Sorry about the computer problems last week.
ICE. I had a very meaningful dialog with a member of a law enforcement agency. He is conservative but certainly not far right. More importantly, he is willing to discuss the strengths and weakness of political views — including his own. He is not contributing to the “us versus them” mentality that I fear is tearing at the fabric of our nation.
He has a good friend who was a border patrol agent and now works for ICE. By listening, I learned an important concept about a legal issue.
When someone tries to enter the United States illegally, if they are confronted by border patrol at the border, they are turned away without due process. If a person successful enters the US illegally, the first time they are confronted is like the border confrontation. The law says that under those circumstances the person is not entitled to due process. They are to be turned away—deported. The thinking is logical and consistent. I was glad to learn that concept.
I still believe there are problems with some aspects of ICE, just as I firmly believe there are some aspects of the protests against ICE that are wrong. I do not support violence against people or property. I continue to support deportation of illegal immigrants, but I would like it done in a humane manner that loves our neighbors as ourselves.
It was refreshing to be able to share differences in a thoughtful manner.
Forgiveness vs. Revenge. The British Open golf championship was played on the beautiful Royal Portrush course in Northern Ireland. I have had the joy of seeing that course several times.
The University of South Alabama has had several outstanding golfers from Northern Ireland. At different times, I haved watched them play in an amateur event called the “North of Ireland” on the Portrush courses.
The first time I visited was near the end of the political turmoil in Northern Ireland between Catholics and Protestants. I saw a strong military presence amid caution and fear. In recent years the turmoil has subsided.
The reasons for a more peaceful nation are many, but this week I learned a new story about the changes that contains a lesson for all of us. The story came from Phillip Yancy’s devotional, Grace Notes.
In 1987 a bomb planted by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) exploded in a small town west of Belfast. The blast buried Gordon Wilson, a devout Methodist, and his daughter under a pile of brick and debris. Grasping her father’s hand, the last words the daughter uttered were “Daddy, I love you very much.”
Later speaking from his hospital bed, he said, “I have lost my daughter but I bear no grudge. Bitter talk is not going to bring Marie Wilson back to life. I will pray tonight and every night that God will forgive them.”
Having lost a daughter to the negligence of another person, those words deeply moved me.
When he got out of the hospital, he believed his daughter’s last words were of love and he was determined to live out his life in that dimension. He led a crusade for Protestant-Catholic reconciliation. He averted a Protestant act of revenge. He met with IRA leaders. He was a factor in the changes in Northern Ireland.
Forgiveness is a loving and powerful act for reconciliation. Revenge wants power rather than cooperation and reconciliation. I think about this lesson as I watch the growing tribal divisions in our country.
This and That
Competency. DEI can be criticized for putting diversity and inclusion as a more important criteria than competency.
I also criticize those who put loyalty over following the law.
Emil Bove is being considered for a federal judgeship. Two whistleblowers have described Bove giving directions to DOJ lawyers that they should disobey court orders to help Trump politically.
Trump’s controversial judge pick threatened as GOP senator will vote ‘no’: report
Oops. President Trump made a public statement that implied China does not have wind turbines.
The fact is China is leading the world in wind power.
Good News
Kindness
A Simple Box, A Big Impact: This City’s Blessing Box Quietly Helps Those In Need
Just this week, my friend in law enforcement talked to me about the police recognizing the difference between the letter of the law and the spirit of the law. This a good example of my idea of good police work.
Police Officer And Mechanic Team Up To Help Homeless Mom In Need
This man deserves a medal of some sort.
How A Stick Of Gum Led To A Life-Saving Kidney Donation – And A National Movement
Peace
Jerry
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