The military occupation of this area really concerns me. The migration that is happening is a humanitarian crisis and should not be treated as a security crisis just so that the defense industry and corporate shareholders can generate a lot of profit through government contracts. The government and media portrays immigrants as “invaders” and “criminals” who are out to get something that’s ours, as if that makes it right to treat them terribly. Our society really needs to face the truth about what is going on and demand a more kind and productive approach.
So many migrants are moving from countries that are unstable and unsafe places to live due to actions of the U.S. government, military and corporate entities. The U.S. government and military has intervened in the democratic processes of other countries when those processes were not favorable to U.S. corporations present in those countries. The U.S. corporations in other countries extract as much of the prosperity out of them as they possibly can. Meanwhile the U.S. overconsumes resources, and the U.S. military by itself emits as many greenhouse gases as entire countries in Europe. When migrants are suffering from societal/political/economic issues that the U.S. caused, or are suffering from climate change impacts that are caused here but felt elsewhere, and it is causing them to move, the U.S. is not in a defensive position on the border but must be understood as an aggressor. It’s all very cruel.
Reacting to the humanitarian crisis posed by migration with surveillance, detention and deportation is just so completely the wrong response that it pains me to see it intensifying in this area. I understand this occupation is just the newest development in what has been a catastrophe with different details for a long time (with Democrats and Republicans responsible for it), and even if more people saw things the way I do, there might not be much local officials could do about the military coming here, anyway.
But it bothers me how normalized this industry is, how much we accept it as normal. I find it crazy that they openly tell us to welcome them because local businesses will be selling more hotel rooms, etc. — the entire operation is based on making people miserable and making a lot of money doing so. Is this the right way to develop as a society?
Climate change impacts will continue to get worse, so it’s safe to say migration crises will be ongoing. More and more Americans will become migrants, too, as after every big storm/fire, there are people who move away and don’t go back. Our government does not actually seem to care about creating livable futures for people. In this instance, they are just hyping up a negative portrayal of migrants and generating a lot of profit for corporations with this violent infrastructure that does not solve any problems, or even deal with them honestly. We should all be more afraid of the amount of our tax dollars that goes toward surveilling and imprisoning people than we are of immigrants. We should also demand to see resources go toward projects that make general people’s lives better, when there is so much suffering (in the lives of the refugees and of Americans) due to the actions of large U.S. corporations.
For this area to take steps in the direction towards some version of a livable future, I think it will be important to pay attention to the way the local economy is enmeshed in this military/defense industry project. I also think it will also be important to understand that this violence is a money maker on a different level for people who don’t live anywhere near here, and to understand that the U.S. corporations, and the government actors who are funded by them, don’t care about our lives or safety at all.
Sabrina Maloney
Alpine
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Dear Editor,
On behalf of ourselves, including the multitude of appreciative Marfans, I am writing to express sincere and heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Elbert Bassham and the entire group of Marfa Food Bank volunteers for their unwavering dedication and support. Your tireless efforts in providing food assistance to our community are truly invaluable. And we are deeply, deeply thankful for your gifts of generosity and the privilege of your time.
We understand the tremendous amount of work that goes into operating a food bank: from sourcing and organizing food to distributing it to those in need. Your commitment to ensuring that no one in our community goes hungry is a beacon of hope and compassion. The kindness and dedication of these remarkable individuals are especially commendable. Their willingness to give their time and energy to serve others is a testament to the strong spirit of Marfa’s community that you foster. We are all truly inspired by their selfless service.
Your work extends far beyond simply providing food. You are providing nourishment, dignity and a sense of security to those facing challenging times. You are making a real and tangible difference in the lives of our neighbors, and for that, we are profoundly grateful.
Thank you again for your incredible work and for being a vital lifeline in our community. We appreciate your dedication more than words can express.
Appreciatively yours,
Lionel A. Hernandez-Maywald
James L. Maywald
Ruben (Sonny) Vasquez
Marfa