Roberto

[madamesilverspurs]

His hands were shaking a little as he took his turn at the microphone, he was one of several spontaneous speakers at our "Peaceable Gathering" this afternoon. The speaker preceding him had read a list of things that will change with Arizona's new anti-"illegal" immigrant law, and he gave her a brief hug as she handed over the mic. His snow-white hair fell over his forehead as he bowed his head for a moment to gather his thoughts. Then he raised his head, put his shoulders back and began to speak.

He talked of being born in Arizona, a descendant of those who had lived there before the area was part of Mexico long before it was part of the United States. He spoke of others of his ancestors who lived here before the Spanish came. He spoke of his extended family which now lives in Arizona and New Mexico and Colorado and Utah and California. Like others he spoke of friends and relatives who have already left Arizona even though they're native born, they're too afraid to stay.

He spoke with pride of his career in the military, from which he retired a Lt.Colonel. He said he'd always been so very proud to be an American. "And then Arizona passed this law," he said, and he began to cry.


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[Fridays Child]

1. It must have been an incredible moment.

eom

[JohnnyLib2]

2. What a vivid portrayal!

Thank you.

And what a dismal fiasco this law is.

[madamesilverspurs]

3. Tying up the loose end, here.

I'd had to stop typing the OP, it just got too heavy for a bit. Here's the rest:

When he had regained his composure he noted that the Jews had been required to wear a yellow star, but that his Star of David is his brown skin. And there were a few gasps as he said it and not a few tears. Before he sat down he said "thank you, thank you to all of the Anglos who are stepping up to help with this fight."

I was seated behind him, and I rose to speak. Holding my hand out to him I said, "Instead of you thanking us, will you let us walk this walk with you?" He stood and put his arms around me, and we both cried.


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[glitch]

4. Our hearts are with you both. Thank you for telling his story, and so eloquently. nt