Page Four

An Oval Office address to the nation. A reasoned response from opposing political leaders to an unreasonable and false call to crisis of the soul. The address was front page news. The address was appeared on page 4, instead.

That’s where it belongs, if not on page 10.  Later in the day, page 10 is where it did show up. Dwindling in impact, the emptiness of the address became clear.

Before he uttered a word, the acting president’s message was well known by all. The only twist is his use of the term “crisis of soul.” Whose soul is he tagging? Certainly not his. The wall does not have soul; maybe a fence? The souls of the many escaping tyranny in their own lands to find a land of freedom and hope? Yes, those souls have souls I ache for. But their plight could be solved with compassion and welcome; not a wall.

The only soul I see in question is of America itself. We are a nation of immigrants. We are a nation of inclusion and diversity. It is not always easy to be this way, but in time our wounds heal and we become one. That is soul. That soul needs nurture of newcomers from previous newcomers.

That’s how it works. That is a display of soul. And compassion. That is my sense of America.

Whatever else could be meant by that?

Yes, mr. trump, we have a crisis of soul. It is one made by you and perpetuated by you.

Spend our money on fixing the immigration system. While you are at it, offer a warm welcome to our newcomers. That would salve the souls of those hurting.

Be the Good Samaritan. It is expected of us Americans.

Now that belongs on page one!

January 10, 2019