“I assumed the ratings would be far higher than they would be normally.”
That was an answer given by Donald Trump when asked why he used his presidential powers to pardon infamous Sheriff Joe Arpaio amid the frantic news of hurricane Harvey slamming into the Texas coast.
This is indicative of the shallow, corrupted mind that powers the leader of the free world — he operates on pop (sic), circumstance and something vile.
His obsession with attention has now given our country a frightful situation to deal with: it has given tacit approval of racist law enforcement policies.
While worrying on its own, when coupled with his feeble attempts at condemning white supremacist violence, we see how much deeper he is willing to entrench racism into the bedrock of our country.
Joe Arpaio is a lawless monster. His actions have cost Maricopa County over $140 million because he does not follow the rule of law.
He would rather grandstand his position, act with unprecedented levels of violence and treat people of color (particularly Latinos) inhumanely.
Arpaio’s establishment of a concentration camp — as he himself termed it in 2008 — and the history of deaths in his jails should worry anyone with an ounce of humanity.
Arpaio seems to be lacking in humanity or at least revels in acting like he has none.
His actions are ideal for those who wish to dehumanize immigrants, calling them criminals, dangers to society, corrupting forces of America’s (supposedly)
more valid humanity.
Those who study immigration policies and activities see this inhumanity every day. But let’s turn back to hurricane Harvey for an example.
Prior to the hurricane making landfall, it was announced that checkpoints would not be closed, forcing undocumented immigrants to risk being caught and thrown into detention or to stay in the path of danger; they had to either risk freedom or risk their lives.
Keeping checkpoints open may seem like sound policy, but one must examine the border being made here.
This new border is not between nations, but one that separates lives worthy of safety and protection from lives that don’t require that level of consideration.
By having continued checkpoints, it was determined that those in danger of detention were less than those who were not.
The option of safety was taken from them, for their humanity has been deemed less essential than that of citizens.
Though this decision may have been made under other leadership, with Trump pardoning Arpaio the decision is given more weight.
The justification of the pardon drives it even deeper.
The timing of the Arpaio pardon was done for “ratings;” the validation of Arpaio’s deadly practices was done without thought of the community impacted, but of those watching.
Those who agree with Arpaio, agree with strict and dangerous border policies.
Donald J. Trump is this nation’s president, and his speech and actions confirm that he is the Racist-in-Chief.
Jose Reta Harlingen
