Freedom Couched in Fear Isn't Freedom at All

 

by Pa Rock

Periodista Ciudadano

Today is "Cinco de M ayo," the Mexican Independence Day, a celebration of the day in 1862 when Mexican troops defeated their French overlords in the Battle of Puebla (El Dia de la Batalia de Puebla).  

I grew up in a rural corner of the world that was non-multicultural (at least at that time), and I don't remember hearing about the Mexican holiday until my time in college, and even then just barely.  However, I do remember one of those small elementary school musical extravaganzas in which the music teacher marched each of her classes out onto the school stage to show off their singing talents to a gym full of tired parents, and my group had to sing an old Gene Autry standard, "South of the Border, Down Mexico Way."  (Frank Sinatra and Patsy Cline also recorded it, among others.). "Ay ay ay ay, ay ay ay ay!"

My first real submersion into the multicultural world came during the four years that I served with the US Army during the early 1970's.   Cinco de Mayo was discussed among at least certain groups in the military, and it was a ready excuse to offer specials on margaritas and tacos at many of the service clubs.

My oldest grandson, Boone, was born just an hour-and-a-half after the close of Cinco de Mayo in 1999.    At that time the US Postal Service printed stamps honoring the holiday each year, and I bought several books of them when it looked like he might be born on the holiday, thinking his parents could use theem in sending out his birth announcements.

Today the current administration would never allow Cinco de Mayo stamps because to do so would imply a bias against our nation's long and hallowed recognition of white privilege.  (Trump's war on multiculturalism is his loss, even if he isn't smart enough t know it.)

My favorite memory of Cinco de Mayo happened during my last career while I was a civilian social worker with the military.   Each year we were required to attend one or more trainings - usually of a week's duration - and they were always held in San Antonio. - which has the best Mexican food anywhere north of the border!   One of those trainings occurred over Cinco de Mayo, and I was there for the big parade, a beautiful experience highlighted by plenty of good Mexican food and libations!

I am currently in Springfield, Missouri, awaiting eye surgery later today.  Last night I went for a walk-about and wound up having dinner in an Asian restaurant.  Most of the clientele seemed to be Hispanic families, and I thought that Asian cuisine was somewhat of an odd choice of Cinco de Mayo weekend - but they all seemed to be enjoying their meals, and so did I.  I did sit there thinking, though, about how awful it must be to constantly worry that your own government might suddenly descend on you, because of your last name or physical features, and rip you from your family without warning, or a valid reason, or a chance to state or prove your right to be here.

Most "immigrants" in the United States are here legally, either to study or work, and every single human being in this country has the right to go before a judge and state their case before being deported or simply transported out of the country - it's called "due process," and whether Donald Trump recognizes that right or not, due process is guaranteed in the US Constitution.

May this Cinco de Mayo be happy and festive for everyone of Mexican heritage and for all of us who desire nothing more than to be good, welcoming neighbors.  You add so much to this nation. May your day be festive, happy, peaceful, and free from fear - because freedom couched in fear isn't freedom at all.