If you thought kids in cages looked bad, President Biden, then take a look at this | Editorial
What’s your thinking, Mr. President, about the images of the border agent grabbing and menacing a Haitian migrant with what looks for all the world like a whip, a migrant who, like hundreds of others, seeks to enter this, ahem, land of the free; a hungry migrant who, if you look closely, is bringing food back to his encampment.
Not only are the Haitian migrant and his compatriots “yearning to breath free,” they are yearning to do so in the very country that bears so much culpability — though not all, of course — for the unending misery of the Haitian people in their homeland. The same misery to which you are too willing to deport them, using the same public-health excuse as your predecessor, the one who took Central America children away from their migrant parents.
We’re urging everyone in our own immigrant-loving, immigrant-rich community of Greater Miami to make their cries of displeasure clear to you and your staff, Mr. President. We’ll make it easy: @POTUS; @VP; @SecMayorkas and @DHS.gov. Call congressional lawmakers at 202 224-3121.
Jen Psaki, your press secretary — master of understatement that she is — said the images from the incident at the border were “horrible to watch.” She followed up saying that she needed more information before it was determined whether any action would be taken against the agent, who charged his horse toward the migrant and brandished what Reuters news agency called a “lariat” and the El Paso Times called a “whip:” “The agent swung his whip menacingly, charging his horse toward the men in the river who were trying to return to an encampment under the international bridge in Del Rio after buying food and water in Ciudad Acuña, Mexico.”
We’re not sure if the border agent was channeling his inner “massa” from all those slave-era movies Hollywood churns out. But we’re pretty sure that he was just doing his job, following orders. Orders to round up these migrants so that they can be deported., Your orders, ultimately, President Biden.
It’s a bad look, Mr. President. And it’s on you.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat's an editorial?
Editorials are opinion pieces that reflect the views of the Miami Herald Editorial Board, a group of opinion journalists that operates separately from the Miami Herald newsroom. Miami Herald Editorial Board members are: opinion editor Amy Driscoll and editorial writers Isadora Rangel and Mary Anna Mancuso. Read more by clicking the arrow in the upper right.
What's the difference between an op-ed and a column?
How does the Miami Herald Editorial Board decide what to write about?
The Editorial Board, made up of experienced opinion journalists, primarily addresses local and state issues that affect South Florida residents. Each board member has an area of focus, such as education, COVID or local government policy. Board members meet daily and bring up an array of topics for discussion. Once a topic is fully discussed, board members will further report the issue, interviewing stakeholders and others involved and affected, so that the board can present the most informed opinion possible. We strive to provide our community with thought leadership that advocates for policies and priorities that strengthen our communities. Our editorials promote social justice, fairness in economic, educational and social opportunities and an end to systemic racism and inequality. The Editorial Board is separate from the reporters and editors of the Miami Herald newsroom.
How can I contribute to the Miami Herald Opinion section?
The Editorial Board accepts op-ed submissions of 650-700 words from community members who want to argue a specific viewpoint or idea that is relevant to our area. You can email an op-ed submission to oped@miamiherald.com. We also accept 150-word letters to the editor from readers who want to offer their points of view on current issues. For more information on how to submit a letter, go here.
This story was originally published September 20, 2021 at 7:48 PM.
