Cry havoc, and let slip the dogs of war

Dear Ravi,

Your father and I are pacifists, and we raised you to be the same. Throughout your 22 years of life, you were a peace seeking creature. But, early Sunday morning, the powers that be let slip the dogs of war and our country attacked Venezuela and kidnapped their leader and his wife. I wish that I could tell you that this is fake news. It is not. 2,000 ICE agents have been turned loose in our state. Some of them are in our neighborhood, in the areas where we used to get tacos and play in the park. This is not fake news either. As you know, our street is 2 blocks from mega mansions and 4 blocks from complete poverty. Many different races live here peacefully. We pay our taxes, we believe in democracy, we care for our fellow humans. But this pathetic man child that we call our president wants to destroy what is best about our state. Though I miss you deeply, I am glad you are not here to witness this. It is a complete abomination of all that we have ever stood for. I am proud that you voted for Joe Biden. We rejoiced the night that he was elected and on the day he was inaugurated. For 4 years we did not wake up with a feeling of abject dread. I miss you and I miss that feeling of security.

I still have no word on Mercury. I assume they are somewhere in the metro area. I have no idea if they are safe, if they have secure housing or a job. Our family seems to think that Robert and I are the evil ones and hide from us any details of their wellbeing. John’s Christmas letter was a joke and his mention of you was only a ploy for sympathy, not any real regret for your death. Robert and I have distanced ourselves as far as we can for their petty attempts to stir up drama and discord. We have our friends, we have St. Clements Church. We have a few cousins whom we adore. The rest of them can go pound sand. We walk away.

My love, I am sorry if this missive sounds so angry. I fear that common sense has gone down the tube. I dream of you and Mercury. I dream of our world being a safe place for everyone, regardless of their race. I don’t want the dogs of war to be unleashed. I want the true democracy and love that our state holds dear to prevail. I want affordable groceries, health care for all, and everyone to walk the streets in safety. I want a cure for cancer. I want peace. Is this too much to ask? I don’t think so. Bernie Sanders does not think so. Neither does Tim Walz. These are people that stand on the right side of justice.

I miss you, my son. I miss Mercury and pray for their safety. I hope that they know that they can always come home. The door is open; the light is on. We pray for reconciliation. Join us in praying for all cancer patients, for all who are in harm’s way, and all who work for peace. Let’s put the collar back on the dogs or war and let clearer heads prevail. Love you forever, Mom.