Because April 15 falls on a Saturday this year, Monday is the actual day that taxes must be paid. Procrastinators, waiting to the last minute, will be scurrying about, trying to get everything done. Most of the immigrants I know, including those without so-called “legal” status, have already paid their taxes, using the IRS Individual Taxpayer ID Number, or ITIN, included into our Social Security system from which they will never have benefits.
Of course, to listen to the newest demagogue on the political block, Ron DeSantis, it’s time to get rid of immigrants, especially the nonwhite ones. Appealing to the fear of losing the hegemony of old white nativists, he calls for an anti-immigrant set of laws that could also target churches feeding the undocumented.
Nativists say their ancestors got here legally, usually through Ellis Island, which did not really constitute so-called legal admission. One has to wonder who will pick the Florida oranges and grapefruit, not to mention strawberries. Certainly not DeSantis. Now the target of his attempts to build his base, he has taken on the most vulnerable in his shameless attempt to get power. And he calls himself a Christian. God help us.
Prayer for the Day
Hearing the cry of the vulnerable, the poor, the marginalized,
We shudder as politicians speak words of fear and hate;
Having made a covenant with our ancestors,
We confess that we have not kept our end of the bargain
Embolden us to be a people filled with the spirit of justice,
As you have shared your mercy, and love with us.
In the name of him who came to give us a new vision of love.
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
The bosom of America is open to receive not only the Opulent and respected Stranger, but the oppressed and persecuted of all Nations and Religions; whom we shall welcome to a participation of all our rights and privileges…
- George Washington, patriot, President (1732-1799)
We welcome refugees not because they are American but because we are American.
- Krish O’Mara, writer
Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself,
Where she may lay her young, at your altars, O Lord of hosts,
My King and my God.
Psalm 84: 3