Vigil protests the inhumane treatment of undocumented migrants at the border

| 16 Jul 2019 | 12:35

    By Frances Ruth Harris
    Mary Jo Thomas brought 100 candles and some handouts to Friday's vigil in Milford that protested the treatment of undocumented migrants at the southern border.
    "I was going to bed every night angry and sad and getting up angry and sad," she said, explaining her reason for organizing the vigil. It was one of many held throughout the country last Friday through Lights for Liberty, which describes itself as "a coalition of people, many of whom are mothers, dedicated to human rights, and the fundamental principle behind democracy that all human beings have a right to life, liberty and dignity."
    All of the 100 candles were lit. Some brought their own candles. Nearly 150 people were in attendance.
    Among those standing in front of the Pike County Courthouse were Democrats Jane Quattrocchi, who is running for Pike County Prothonotary, and Steve Guccini, a county commissioner.
    The handout described legislation proposed by the two U.S. Senators from Illinois, Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, called Stop Cruelty to Migrant Children Act. The bill would end to family separations, set minimum health and safety standards and end the use of for-profit contractors at border facilities, remove roadblocks to placing unaccompanied children with sponsors, provide unaccompanied children with access to legal counsel, provide resources to non-profit centers, and allow oversight access.
    Thomas provided a sign-up sheet asking for emails and phone numbers for future meetups.
    Many who attended brought handmade signs. Some sang songs they wrote. In one poignant moment, a voice rose with "God Bless the Child Who's Got His Own."
    One woman said she wished she'd brought her guitar because she had written her own song. Thomas said she would have a chance to sing it at future events.
    Thomas read a statement from U.S. Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania:
    "There is a humanitarian crisis at our southern boarder that has been exacerbated by the policies of this Administration. This Administration’s policy of separating children from their parents goes against our values as a nation. Asylum seekers who have fled violence and persecution should not be subjected to unhealthy, unsanitary or unsafe conditions under any circumstances. This is way I am proud to support the Stop /cruelty to Migrant Children Act, which would ensure humane standards of care and safety for migrants.”
    'Vets before illegals'
    The event included one counter-protester, who arrived early and held up a sign that said, "Vets before illegals."
    This month marks the longest period of continuous economic growth on record in the United States. But local people say there is still tremendous need among American citizens — including veterans, children, senior citizens, and those with disabilities — that is not being met, at least locally.
    "Instead, how about a vigil for the homeless, poor and hungry children and Veterans of Pike County?" wrote Tammy Eldred Zajac in a Courier Facebook post under the paper's announcement of the vigil. "How about a vigil for our senior citizens and the handicapped?"
    Nearly 50 people agreed with her statement.
    Edward W. Klingener Jr. referred to "homeless veterans sleeping on the street wow illegal immigrants sleep in military bases."
    Michele Mascali Petersen posted, "Unbelievable!!! Especially as there are so many of their very own neighbors in need!!!!!!!!!!!!"