Wave goodbye to legislators who suport Trump

At the conclusion of the first quarter of all Iowa Hawkeye home football games the entire stadium turns and waves to the families and children at the University of Iowa Stead Children’s Family Hospital. Known as the “Hawkeye Wave” this symbolic gesture of support and solidarity for families whose lives have been upended by a serious illness helps demonstrate the empathy and kindness of all people and Iowans in particular.

Recently while making a routine mandatory check-in with immigration officials, two women and their children were deported to Honduras. While the mothers were not yet citizens, two of the three children were American citizens, including a four-year old with Stage 4 cancer.

This administration has promised to remove criminals, gang members and the “worst of the worst” out of the country. Due process aside, targeting the most vulnerable among us is cruel and counter productive. What distinguishes the pain and anguish this family feels while dealing with a deadly childhood disease from the emotions of those seeking treatment at Stead Family Children’s Hospital? Nothing.

If Iowa’s elected representatives choose to remain silent on the plight of this family and adopt the spin and false messaging that has been the hallmark of their town hall meetings, then at the next election we should adopt a modified version of the “Hawkeye Wave” and say goodbye to these silent assentors who no longer share our values.

Pat O’Malley

Cedar Rapids