 400,000 people. Being republican papers, means we probably had more.

I fear I am an anarchist, a socialist, a Doctors Without Borders type. I loathe nationalism. If I could wave a wand and get rid of country borders, I would. We are humans, of all kinds, all languages. "The only things different are the dinners," a child reportedly said once. We are citizens of the universe. And of its parallel universe(s).

Didn't get out to the rally, since I was too busy reporting on useless art and suffering the post-fair letdown, but unlike so many others, breathing freely.

Will suck it up and keep on going. Vote Democrat.

NOTE: Indiana Primary is tomorrow. If you're in Indiana, you must have a photo id to vote. Yes, this means you.

The new state law requires voters to present either state or federal government issued photo ID at Tuesday's Primary. Voters without photo ID may request a provisionary ballot Tuesday with the agreement to present a photo ID at their Board of Elections within two weeks of the election.

Make good choices. It's really really important.
- posted by Cynthia @ 9:17 PM | | | Link |