Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell jabbed at political rivals on stage at the Fancy Farm Picnic in rural Graves County, Kentucky, on August 3 before a crowd divided by party line – with Republican supporters on one side and jeering Democrats on the other, the latter chanting “Moscow Mitch.”
Kentucky Democrats are capitalizing on the viral nickname following criticism over McConnell’s blocking of legislation designed to protect the political system against a foreign attack.
Our daily news is overflowing on the tragic conditions at our southern border. The tv and print reporters are on it, and some of our leaders in Washington, D.C. are on it. But the Trump administration keeps on separating children from their parents, detaining, caging and even abusing desperate humans who have fled their homes and appealed to the greatness of the Land of Liberty, appealed to you and me, asking for a hearing, for asylum, for the long-held open-armed welcome of the USA.
Emma Lazarus wrote an American treasure, and we have offered it to the world: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” – As it appears on the statue of liberty, offering freedom, safety and prosperity to all the world.
The reporters and some in power are on it, but you and I find it difficult to know what to do. Join me in a moving and informative candlelight vigil this Friday at the gazebo in City Park. Our vigil here in Benicia will be one of over 600 such events across the USA and around the world on July 12, calling for an end to human detention camps, and offering ways to help effect change.
Come to Benicia City Park from 7-9pm this Friday, July 12. Gather near the gazebo, check out the information tables and the art, listen to the music and song, hear the stories of those who work with immigrants and asylum seekers, and find out more about what WE can do to help.
Thank you to all who care about this tragic situation, and all who helped organize this important event here in Benicia.
Benicia Lights for Liberty – Friday, July 12, 7pm, City Park Gazebo
Lights for Liberty events will take place in Benicia and around the world on the evening of Friday, July 12.
Progressive Democrats of Benicia is a co-sponsor the event. Please come THIS Friday evening!
Lights for Liberty is a vigil to end human detention camps. We will gather at the Gazebo in Benicia City Park (First & Military Streets), at 7pm on Friday, July 12: facebook.com/events/350536272520879
What to Expect:
Gather with others who care deeply about conditions at our southern border
Hear from nearby organizations that are working with immigrant families; be moved by the stories and efforts being made to welcome young and old who seek freedom and safety in the U.S.
Learn what you can do to help
View a display of Nikki Basch-Davis’ art, “My Voice” – faces of the human tragedy at our southern border
Opportunity to sign a Benicia Lights for Liberty petition
Take part in a closing silent candlelight vigil – taking our lights into all the world
What to Bring:
Your energy, commitment, hope, solidarity…
Your cell phone, flashlight or LED candle (LED candles will be available for the first 120 participants. Lit candles not allowed.)
A folding chair
Signs of support for immigrants and asylum seekers
More Information:
Lights for Liberty – lightsforliberty.org (Over 600 July 12 events planned worldwide!)