(Original video has been removed. This link includes excerpts of the video.)
Yep, it’s true. Ammon Bundy, leader of the 2016 occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge and who recently claimed that his Mormon church had been infiltrated by socialists, globalists and environmentalists, is standing up for immigrants at the border. Following the tenets of his faith, he has become their outspoken defender, forcing him to leave behind his shocked militia movement and other “patriot” groups.” His father, Clive Bundy, supports his views, as do a surprising number of others across the political divide.
This holiday season is about a family of Jewish refugees, who left behind their homeland to save their son’s life. This Sunday, CLUE (Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice) is reaching out to people of faith and others to embrace their religious foundational traditions of welcoming and supporting the “strangers” in our midst.
It’s time to reach out, even to the most unlikely of allies, and stand indivisible in support of these asylum seekers.
Action #1 – Sunday, Dec. 9th – SOS! Sunday of Solidarity with Refugee Families. (Correction – not a rally…more of a vigil.)
Dec 9th – SOS! Sunday of Solidarity with Refugee Families – Interfaith Prayer Vigil, 2pm in front of the V.C. Government Center, corner of Victoria Ave and Telephone Rd.
We will not tolerate the cruel actions at the border, done in our name!
We demand that our government:
- Stop the attacks at the border
- Remove the troops
- Assure compassionate treatment of asylum seekers
- Follow longstanding Asylum Law
- End U.S. support for repressive Central American regimes
Join us as we reclaim America as a refuge – not a walled-off nation!
With blessings and our fervent wish that we see you on the 9th!
Rev. Betty and Rev. Melissa
CLUE-Ventura County
Ventura County Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice, www.cluevc.org
Event co-sponsors: Indivisible Ventura, Democratic Moms of Camarillo, Indivisible Ojai, Coastal Alliance United for A Sustainable Economy (CAUSE)
Action #2 – There are only 4 days left to comment on the cruel “public charge” rule that hurts kids. DEADLINE Dec. 10th, 11:59 EST
Comment early, comment often. This rule proposed by the Department of Homeland Security is an attack on the lives and health of the children that live amongst us.
- Here’s our original post on this with links, background material and sample comments.
- Here is an additional method to comment here.
Reading: A New Threat to Immigrants’ Health — The Public-Charge Rule (nejm.org)
Action #3 – Make a call today to stop this destructive bill against refugees.
HR 4850 the “Asylum Protection Act of 2018” is another of those deceptively titled bills the GOP is so good at creating. Contrary to protecting anyone, this bill substantially reduces the time asylum seekers have to file their paperwork.
Minimal Script: “I’m calling from [zip code] to ask Rep./Sen. [_________] to OPPOSE H.R. 4850, and to introduce in the new Congress legislation in the spirit of Senate Resolution 56*.
*(S.Res 56 asks that the Senate resolve that the US should remain a global leader in welcoming and providing refuge to refugees and asylum seekers and that no person should be banned from entering the United States because of their nationality, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender.)
More Script if you want it: I want asylum-seekers’ rights protected and an immediate stop to the use of force against refugees at our border. I am depending on the [Representative or Senator] to address this crisis as soon as possible.“
Contact your Legislators
Rep. Julia Brownley: email, (CA-26): DC (202) 225-5811, Oxnard (805) 379-1779, T.O. (805) 379-1779
or Rep. Salud Carbajal: email. (CA-24): DC (202) 225-3601, SB (805) 730-1710 SLO (805) 546-8348
Senator Feinstein: email, DC (202) 224-3841, LA (310) 914-7300, SF (415) 393-0707, SD (619) 231-9712, Fresno (559) 485-7430
and Senator Harris: email, DC (202) 224-3553, LA (213) 894-5000, SAC (916) 448-2787, Fresno (559) 497-5109, SF (415) 355-9041, SD (619) 239-3884
“Who is my rep/Sen?” or “These aren’t my legislators”: www.phoneyourrep.com
Action #4 – This year, don’t waste money on stuff nobody needs.
Ask your friends and family if you can give in their names to the refugees at our door.
MIGRANT SHELTER.San Diego Rapid Response Network (SDRRN), a coalition of human rights, religious and service organizations, has worked with partners to set up a migrant shelter and are responding to the needs of these vulnerable children and families by providing meals, medical care and legal services. They are raising funds (1) to maintain the daily operation of the shelter and provide basic necessities, such as food, blankets and bedding, portable showers and toilets; and (2) to help provide free legal representation for these families and fund bond fees. To donate, visit GoFundMe.com/MigrantReliefSD. More about this network at http://rapidresponsesd.org/
TRAVEL FUNDS. Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego has established a travel fund to support cross-country travel expenses for these migrant families to reunite with family. To donate at ShareJourneySD.org/families.
MORE OPTIONS here.
Action #5 – Do you have time off over the holidays? VOLUNTEER at the Border
BECOME A LEGAL OBSERVER. The National Lawyers’ Guild, Los Angeles Chapter (nlg-la.org) is calling on attorneys, law students, other legal workers AND ACTIVISTS to travel to the border to act as Legal Observers (LO) as refugees arrive. Spanish is helpful but not required. Volunteers must be 18 years old and trained. Next LO training is December 12th, 6:00-8:00pm at CHIRLA in Los Angeles, Contact Kath@nlg-la.orgfor questions and to sign up. Training address and future training dates here.
MORE OPTIONS here.
INDIVISIBLE VENTURA 