Freethinkers' Forum - Exploring Immigration Issues with Allegra Love

We are thrilled to have immigrant rights activist Allegra Love as our leader in Jan, bringing us a powerful discussion topic to start off the new year. Here are some of her comments:

> | We have arrived at this moment as a result of a deeply complex set of factors that concern history, economics, capitalism, racism, geography, class… you name it. And yes, certainly our President and the contemptible and cowardly people who surround him are to blame for much of it. But the moment also requires introspection about the way that each of our lives and choices have contributed. Many people I know say they have the courage to stand up to violent federal law enforcement and are eager for the chance to demonstrate it. I believe them. But I wonder if we have the courage to really consider how the way we live as Americans has created the conditions that let something like this happen and to really ask ourselves what kind of courage it would take to address that in our own lives. I understand that this may seem to some like an unfair request. Especially since we are not the people with masks on our faces and knees on people’s necks who are ripping parents from their wailing children. But when the actions of these bad actors are the only thing we blame, where do we find the power to fix it? If we consider our own actions gently and with respect for the intricacies of the situation, could we find authentic places to shift power because no one can stop us from changing ourselves? |
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Come with your opinions, thoughts, and questions, and participate in this timely and vital discussion!

Freethinkers Forum meets the second Sunday of every month from noon - 1:30 pm in a hybrid format, in person at UU Santa Fe on the corner of Barcelona and Galisteo, and via zoom. To get the zoom link, go to Events on our meetup site, and click that you will attend, then you can access the zoom link at the Online event icon.

We are a gathering of freethinkers and humanists, people from all faiths or none, who come together to discuss collaboratively-chosen topics, to listen with open minds, share with open hearts, work together on social activism projects and share supportive community. Our general format is a short presentation followed by an hour or so of open discussion of the subject. All are welcome, and all outlooks on the topics are respected. We aim to learn from each other and celebrate our diversity!

For more information, or to suggest topics or activities, contact:
Kalb Bair: torvannn@gmail.com
Dorothy Bracey and the Action Team: dorothy@dorothybracey.com
Greg Brown: gbrown@central.uh.edu
Roger Brumley: rellisbrumley@msn.com
Mim Chapman: mimcsf@gmail.com
Gail Funk: freethinkerssf@gmail.com
Mary Ellen Gonzales: maryellengonzales@gmail.com