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Communicating Post Colonialism within Immigration Reform

July 7, 2010, 4:29 pm » Daniel Hodge

This week, Congress is taking legal action against the now infamous Arizona law passed a few months ago. At the same time, a Washington Post poll reveals that most Americans actually support the new law in Arizona. Proponets ot the law assert that Arizona is doing nothing but enforcing what has already been on the books; moreover, they are protecting a border that has gone unchecked. While still others call the new law racist and part of an ongoing trail of racial profiling. What do we make of all this? How can this “debate” even be a debate? Are we not just protecting our borders and keeping Americans safe? Isn’t it in our best interest to keep those “bad people” out of the country? Well, these are all important issues—no doubt. However, there is a mask which covers the ugly countenance that most are unaware is happening. For example, in the 1980’s Danilo Blandon—known for his drug trading and arms dealing—was given full citizenship in the U.S. by the C.I.A. in return for trading guns for crack cocaine in our inner cities.[1] That is just one of many examples where this perceived “protection” has failed us as Americans. In addition there are thousands of websites and documents supporting the Bin Ladin family being given shelter and a “safe exit” after the 9/11 attacks.

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March for America

March 18, 2010, 9:45 pm » Crissy Brooks

As I was leaving our Hope Center celebration, the moon was full behind a high palm tree and someone was blasting a Spanish version of "I Just Called to Say I Love You". It had been one of those perfect moments you can't plan: smiling community leaders, weeping volunteers, chocolate faced kids, a full moon, and pretend Stevie Wonder. These are the moments I live for. If I believed in the stars aligning it would be the alignment of stars. But I don't. I believe in grace. I believe in power.

I believe in the power of the grace of Christ to align the hearts of a Newport Beach debutante, an Oregon country girl, an ex-Mexican political campaigner, a handful of housewives, and college students and cocky teenage Mexican Americans. Only Jesus could bring this group together. And He did.

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Que Dramatico!

December 16, 2009, 3:34 am » Crissy Brooks

“Why do you have to be so dramatic!” I thought as I rolled my eyes. The speaker was telling stories of immigration officers pounding down doors and ripping mothers away from their children, of fathers leaving for work and being deported, never to say good bye. It all seemed so extreme. Maybe there were a few cases like that but, come on! This is the United States of America. We have order and compassion. Let's not be dramatic in our case studies. Maybe you have thought the same things. This is what I thought until it started happening in my neighborhood.

Lately our ministry gets more calls asking for help to find relatives that have been detained or deported. Last week a mother called crying. She was hiding in her closet with her four children, afraid to open the door to the immigration officers outside. “We have never had any problems with the law before,” she cried, as my mind raced to know how to advise her. “I don’t know why they have come.” Clearly the immigration agents have a reason and right to ask her for her documents. She has been in the US for seventeen years. Her four children were born here. Her husband was at work. She stayed in the closet until they left. What would you do?

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Communicating Post Colonialism within Immigration Reform

March for America

Que Dramatico!

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