Monday, May 20, 2013

Breaking the Fast

On Mother's Day the eleven-day fast came to an end at our church. News cameras rolled as a group of demonstrators spoke out for immigration reform, led by Marie Marroquin (pictured) of Mountain View's Day Worker Center.

The problem of illegal immigration resists solution because fundamental American values---family, the American dream, and the rule of law--are at war with each other. Wholesale deportation is impossible because of the sheer numbers involved and the plight of children who know no other home but America. And yet, any effort to fast-track the path to citizenship or even guest-worker status will mean that we have rewarded those who knowingly broke the rules and who refuse to accept the consequences of their actions.

Given the recent scandals that have distracted government leaders, immigration reform this year is looking even more remote. When faced with seemingly insoluble dilemmas an ancient means of coping was fasting and prayer. It looks like Ms. Marroquin has the right idea. © 2013 Stephen Yuen

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