There are many days and weeks devoted to preventing bullying, and today is one of them. But it’s a very important issue, especially to children, so it’s appropriate to have multiple days focusing on eradicating this behavior.

When I was thinking about an appropriate song to prevent bullying, I thought that the opposite of bullying is being a friend. This song immediately came to mind. There are many versions, but the one I picked is a type of music video I’m a sucker for. It is a Broadway cast (this time, the actors from Beautiful about Carole King) putting together a song while everyone was quarantined due to COVID. Not only does it showcase lots of performers, it is a reminder that during the first Trump administration, we did what we could to support each other through the challenges of COVID. We got through that struggle, and and I believe that by working together again, we can get through our current issues.

So that was my plan this morning. I didn’t get to post because I had some morning appointments that ended up running WAY overtime!

By the time I got home, I got the news: ICE is coming to my home community of Raleigh, NC.

According to the excellent online newsletter of North Carolina news, The Assembly (I subscribe and I recommend it–click here for more information about The Assembly)

“It is the city of Raleigh’s understanding that the Border Patrol and ICE are already in Raleigh and that they will be active tomorrow,” Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell told The Assembly and INDY on Monday night. “We have not been informed of nor are we coordinating or helping plan any of this, so we don’t know what activities they’ll be undertaking tomorrow, or really a lot of other details.”

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein, who already opposed the ICE force coming to Charlotte this weekend, had this to say (again, taken from The Assembly):

“Our office is aware of reports that the Border Patrol is bringing its operation to Raleigh,” Stein said in a statement on Monday night. “Once again, I call on federal agents to target violent criminals, not neighbors walking down the street, going to church, or putting up Christmas decorations. Stop targeting people simply going about their lives because of the color of their skin, as you are doing in Charlotte. 

“To the people of Raleigh: remain peaceful, and if you see something wrong, record it and report it to local law enforcement,” Stein added. “Let’s keep each other safe.”

So first I thought I should ditch my Bully Prevention song and find something appropriate for this ICE invasion in MY COMMUNITY. But then I realized, it was really the same thing.

Because ICE, as it operates today, is a big bunch of bullies.

Now, if there are indeed law breakers or people peddling illegal drugs or hurting or killing people, then ICE should arrest them. But they should arrest them according to the laws of our country, which spells out due process for EVERYONE. They should be arrested properly, not pulled out of beds and sending women and children out into the streets naked. They should be arrested based on EVIDENCE, not merely the fact they are appear to be of Latinx descent. But too often, ICE treats people roughly and without respect, and all too often without cause, because they sweep up many people who are lawful citizens. They don’t care if they have a green card or even proof that they are US citizens; they grab them simply because of their appearance or their accents.

ICE is just one example of the Trump Administration towards bullying instead of leading. Just this morning, I wrote to both my Senators about the fact that our country is blowing up small boats over 1,000 miles from US borders because they supposedly are terrorists and drug dealers. But there is NO EVIDENCE of this. There is, as far as we know, NO DUE PROCESS. Someone–we don’t even know who–is deciding to kill people. President Trump has ordered the most powerful Navy warships into the area. It seems like he wants to start war there.

In the paper this morning, President Trump said he was “considering” talking to Venezuelan President Nicolás Madura. What happened to the concept that war should be the option of last resort, rather than the first action you take? Why not at least try diplomacy first?

Plus, not to mention, only Congress can declare war–NOT the President! So why is the Congress allowing this to happen? Because President Trump has bullied all the Republicans into submission. Democrats brought the issue to a vote in the Senate, but it failed by 2 votes. They are trying to pick up a few more votes, so I wrote to my Senators, and encourage you to communicate with yours.

So, anyway, I figured my bully prevention song was appropriate. My desire is to be an ally for those whom ICE may be bullying tomorrow. We must counter darkness with light, hatred with love, and bullying with friendship and acceptance of all.

Anyway, I hope you find this song as motivational as I do.

(P.S. And you can BET that I’m contacting my US Senators again tomorrow!)

Watch it on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDdxXL6fdwA