If we believe the Declaration of Independence that says “all men are created equal,” then a basic American value is respect for all people. We know that people are not all equal physically or mentally. How are they equal? They are equal as human beings. That means all humans have an inherent equality as human beings and are due respect for their humanity. Because of this important American value, we do not allow incarceration or punishment without “due process,” namely that the government seeks to operate within the law and treat people fairly.
The treatment of Sen. Alex Padilla when he was forcefully detained when he was asking a question of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was shameful and against American values. He was not shown respect when he was treated roughly and handcuffed on the floor even though he clearly identified himself as a United States Senator. Even if he were not a Senator, his treatment was contrary to American values.
No wonder the American people have shown their anger at the behavior of the Department of Homeland Security. Sen. Padilla’s treatment also made me very angry as an American citizen. When I was in Japanese occupied China, I saw our cook knocked to the ground simply because the local soldiers wanted to ask him questions about a robbery that had taken place in the vicinity.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers have not been trained to act in a way that is consistent with American values. In fact, many of the ICE officers have not shown that they understand American values. The treatment of people by ICE officers is based on values that they have absorbed from those commanding them, ultimately Donald Trump. This is part of the atmosphere that President Trump has created by the language of disrespect he has used. He and many of those working for him like to pose as “tough guys” and intimidate people. Their behavior is making our country look like a different country, like Russia, North Korea, or China.
By now you have probably seen the video of ICE arresting the father of three U.S. Marines. The father was a landscaper who was working on an IHOP lawn when he was arrested. They threw him on the ground, beating him on the head and body. This kind of treatment shows no respect for the person and is therefore contrary to American values. It shows that the Trump administration is already treating people as though America was a totalitarian system for people they choose to oppress.
All Americans need to absorb American values, beginning especially with the values presented in the founding documents of the United States. Clearly, officers who have authority to make arrests must be trained to act in ways that are consistent with American values. In fact, police officers are required to inform people of their rights when arresting them. ICE officers should not hide their faces. They are jumping out of unmarked cars and detaining people without warrants or identifying themselves. We don’t even know who they are, which is very disturbing.
In addition to the lack of respect by ICE officers, lack of respect for other people has been demonstrated in the stopping of support for USAID, which enabled people, including many children, from poor countries to survive diseases, hunger, and poverty. We should recognize that these people are due respect as human beings. We are fortunate to live in a comparatively wealthy country. We should feel obliged to help other human beings whenever it is possible.
This also means helping people who do not look like us. America itself has a diverse population with many races of people. According to our values, people of all races and ethnic groups are of equal value and all deserve whatever help we can give. We start with our own people, but as a very rich country, we can extend our help to many others in need around the world. In this way, we are helping ourselves by helping the world to be more stable. This will also help other countries to see the value of living under a democratic system.
The Rev. Robert L. Montgomery, Ph.D., lives in Black Mountain.
