Re: “Stephen Miller finally gets his revenge on LA” (July 13, Nation):
It has been stated those that don’t study from historical past are doomed to repeat it. But when we’ve realized something from historical past it’s that individuals don’t study from historical past.
Not way back, the U.S. authorities rounded individuals of Japanese descent and shipped them to overcrowded incarceration camps throughout the nation. This included the Sakuma household, of Sakuma Farms in Burlington. For 3 years, they had been stored behind barbed wire below fixed guard and handled as enemies of America.
By the tip of the conflict, Sakumas misplaced their farm on Bainbridge Island, however their Burlington farm was saved due to their neighbors, Oscar and Nora Mapes, who maintained it.
The narrative of an “exterior” enemy and the “othering” of marginalized populations is nothing new. However our authorities continues to scapegoat immigrants as “criminals” and threats to nationwide safety, detaining them in camps for seemingly no different motive than to appease the bizarre autocratic-feudalistic fantasy of some billionaires.
Historical past will frown on these monsters pulling strings in authorities to demonize our neighbors. Within the meantime, we have to do what’s proper — look out for one another.
In a world stuffed with Stephen Millers, be an Oscar and Nora Mapes.
Tara Nelson, Bow
