Op-ed views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author.
Unlike most of my editorials, which are based on statistics and a logical analysis of issues that face America. This commentary is very personal to me and I write it not as a columnist, not as an American and not as a retired educator; I’m writing it as a parent.
As I watched the now gone viral Congressional hearing about the victims of sanctuary city policies, where Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY) got into a shouting match with Jamie Raskin (D-MD), my blood began to boil. As Lawler made his introduction, he pointed out that the open border policies were a failure of the Biden Administration and these policies led directly to the death of Sheridan Gorman, a Loyola student whose life was taken by an illegal migrant from Venezuela on March 19.
In attendance at the hearing was Sheridan’s mother, Jessica, whose courage and bravery, in spite of the agonizing pain she must feel in every waking moment of her life should be repeated over and over again and should strike a nerve with every parent regardless of political party or affiliation. She asked a very honest and heartfelt question to members who attended the hearing, “When did protecting our American citizens stop being your first priority? And even more important, why did protecting our American citizens stop being your first priority? I want an explanation.”
As Congressman Lawler made his introduction, he was continuously interrupted by Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash) and Raskin, who cited that Lawler was supposed to “introduce” the witnesses; however, Lawler rightfully used this opportunity to add context to his introduction, which did not sit well with these lawmakers. His remarks led to a heated confrontation between Lawler and Raskin that led to Lawler saying, “When you send your kid to college, you should be worried about making sure they go to class or hopefully that they have a nice roommate or how to help them get a summer internship. Not worried that illegal immigrants are shooting them while they’re out with their friends looking at the northern lights.” He went on to scold them about feeling the same outrage at the murder of Sheridan Gorman as they did for the deaths of Renée Good and Alex Pretti.
As the hearing progressed, the facial expressions of Raskin and Jayapal reminded me of people waiting on a long line at the Department of Motor Vehicles. They looked like they were being inconvenienced and after offering shallow, insincere condolences, Jayapal spoke these words, which should echo in the minds of every parent of every child in America: “Unfortunately, this hearing is the fourth time in this committee that we’ve had a hearing on sanctuary cities. The fourth time, and there are many other things we could be doing other than this.”
As I heard these callous words from someone who is supposed to be a public servant, I was enraged. Nothing is more important than, at the very least, recognizing the pain and suffering of a mother whose daughter was taken from her by a policy that allowed a man with an outstanding warrant who was allowed to roam the streets of Chicago. What could be more important Pramila funneling money into the pockets of people who voted for you?
Later in the hearing, Jessica Gorman responded to Jayapal’s insensitive words with class and dignity: “You know what I’m thankful for? I’m thankful that my daughter was just shot in the back of the head,” the mother added. “Not raped, murdered, dismembered, put in a garbage can.” And you can actually dismiss the angel families; you can say ‘but.’ You don’t want to hear four sessions on angel families? I’m sorry: you need to. You need to.”
I applaud Mrs. Gorman for her composure and demeanor. Can anyone imagine a parent being grateful that their child was shot in the head as opposed to the plight of many of the victims of those who have raped, murdered, or dismembered victims?
Growing up, my mother always told me that there was nothing worse than a parent losing a child. As a father, I understand this and to lose a child to illness or to some kind of accident is tragic. However, to lose a child because of the incompetence of a system that allows criminals to prey on a kid who merely wanted to go with her friends to see the northern lights is unconscionable and there is no justification or rationalization to defend it.
After this tragedy occurred, a Chicago politician, Maria Hadden (another democrat) made the following ridiculous comment: “It sounds like this might have been a wrong place, wrong time.” She went on to suggest that Gorman and her friends “might have startled” the murderer at the end of Loyola Pier. Of course, when her words received viral criticism, she apologized. Her apology holds the same weight as Jayapal’s faux sympathy for the victims; it’s completely meaningless.
Going back to clueless Raskin’s inane comments comparing the deaths of Renée Good and Alex Pretti to the death of Sheridan Gorman, there is no comparison. Good and Pretti defied ICE officers who were attempting to do their job. Their actions put their lives at risk. Sheridan Gorman could have been any child of anyone who went out for an innocent stroll and someone who should have never been in the country in the first place took her life. If a person is unable to see the difference between these two situations, there is no hope for any kind of rational conversation with them.
The love affair that democrats appear to have with illegals and the dismissal of evidence that allows them to fight harder for criminals than for innocent American citizens can only point to the twisted, self-serving views of a political party that would rather put American lives at risk to add democratic voters to help them win elections. Whether they are flying to foreign countries to have cocktails with deported individuals or insulting Angel families with their rhetoric, it is unacceptable behavior.
In my opinion, Jayapal and Raskin are disgraceful as politicians and as individuals. Their attitudes towards people who have suffered the ultimate loss of their children are inexcusable. Their support of sanctuary city policies, as Lawler pointed out, is truly despicable and Lawler was spot on when he told them that they should be ashamed of themselves. Anyone who lacks compassion and makes a statement that they have better things to do with their time than to listen to grieving parents is not fit to serve in any office in any government.
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