We BANNED refugees yesterday. Let that sink in: we closed our borders to the most vulnerable, the persecuted, the oppressed. If you are a Christian, and have read even a few passages in the Bible, you know Christ (or whatever spiritual leader you follow) would do the exact opposite.
We BANNED Muslims. I'm in a state of utter disbelief. How is it even possible to bar people from seven Muslim-majority nations?
We BANNED peaceful, prayerful, brilliant, capable, brave souls from seeking safety in our country. I feel a dark cloud of shame and pain.
We, the United States of America – the beacon of hope, land of the free, sanctuary for the tired, the poor, the homeless, tempest-tost – BANNED human beings from our shores.
Effective immediately. Visas are being denied for people from Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Iran, Sudan, Libya and Somalia boarding flights to the USA, interviews and vetting meetings cancelled.
I want to negate this Executive Order. I want to turn back time. I want to undo the message it sends. I want to reverse the havoc it wreaks.
I feel outraged. Sad. Violated. Appalled. Hurt. Offended. Numb. Disgusted. Ashamed. Fearful. Yet somehow, I choose love.
Love for my country. Love for my fellow Americans of all faiths, ethnicities, and backgrounds.
Love for our values. Love for all here and around the world whose lives and loved ones are immediately affected by this horrific action. We will respond with love – and continue to struggle, to rise up, to fight with everything we've got.