News outlets are reporting that the incoming Trump Administration is seriously considering establishment of a “registry” for Muslims. Politico recently quoted Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, who says the effort is being modeled after the highly controversial National Security Entry-Exit Registration System implemented after the Sept. 11 terror attacks.
When challenged about the constitutionality of such a measure, Trump supporters point to the “precedent” of World War II Japanese internment camps. Although that precedent has never been formally overruled, it is widely considered to have been a shameful departure from American principles, attributable to the stress of war.
Ordinarily, I would dismiss such stories, assuming that more responsible people would recognize the unAmerican nature and probable unconstitutionality of such a proposal; given the abysmal bona fides of those Trump has around him, however, I cannot simply assume that this effort will be still-born.
So here is what I propose:
If a Trump Administration attempts to require registration of Muslims, I intend to register, and I will encourage all of my friends and family to register as well.
One of the few positive stories that emerged during the Holocaust was the reported reaction of the Danes when, under Nazi occupation, Danish Jews were ordered to wear armbands with the infamous yellow Star of David. As the story goes, the Danish King and his subjects also donned the armbands, in a demonstration of the equality and solidarity of all Danish citizens.
Snopes tells us that the story is apocryphal, although the Danes did engage in heroic measures to save Danish Jews.
Although this legend may not be true in its specifics, it was certainly true enough in spirit. The rescue of several thousand Danish Jews was accomplished through the efforts of “thousands of policemen, government officials, physicians, and persons of all walks of life.” The efforts to save Danish Jews may not have had the flair of the “yellow star” legend, and they may not have required quite so many citizens to visibly oppose an occupying army, but those who were rescued undoubtedly preferred substance to style.
Sometimes, a morality tale can be more powerful than accurate history.
An actual effort to make Muslims register would be challenged immediately, and I have to believe it would be quickly enjoined, but the mere fact of the attempt would have a chilling effect on everyone’s religious liberties.
As a practical matter, if thousands of non-Muslim Americans publicize our intention to add our names to any registry–and if we announce that intention immediately in response to any trial balloon or actual proposal to create such a registry– we may be able to abort this insulting and demeaning and thoroughly unAmerican effort.
I hope these reports are wrong, but given the rhetoric of the campaign, Trump’s embrace of the “alt-right” (aka Nazis, White Supremacists and the KKK), and the nature of his inner circle, prudence suggests that we prepare for the worst.
I’m in! Great idea. Best idea I’ve heard since “Periods for Pence.”
I will gladly register.
Sheila,
Not a bad idea.
The Danes identified with the Jews in order to protect their democracy. If one group is persecuted, then you no longer have a democracy. The dominant religion in Denmark was conservative. The basis for protection of the Jews was not religious. They were successful because the Nazi control of the Danes was not as complete as it was with the other occupied countries.
I think something like the Vietnam antiwar movement needs to be formed to visibly combat this-people who simply stand up and physically refuse to be counted. Unless we “actively” defend the rights of Muslims in this country those rights will be an afterthought. Without the social contract we have with each other being aggressively defended, the law really doesn’t mean very much.
I’m in. How do we let them know and who do we let know?
For such a project may I suggest the name “Start With Me, You SOBs”?
Back in the 80’s in Dallas, I decided to check-out the library at the University of Dallas, a Catholic
university which was known for the excellence of its Holocaust collection. I first met with the Head Librarian, I believe his name was Larry Surls, for about 15 minutes. He wanted a background on the nature of my visit. Afterward, I started toward the entrance to the Special Collections Section when he called out, “Wait a minute you don’t need to go in there, let me bring you just one book.” He did; the title of the book, as I best remember, was “Saving the Danish Jews.”
I would register and pressure everyone I know to register as well. As a friend said, ” First they came for the Muslims and we said ‘Not this time!!'”
Sheila; count me in with the registration as being Muslim if it comes to that. Theresa told me about the successful meeting last night; I’m proud women are not hesitating to come forward. Maybe this is the “silver lining” of Trump’s “dark cloud” of sexist degradation or all women. The looming possibility of returning to being pregnant, barefoot and in the kitchen is a strong enticement to take action.
Marv; I can’t believe you were not allowed to go into that section of the library to see for yourself what they had, maybe he brought you the only book on that subject. I had a library card when I lived in Florida; the New Port Richey library had a very small section on the Civil War and a much smaller section as part of it about the Andersonville prison. My great-great-uncle survived his “stay”there. For those who are interested, you can contact the Indiana State Archives for records of ancestors involvement in the Civil War. I have copies of my great-grandfather’s muster card, his Regiment and all members with info regarding length of service, wounded, death, discharge, imprisonment, desertions. With Trump’s racism officially forming, this might be of interest; I assume other states have the same records available.
Sheila; I also saw the strong suggestion by the Trump future administration to reinstate the House un-American Activities Committee. I suggest they begin with Trump, his entire family, campaign workers and his appointees if this comes to fruition. Better yet; the FBI and CIA investigating that entire bunch.
I posted an open letter to the Indiana Electoral College at the top of my Facebook page this morning. It will probably be lost among the many political postings by others but I felt the need to speak out and ask them to join the “Moral Electorals” to stop Trump before he can begin.
Count me in.
I alo have already been considering registering. It is scary, but perhaps the only thing that might work!
my wife and daughter and I will join all of you
JoAnn,
“Marv; I can’t believe you were not allowed to go into that section of the library to see for yourself what they had, maybe he brought you the only book on that subject.”
The librarian knew I had already done a lot of research on the point. He was saving me a lot of time. He knew the subject well. He was right. He was pointing me toward the END GAME of the holocaust, which, as Sheila is now advocating, should be the metaphor for a BEGINNING message to the Trump regime.
I’m with you.
I wonder if you have to have proof of who you are to be able to register. I would love to register as Mike Pence.
I decided to register, if it comes to that, on Wednesday morning after the election. I also decided that I would join demonstrations against mass deportations of undocumented workers. I have also signed petitions to eliminate the Electoral College, even though I know just how futile an effort that will be (Hillary’s lead in the popular vote is now 1.3 million).
Just adding another “Why yes, of course, I agree” just so it’s recorded.
I will absolutely register as Muslim, should this incoming administration move forward with a registry, and urge my family to do so as well. Thanks, Sheila.
For whatever is coming, “I would rather be a participant than a spectator”.
Several of us here in Bloomington had already decided to do this . But we also need to hear from the local Mosque leadership if they would want this kind of support.
Nancy–I almost wet myself when I read your comment!! Too funny! Yes, the Danes were inspiring. I actually posted on facebook a few days ago that I would, after decades of being a devout agnostic, will now be Moslem. Besides, when even Megyn Kelly is on your side….
I’m in favor. However, I’m hearing that if such a registration were instituted, it would start exclusively with immigrants coming from countries known for terrorist activities. It wouldn’t be possible for American citizens to get into that group in order to register. Anybody know if this is true?
Reminds me of the Prohibition. It was based on the “them” (people who drank alcohol) vs. “us” (people who didn’t) but it was essentially against ethnic groups who included alcohol in their regular lifestyles, and many didn’t understand that it also applied to “us” middle class folks. Once they understood that “they” was “us”, things began to change. But people think that if we have a problem, prohibition is such a great idea. I really like the idea of being identified with the “them” folks. It’s such a positive, humane (and even Christian) idea. I can see thousands of religious groups signing up en masse. I can’t wait! It will be beautiful and a great way to stand in the way of the really nasty denizens who are moving into the White House.
If this is the honeymoon, I don’t want to know anything about the marriage with this bunch of Nazis. And still Trump supporters are hopeful….
Valerie,
“But we also need to hear from the local Mosque leadership if they would want this kind of support.”
What do you do if they say no?
I am waiting for the counter-revolution in which we will have a registry for evangelicals featuring midnight queries by liberal black shirts as to why they voted for such a sinner as Trump.
Remember the Danes were not Unitarians. They were standing up for their democracy. It wasn’t based on religious liberalism. We don’t need any permission to protect American democracy. Bringing the Muslim religious community into this will only make them more of a potential target for retaliation.
I have been suggesting the same thing in FB posts. If we all register, we destroy this part of their evil plan.
Brilliant! This is advice I will implement if Trump “registers” Muslims. Shared to FaceBook
Gerald – I like your idea of creating a Registry of Evangelicals! I would love to see their names in print, even though we know who they are among us.
I’m in!
I discussed the fears of this with some Muslim female co-workers this week. One is a Pharmacist, the other a Licensed Pharmacy Technician. I told them I and others I know would register.
I’m in as well. Sort of an American version of what the Danes did in 1940 when the Germans demanded that all Jews had to wear the star of David on their clothing. The people of Copenhagen decided to wear that emblem themselves and when their King took his daily horseback ride through the city his tunic was also emblazoned with the star of David. This amounted to a spectacular display of defiance in the face of their German occupiers.
I’ve always loved this story but never ever in my wildest dreams have I contemplated that something akin to it would need to be done in my own country to protect Americans. To say that this is horrifying is a gross understatement.
Churchill said:
“Never give up on something that you can’t go a day without thinking about.” “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” “Never give in–never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense.”
This group has gone from a morning coffee clatch to an insurgent cell defending freedom and democracy.
If not us, who? If not now, when? If not here, where?
This movement needs to gain momentum NOW. After the Inauguration, Trump will have the full power of the F.B.I., the Attorney General’s office, as well as the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Any attempt to register Muslims will, more than likely, be accompanied by penal laws against anyone filing a false registration.
We Americans cannot just roll over and played dead in the face of such gross provocations. This is so dreadfully wrong and I’m amazed that any American would even contemplate such a thing. It will do nothing that will enhance our internal security against terrorist threats. Instead, it will drive a wedge between the Muslim American community and the rest of this country’s population that will work against our collective work to protect all Americans. The depth of stupidity in regard to this idea is almost beyond being fathomable.
I listened to George Takei last night describing his internment as a Japanese American in the internment camps in California at the beginning of the second world war. 120,000 Americans had their property confiscated, their businesses closed, and then they were unceremoniously trucked off to camps in the middle of nowhere. This is always been considered a huge black mark against what this country is suppose to stand for and here we are about to start that process all over again to innocent people that do not deserve such treatment.
Pete,
Is “Les Miserables” still playing on Broadway? Maybe the “cell” should have a theme song and music in the background. Let’s all have fun.
From: The Original Broadway Production of Les Miserables the Musical
Do You Hear the People Sing? Lyrics
ENJOLRAS
Do you hear the people sing?
Singing a song of angry men?
It is the music of a people
Who will not be slaves again!
When the beating of your heart
Echoes the beating of the drums
There is a life about to start
When tomorrow comes!
COMBEFERRE
Will you join in our crusade?
Who will be strong and stand with me?
Beyond the barricade
Is there a world you long to see?
Courfeyrac:
Then join in the fight
That will give you the right to be free!
ALL
Do you hear the people sing?
Singing a song of angry men?
It is the music of a people
Who will not be slaves again!
When the beating of your heart
Echoes the beating of the drums
There is a life about to start
When tomorrow comes!
FEUILLY
Will you give all you can give
So that our banner may advance
Some will fall and some will live
Will you stand up and take your chance?
The blood of the martyrs
Will water the meadows of France!
ALL
Do you hear the people sing?
Singing a song of angry men?
It is the music of a people
Who will not be slaves again!
When the beating of your heart
Echoes the beating of the drums
There is a life about to start
When tomorrow comes!
Marv – You are right. It’s NOW time, but even before that, it is NOW time to make a last ditch effort to see that Trump doesn’t become president via a plea to Republican electors to withhold their vote for him – especially since Hillary is poised to win the popular vote by some two million and that Trump has shown his fascist credentials by inviting a racist Nazi-sympathizer into his inner circle.
Side Bar:
The way the German government ‘controls’ immigration (and Switzerland & France too) is to make all residents register and you can’t get electricity, gas, tv, a job or any of that unless you are registered (you literally have 10 days). I know this is awful to make it necessary for one group but if we ever want to control immigration completely and fairly, you have to register everyone. I don’t think this is such a bad idea when you consider it in the proper sense of it as freedom and security. Every time you move, you have to de-register and re-register in your new canton/county/city/town etc.
The result is that you can have a national ID card for everyone. Think of the possibilities. National ID for driving, voting, healthcare, insurance, social security, medicaid, police, fire and anything else I can’t imagine at this moment.
I am in!
YES. Fun to be thinking about the 60’s stuff we did. Do we get to take 50 years off of our bodies as we repeat the 60’s?
Gerald,
You’re absolutely right, especially with your comment…….”that Trump has shown his fascist credentials by inviting a racist Nazi-sympathizer into his inner circle.” That’s going to be his Achilles heal. As I mentioned before, he’s moving too radical as well as too fast. Hitler did it all in 30 days, but he had control of the government at the end of the period. Trump doesn’t seem to get it. He doesn’t have control.
” Although the arch-enemy of democracy had been installed as head of government, the defenders of the republic made no attempt to resist or even to demonstrate against the Nazi leader’s elevation to the chancellorship. Having long expected a resort to force by the Nazis, they were caught off guard when no more than the usual amount of political violence marked the day. The leaders of the Catholic Center Party responded defensively to the official announcement of the cabinet’s formation, denying any commitment to participate in it and warning against constitutional experiments.
The Social Democrats found themselves without a plan for responding to what had seemed that Hitler would get power legally. Their stunned leaders reacted by admonishing the party’s million-some members and hundreds of thousands of men who belonged to the Reichsbanner, the paramilitary organization associated with the party, to REFRAIN from any action. An attempt on the part of the new cabinet to violate the constitution would be met, the party’s leadership announced, with the most resolute possible resistance by the working class. In the meantime, undisciplined actions could only do harm, since all the forces at the disposal of the movement must be kept in readiness for the final showdown. As events would soon demonstrate, THE SHOWDOWN HAD ALREADY TAKEN PLACE, and the REPUBLICAN CAUSE WAS LOST.”
“Hitler’s Thirty Days to Power” by Henry Ashby Truner, Jr. (Reading, Massachusetts: Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, Inc., 1996)pp. 157-158
Marv that song from Les Mis is a permanent sound track in my head. I hope our dismissal of aristocracy can be less painful than theirs but I see it is no less important to humanity’s future.
I went to Denmark back in the early 1970’s and heard the story about the Danes wearing Stars of David during the Nazi occupation. I had also thought about “registering” as a Muslim ( I am not) just to throw a wrench in the system.
Pete,
A trip to New York in 1986 to see the musical Les Miserables, its opening year, was my birthday present that year from my ex-wife who was traveling two weeks out of every month to New York from Dallas because of her job. She had already had seen the play. In looking back, she knew me better than I thought at the time. Like you, that song has been ringing in my head ever since.
We are both in.
I’m IN!
I don’t know about the rest of you but; I’m sitting here with tears rolling as I read your wonderful comments. I am so proud to be part of you. How can I help turn them into action with you; E-mails, more Facebook posts, signing petitions, donations? How?
JoAnn, keep on doing what you have ALWAYS done. You have battled racism, misogyny, bigotry and bullies all of your adult life. We can learn from you. Thanks for all of your insight into how we got to this point.
Politics unfortunately have to be not the interesting hobby they’ve been for most of our privileged lives but our highest calling now.
What a great idea! Occasionally, I pass by a television where Fixed Non News is playing, and their collective shorts are in a twist about people demonstrating against Trump. Losers like Dennis Miller try to mock protestors, but he quit being funny a long time ago [did anyone see “Bordello of Blood”? If so, ’nuff said. If not, watch it and laugh your butt off at Miller making a total fool of himself]. The more serious, but equally stupid faux journalists like Hannity claim they just don’t get it–protestors must be unpatriotic or paid by the “media” to protest Trump, because there’s no possibility that anyone could honestly object to such a great guy. There’s even some Republican congressman demanding an investigation of who’s paying us to protest and what their real agenda is.
You previously wrote about two Americas, and your observation is spot-on. The division in this country is only going to get worse. Those of us who are patriots have to gird our loins. It’s going to be a fight to the finish. One way is for those opposing Trump to register as a Muslim.