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Compassionate Treatment
When faced with a humanitarian crisis,
We must act with understanding and sense.
In the past year we've had thousands of children
Fleeing their homelands to cross over our "fence."
Refugees, victims--they have different reasons
For coming to America, for crossing frontiers.
They have the same motives that immigrants have had
For coming here for hundreds of years.
It's true that we cannot house the world,
But people from various countries are assured
Due process according to our laws
When they seek refuge. Let's keep our word.
But descendants of immigrants running this country
Have been determined to pick and choose
WHO could not be allowed to enter,
As in the 1940s when we turned away Jews.
It's amazing, too, when our immigrant leaders--
Those who are lucky to be here-become
Arrogant, cold-hearted, unempathetic,
Xenophobic, bitter, and numb.
When the kids are bused to processing centers
And encounter Americans who shout and rail
And hold up their signs filled with hatred and ignorance,
They encounter behavior that's beyond the pale.
Compassionate ways to solve the problem
Should be our focus--NOT abuse.
Let's hope that the vast majority of Americans
Are much more caring and not so obtuse.
(7-13-14)
We must act with understanding and sense.
In the past year we've had thousands of children
Fleeing their homelands to cross over our "fence."
Refugees, victims--they have different reasons
For coming to America, for crossing frontiers.
They have the same motives that immigrants have had
For coming here for hundreds of years.
It's true that we cannot house the world,
But people from various countries are assured
Due process according to our laws
When they seek refuge. Let's keep our word.
But descendants of immigrants running this country
Have been determined to pick and choose
WHO could not be allowed to enter,
As in the 1940s when we turned away Jews.
It's amazing, too, when our immigrant leaders--
Those who are lucky to be here-become
Arrogant, cold-hearted, unempathetic,
Xenophobic, bitter, and numb.
When the kids are bused to processing centers
And encounter Americans who shout and rail
And hold up their signs filled with hatred and ignorance,
They encounter behavior that's beyond the pale.
Compassionate ways to solve the problem
Should be our focus--NOT abuse.
Let's hope that the vast majority of Americans
Are much more caring and not so obtuse.
(7-13-14)
