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Friday, March 10, 2017

I'm still here...

I realize that I've been neglecting this blog lately, but ever since the election last November, I've been finding it hard to work on anything that requires more than the smallest amount of concentration.

My reading has become limited to light romantic mysteries and fantasies, and I find myself watching reruns of old favorite sitcoms.

I'm one of the many people whose anxiety levels have increased dramatically because of the new government.  I've always been a good worrier (just ask my husband!), but over the past 5 months I'm doing it so well that I could do it professionally.

Overreacting, you say?

Well, just one of the things I'm concerned about is the crackdown on people crossing the country's borders.  

Yes, I'm an American citizen, with a valid passport.  But I'm of East Indian descent, and my complexion is what cosmetics companies like to call "deep beige".  I am not Muslim, 
in fact, my father is a Lutheran pastor.

My family lives in Canada, and though we don't visit them every year, my husband and I do enjoy travelling outside the US.

It has not been unusual recently for people of color to be prevented from re-entering the US because some border agent is having a bad day.  Even though the "travel ban" has been rewritten, it still allows for discrimination on the basis of religion, which to many is directly related to skin color.

Much is being made of the fact that travel ban version 2.0  respects those who already have a lawful right to entry, but I'm pretty sure that there was nothing in  version 1.0 to indicate that people traveling with visas or green cards should be prevented from re-entry into this country.  

Yet it has happened, and on more than one occasion.  Even lawful citizens like Muhammad Ali, Jr. have been detained for no other reason than their appearance, or the sound of their names.

Yes, I'm still worried.




4 comments:

  1. This kind of targeting upsets me on a number of levels, but especially riles me for those who have to put up with it. I'm sorry you're one of that number. Breathe, do what it takes to be good to yourself, and know you have support!

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    1. Good advice, Nancy. Thank you for reading Stuff and Nonsense!

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  2. It saddens me to see where things are headed, though I try to find hope in the fact that people seem to speak up about injustice now. I only wish we had done a better job before the election... It hurts to see friends have to put up with hate and have to be fearful. I don't understand the hate at all.

    In any case, I enjoy your blog a great deal, and have gotten countless book recommendations from it.

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    1. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. I appreciate your loyalty so much!

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