“Lo Siento”
A heartfelt apology to my Hispanic “brothers and sisters.”
My husband and I reside in a suburb that boasts a huge Hispanic population. We’ve lived here over twenty years, and in all this time, here is what I’ve learned about this community:
They are the kindest, most giving, hardest working, family-oriented people I have ever encountered.
It is an honor to live with, and amongst them. But, here is where it gets weird, for me:
Because of the viper in the White House, every time I encounter a Latino neighbor, I am filled with shame. Shame, and worry that they’ll think my beliefs are in line with the racist, sexist, felonious beast who is single-handedly ruining this country. This country of open arms, minds and hearts. That, once upon a time, was known for providing asylum to those who needed it. And, shelter from the storm of terrorism and violence wrought by longstanding disputes based on race, or a plot of land, or, merely, ignorance.
Deep down, I know that I’m being irrational, but the vitriol that POTUS routinely spews, wafts through our nation like a noxious cloud. So thick and pervasive, we should be sporting masks.
I hesitate to call this snake “our” president, because he certainly isn’t mine. Instead, he is our national disgrace. But, even worse, are the lemmings who blindly follow him. Trump’s “Mini-Me’s” filled with hate and disgust for anyone who isn’t like them. “Good Christians,” some call themselves. Certainly, they need to re-evaluate what it means to be a “Christian,” because, to them, “white is right,” and anything in between deserves to be dismissed — to be treated like trash in a tenement alley.
Who are these people? These thick-headed dolts who trust and believe that POTUS and his ass-kissers are going to “Make America Great, Again?”
“Great?” We are the laughingstock of the world. And, even worse, we have become inured to the recurring violence, and its horrific aftermath, that the Media gobbles up like an addict with an unlimited supply of Oxy. “Mass shootings.” I wouldn’t be surprised if they earn their own category at the Emmy Awards.
Unless I’ve missed something, I can’t recall an incident where a person of Mexican descent has armed himself to the teeth and shot up a church, or a school, or a mall, or a nightclub, or a movie theater. Of course, my memory isn’t what it used to be, but, to my recollection, it hasn’t happened.
So, I am taking it upon myself to apologize to the Hispanic community. I’m sorry. So sorry, for the jaw-dropping, disparaging comments spewed from the President’s foul mouth, like so many poisonous toads:
“Sadly, the overwhelming amount of violent crime in our major cities is committed by blacks and hispanics-a tough subject-must be discussed.”
“The border is wide open for cartels & terrorists. Secure our border now. Build a massive wall & deduct the costs from Mexican foreign aid!”
“When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best. They’re not sending you. They’re not sending you. They’re sending people that have lots of problems, and they’re bringing those problems with us. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.”
“When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best. They’re not sending you. They’re not sending you. They’re sending people that have lots of problems, and they’re bringing those problems with us. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.”
“I love the Mexican people, but Mexico is not our friend. They’re killing us at the border and they’re killing us on jobs and trade. FIGHT!”
As most of us rational thinkers are painfully aware, he doesn’t love “Mexican people.” The fact that he has the gall to say this is nothing short of sacrilege. The only thing this piece of dung loves is the almighty dollar. And, himself.
You, Hispanic friends and neighbors, are not the only target of Trump’s vitriol. He’s disparaged the Jewish community as well, even though his own son-in-law is a Jew! That’s equal opportunity hatred, for you.
I mentioned the “Media.” The news. Truth be told, I’ve taken a bit of a break from my longstanding relationship with CNN. So many talking heads. Talk. Talk. Talk. That’s all they do, while the burning question — the elephant in the room — is, “When will we be rid of this man?”
When will we be rid of “the real Donald Trump?”
This summer, my husband and I haven’t done “jack.” We’ve been dealing with my jobless state and other issues. So, I’ve been living somewhat vicariously through the good times had by two Hispanic families that live directly across the street from us.
They work hard and they play hard. Parties. Barbecues. Lots of family time. They live life with a gusto I wish I could reclaim.
Maybe, one day soon, I’ll amble on over there. Score an invite or two. Throw down and have some fun before the summer’s over. By the way, they speak English. Perfectly.
Yeah. The more I think on it, the more I like that idea. Instead of watching the fun from my living room window, I’ll take a front row seat.
Meanwhile, I think I’ll take a shot at something I’ve been thinking about for quite a while, now.
I want to learn how to speak Spanish.
Gracias por leer. Thanks for reading.
Sherry McGuinn is a longtime Chicago-area writer and award-winning screenwriter. Her work has appeared in The Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times and numerous other publications. Sherry’s manager is currently pitching her newest screenplay, a drama with dark, comedic overtones and inspired by a true story.
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