Much has been written the past few days about a horde of disease-laden Honduran children fleeing gang violence and abject poverty swarming illegally into the US. To be sure, the gangs and poverty are real. I, however, have lived in Honduras for more than five years; an ex-pat, ex-Peace Corps Volunteer, Registered Nurse and I know that all those children have been vaccinated against every childhood disease the same as a US child, a requirement to enroll in school same as in the US. As far as I know there have been no La Paz children leaving home. The Hogar children tell me they are receiving classes in school addressing the refugee problem. The fire department, police department, and the cadets at the local police academy paraded through the community yesterday, sirens blaring, and gathered at the central park to publicize the problem and the dangers involved. The 99% of folks in Honduras living lives same as citizens in the US continue their daily routines same as always. We are aware of the media circus fueled by racist US citizens via newpapers, radio, television and the internet but the average Honduran has no way to influence US ignorance, stupidity and political machinations of all the countries involved. La Paz, Honduras is a beautiful and peaceful place filled with friendly, wonderful citizens where I have chosen to make my home to escape the omnipresent norteamericano systemic racism that thrives and drives repugnant gringo attitudes.
Refugee Children
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