(no subject)
I'm so proud of my little coastal community. Our local shul decided to do something to help our immigrant population. Instead of spouting "thoughts and prayers," they got together and figured out what was possible to do to help. We have neighbors who want to become citizens. They're doing all the right things, learning English, holding down jobs, paying taxes, etc. The shul started classes to help immigrants understand this country's laws and customs. They rounded up bilingual tutors for one-on-one help. Their success rate has been 100% for the people who've gone through their courses.
How much did it cost? Not a penny to the taxpayer or the government. And then our administration has decided to double the fees. Most of these people work minimum wage jobs.
So the shul did what every other organization here does: they put on a dinner. For twenty bucks apiece, we got fabulous enchilada dinners and a jug band for entertainment. (It was a very good jug band, but I was kind of hoping for one of the Latin bands.) The place was packed. The rabbi was thrilled to see so many people. The hall was packed. People hung out in the doorways, hoping someone would finish their meal and leave. There were speeches in English and Spanish. Graduates of the program waved from the back of the room. This was the kind of thing that gives me hope. Cross-posted from dreamwidth.org
How much did it cost? Not a penny to the taxpayer or the government. And then our administration has decided to double the fees. Most of these people work minimum wage jobs.
So the shul did what every other organization here does: they put on a dinner. For twenty bucks apiece, we got fabulous enchilada dinners and a jug band for entertainment. (It was a very good jug band, but I was kind of hoping for one of the Latin bands.) The place was packed. The rabbi was thrilled to see so many people. The hall was packed. People hung out in the doorways, hoping someone would finish their meal and leave. There were speeches in English and Spanish. Graduates of the program waved from the back of the room. This was the kind of thing that gives me hope. Cross-posted from dreamwidth.org