Shoulder to Shoulder condemns latest travel ban

Irv Balto, a member of La Crosse Shoulder to Shoulder, had a great letter to the editor in Wednesday's La Crosse Tribune. Unfortunately, it does not appear to be available online, so Irv has given permission to post it here. Please share with others.

Several organizations, led by the American Civil Liberties Union, are suing the Trump administration (again) over this latest travel ban. Just recently the Department of Justice settled with the ACLU over the suit they brought against the first ban.

To the editor:

La Crosse Interfaith Shoulder to Shoulder Network, is appalled by President Trump's latest iteration of a travel ban from eight countries six of which are majority Muslim. In this travel ban, we have the same old xenophobic hatred masquerading as national security. The travel ban is bad policy whose origins are fear, racism and, in the case of North Korea and Venezuela, retribution for failed diplomatic efforts.It is punishment to all citizens of the countries included in the ban for the actions of a few. The incendiary nature of the ban lights the torches of those racists who would march in Charlottesville and other U.S. cities. 

Given the present political divisions in this country, La Crosse Interfaith Shoulder to Shoulder Network encourages all to speak out in support of marginalized populations. To do less will be at our own peril and will risk true national security.