WE MADE A DIFFERENCE – YEA!.

We’ve all heard that the presence of UUs in Phoenix on May 29, wearing yellow Standing on the Side of Love T shirts, was obvious, organized and noticed by everyone in the area. What I hadn’t heard until this past weekend was that it had a positive impact on Sheriff Joe Apaio (Maricopa County, Phoenix) and his tactics. Until May 29th, he had been organizing “sweeps” of largely Hispanic areas looking for people in this country “illegally.” Based on Arizona law and flimsy excuses for stopping and requesting proof of citizenship, he arrested and incarcerated large numbers of people. Yes, he’s been under federal investigation for racial profiling, but that’s not the point. As of May 29th, the sweeps have stopped. We had an impact – a very positive impact.

One of the speakers at our meeting, Mr Joe Rubio, may have identified an important aspect of our impact. The super conservative folks who pushed through Arizona’s law that’s know as SB1070 think that the only folks who were concerned are the folks who illegally crossed the border. When they see middle aged white folks (like most of us) protesting their law, they get worried. It becomes apparent that the super conservative folks don’t have the support that they thought they had. They are far more likely to pay attention to middle aged white folks than they are to anyone from any other racial group.

So, what’s the message? Participate. Come to Phoenix for General Assembly 2012. You won’t necessarily have to overtly protest – your presence itself registers a protest. Your presence, our presence, is important. It will make a difference. Please join me in Phoenix, June 20 – 24, 2012.

Then again – don’t wait for 2012, participate in your state. Many states, mine included, are contemplating laws similar to Arizona’s.