Diana Schwartz
The Democratic Club of Quail Creek (DCQC) monthly meeting held on April 18 welcomed Reverend Randy Mayer as the guest speaker.
Rev Mayer is the senior minister of The Good Shepherd United Church of Christ in Sahuarita, Ariz. He began by playing guitar and singing an original song by Ted Warmbrand. The title and lyrics addressed humanitarian concerns at the border “Who’s the Criminal?” The audience joined in on the chorus.
For more than 25 years, as immigration and border issues have become more intense, Randy and his congregation have played key leadership roles for humanitarian groups such as Humane Borders, No Mas Muertos, and Green Valley/Sahuarita Samaritans. Their efforts are bringing lifesaving aid (water, food and first aid medical care) to migrants trying to cross the desert. It is also worth noting that once victims are located and helped, their location is reported to Border Patrol.
Randy showed photos of the most active crossing areas in Sasabe and Nogales, Ariz. Last month, this area reported at least twelve fatalities.
Humanitarian organizations are prohibited from entering areas designated as sacred lands. These isolated remote areas within the Tohono O’odham territory are not monitored.
Randy also reported that the cartels, which dominate and control illegal trafficking at the Mexican border, have been using diamond tip saws to cut through the newly constructed wall. This takes only about 4-5 minutes to accomplish.
Randy spoke about Common Ground on the Border, an annual event which is a three-day immersive educational and cultural conference held each year in Sahuarita at the Good Shepherd United Church of Christ. Common Ground on the Border brings together people from across the U.S. and abroad to learn about the U.S.-Mexico borderlands through its art and cultural diversity. It also provides an excellent opportunity for community engagement. The event’s aim is to encourage a richer awareness of the complex issues related to immigration.
Randy concluded his talk by playing/singing another song by the composer “Take Me To The Border.”
We appreciate and thank Rev Mayer for his important and inspiring presentation.
The Women in Blue Luncheon took place on April 23 at the home of DCQC president Carol Smith. The speaker was Patrick Robles, district director for congresswoman Adelita Grijalva. Jordan Toyos, Southern Arizona Outreach Coordinator for Senator Rueben Gallego was also in attendance.
Save the Date
May 16—The Democratic Club of Quail Creek and the Green Valley Democrats are sponsoring a “Fun Afternoon with David Fitzsimmons.” Location: Madera Clubhouse Ballroom in Quail Creek, Green Valley. We are inviting all our candidates and statewide elected officials. Finger food, cash bar, and fantastic live and silent auction items. Proceeds are to be donated to our struggling rural counties. Flyer and details to follow.