8/3/22

By Josh Rubin

It is an old recipe.

There are regional variations, but some ingredients are used everywhere the recipe is used. Hatred is the main ingredient. Hatred carried in language. Language whose source may be frustration, but most often is a byproduct of ambition and is liberally dosed with cynicism. Language that reduces whole peoples to less than human. The recipe won’t work if people care too much.

Historically, the hatred has been directed toward different peoples. Today’s recipe is currently very popular in some of the border states. It is from Texas, where the recipe is prepared often. It is a favorite of the governor. It takes time to prepare, but it is almost always kept simmering, ready to turn up the flame at a moment’s notice.

I’m thinking of a couple of times in recent history. One time that comes to mind today, of all days, is the massacre at the Walmart in El Paso in 2019. The variety of hatred that was central was the hatred of immigrants, specifically Mexican ones. That hatred is abundant in Texas, and easily inflamed. Twenty-two died. Another instance was more recent, in a town called Uvalde. Twenty-one killed. Mostly children and teachers of Mexican descent.

Presentation is important. Gunpowder must be added, and delivered with an assault weapon. In every place the recipe is used, it is liberally laced with the tears of those left standing.

On the third anniversary of the El Paso Massacre, we share again: “Never Again/Nunca Más: Tribute to El Paso; 2nd Anniversary 2019 Massacre.”