A Thousand Words

The cliche that a picture is worth a thousand words proves true once again. The photo of a barefoot, diapered toddler wailing as she flees from tear gas at the Mexican border has gone viral. It has provoked condemnation of the Trump administration and its hard-edged policies toward migrants. It has given a hot issue to Democrats as they get ready to take over the House. It has sparked revulsion. For all that, Trump seems unconcerned and blames the refugees for their troubles. There have been many words spoken and written already about this photo, but the difference will come if legislators decide to act. They would have to take on the White House, which would be difficult, but it can become a campaign issue for 2020. The message is clear. This is not who we are. American is a nation of immigrants.