Work toward liberty, justice

My father fought in World War II against the hate, oppression and atrocities of Hitler. Our country was proud to defeat fascism and ring the bells of liberty and justice. We cannot allow this country to be consumed by the same fear, racism and hate that we once fought against.

Incarceration of people seeking asylum is hateful. There is no other reason for it. It is not a financial reason: it costs taxpayers $798 per family per day to incarcerate. Where it would cost only $36 per day for case management supervision. It’s not a national threat issue: 98 percent of asylum seekers follow the law, show up for court dates, get jobs, make their way here and contribute to our economy and society. It’s not a “They come into my house and take my food” issue. Most immigrants are intelligent, resilient, determined people who become doctors, teachers, business-owners and contributors to our table. Incarceration of asylum-seekers is purely a hate issue; fear-mongering to push an agenda of racism.

Hate is not welcome in our country! We are bigger and better than that! Our country has not always done the right thing, but we always have worked to move toward our vision of liberty and justice for all. Let’s not choose anything less.

Nola Hansen

Spokane