Sanctuary Rescinded
In one of Donald Trump’s first acts in office, he stripped away protections for schools, hospitals and places of worship from immigration enforcement. These were once safe spaces where people could learn, receive health care and pray without fear. Now, they have been turned into targets for ICE raids.
This is unconscionable. As the world’s most significant historical climate polluter, the United States has a responsibility to immigrants. Our pollution is causing climate chaos—droughts, floods, hurricanes, rising waters—that is forcing people in Latin America, Asia, Africa and elsewhere to leave their homes. Others are fleeing violence, poverty and hunger, all of which are caused by or made worse by the climate crisis.
Immigrant families are facing the unimaginable: the fear that seeking education or health care could mean deportation or that a peaceful moment of prayer might be shattered by ICE agents barging in.
The future of so many families in our communities is on the line. We must call on local leaders to do the right thing, even as the federal government does not. I’m writing to urge mayors to hear this call and take action to protect immigrants.
Patrick Costello
San Anselmo
Psybastopol
The article “Higher Office” (Bohemian, Feb. 26) was very interesting to read. Legalization of Schedule 1 drugs, the most addictive of all five Scheduled drugs, is a novel idea. Conducting the treatment under the supervision of shamans could also be helpful.
I know folks who are stoned all the time, and they are always interesting. I don’t live in Sebastopol, but Jonathan Pinkston’s philosophies seem right in line with Peacetown.
Leslie Mikulich, DVM
Sonoma County
