Normally, I begin with Key West activities and matters of interest. Then move on to political observations, etc.
This morning a couple of things are sufficiently bothering me that I am opening with them. Key West matters follow.
The law is the law. Sounds absolute. It is and is not. There are exceptions to every law. I know. I practiced law for 46 years.
A present day example involves blacks killed by police officers. In most instances appears to be murder. However indictment of police officers extremely rare. There is an exception to a murder charge where the police officer is the perpetrator. If the police officer believes he is in danger of death, he can shot and kill with no legal liability.
A national disgrace occurred yesterday morning at the Orlando Airport. Alejandra Juarez was deported to Mexico. Alejandra is 39. Illegally entered the U.S. 20 years ago. Married Temo. Temo became a naturalized citizen before his first deployment to Iraq. He deployed 3 times to Iraq as a Marine.
They have 2 daughters. Pamela 16 and Estela 9.
Alejandra has no criminal record.
She duly reported to immigration each year. Never a problem. Permitted to remain. Till now.
As part of Trump’s zero tolerance program, she was deported. Leaving behind her husband and daughters.
Immigration laws are not absolute. Not all here illegally need be deported. There are exceptions. One is “parole in place.” It is discretionary. Permits the authorities to allow an illegal to remain. It is generally applied where the person is a spouse of one who has served in the military.
Alejandra applied 4 times for the parole in place exception. Four times denied.
Alejandra’s Congressman, together with several other Congresspersons, wrote a letter to the President asking that she be allowed to remain. No response.
Temo wrote a personal letter to the Trump explaining he had fought for his country 3 times in Iraq and asking that his wife be permitted to remain. To no avail.
Temo’s job requires traveling. Sixteen year old Pamela is remaining home to live with her father. Nine year old Estela will soon be following her mother to Mexico, however. She needs a mother’s attention. With Temo’s work schedule, such is not possible.
A shame. The story sick.
The dark side of the immigration crisis.
Trump proclaimed “zero tolerance.” Means to me all illegals return to where ever they came from. Not the case in practice.
Syracuse University on July 24 analyzed deportations under the zero tolerance policy. Concern existed especially because of the number of parents and children being separated.
The government is playing games.
In April, 8,298 illegals were apprehended. Zero tolerance came into being. In May, the number jumped to 40,338. Thirty two percent of the 40,338 were prosecuted.
Here is where the chicanery comes into play. Prosecutorial discretion applies. The government selects those to be brought before a court and deported. Parents with children were singled out for prosecution. Understand clearly, parents with children to be deported swiftly. Illegals without children generally not referred for prosecution.
My point. The government practiced a policy whereby parents with children were selected for deportation. The administration wanted to show how tough it was and children made no difference.
The Trump administration succeeded. However now selective prosecution rears its head. Similar to no records re the children’s whereabouts. What more will we learn as time goes on?
A blot on the character of the United States. Disgraceful.
Is this who we are? What we have become?
One more story involving immigration.
Two male employees at Arizona Migrant Children Centers have been charged with sexual abuse. The facilities operated by Southwest Key Programs. Southwest Key has received $995 million since 2015 in federal contracts to provide shelter services to children in federal custody.
Two separate facilities involved in the sexual abuse matters.
At one, a male employee was discovered kissing and fondling a 14 year old girl. At another, an HIV positive worker was discovered to have gropped 6 teen age boys and having performed oral sex on 2 others.
Whether Alejandra’s story, zero tolerance pin pointing parents with children, or pedophilia situations being discovered, a new swamp has been created. A more dangerous one. To be drained or permitted to go on?
Last night a change of pace for me. Decided to go down to the waterfront. Schooner Wharf and Waterfront Brewery.
Schooner Wharf always fun. Packed with tourists last night. Spoke with an English couple. Both work with Parliament. First time in Key West.
Walked over to the Waterfront Brewery for a bite to eat. Sat at the bar and watched a replay of yesterday’s PGA tournament. Tiger Woods up there. Could win. I pull for the guy. He has paid his dues for any wrongdoing. He deserves a couple more times in the limelight as a winner.
I eat at the Brewery rarely. When I do, I order fish and chips. The fish outstanding. Large, crispy, and juicy.
Donna and Terri’s tonight for dinner. Donna cooking. She called this morning to ask if I liked scallops. Of course! Whatever she is preparing will include scallops.
Bear is 8 months old. In 10 days, he is scheduled to be neutered. Disgusting!
Enjoy your day!