Disappoints Warrants Dismissal of Responsibility?

The Arkansas Traveler - opinion,opinion/









I would like to be the first to state that I have absolutely no problem with protesting. It is our right as Americans to assemble and protest if we agree or disagree with a certain action or lack of action that is taking place, but protesting itself isn’t the real problem here.











Recently a lot of people participated in a protest called “A Day Without Immigrants.” Mothers, fathers, singles and even students didn’t show up to their respective workplaces or schools. Instead they chose to make a statement, that statement being that America would not run the way it would without immigrants and to a certain extent they are right. America is an incredibly diverse place and our diversity makes us stronger. Immigrants have changed this country and there are few examples of people that display the American dream better than immigrants.






Locally, we saw the effects of A Day Without Immigrants in Springdale. Certain businesses closed their doors and declared the day a non-work day while some people simply decided not to show up for work and believed their decisions would make a statement.





This day was intended to make an impact, but it is far more probable that customers drove up to the closed shops in question, peered at the darkened windows and said casually, “Huh. Must be closed,” then continued on their way to another shop that would provide service.





While some adults were participating, so were children. At George Junior High School there was a significant decline in attendance. Hallways were almost quiet and it seemed as if the diverse population was scarce. While I understand that the children were also trying to make a statement, their lack of presence was concerning at best and while their goal may have been to cause concern, it was a misguided one. Many children in the school ...


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