Editorial: Damaging a memorial cuts deeply

The image of the “Golden Gates/Bridge Over Troubled Borders” drew an emotional reaction from readers after stories in Friday’s and Sunday’s newspapers.

The tribute to migrants who have died in the Arizona desert was vandalized and repaired last week. Property owner Laura Carroll and artist Neil Bernstein say they’re going forward with a formal dedication at 6 p.m. Thursday in Arivaca.

The thought of anyone damaging a memorial or work of art is unthinkable. Sure, monuments are spray-painted and compromised in Arizona communities regularly. Many in Tucson suffered from gang-related tagging.

Still, the vandals who tipped the Arivaca tribute hurled the highest of insults to those who believe in the Constitution, human dignity and human rights.

We hope Carroll decides to report the incident to police, at a very minimum, in an attempt to protect her rights. We call on the Pima County Sheriff’s Department to beef up patrols in the area, especially just before and after the dedication, and arrest anyone caught damaging the tribute.

Regardless of what you think about illegal immigration, a private property owner has the right to build a memorial. The offense of damaging this memorial is much greater than an illegal immigrant crossing the border. The first time an illegal crosses the border, it’s a misdemeanor, akin to speeding or jaywalking.

Reaction to Friday’s story was emotional and quick. We will be publishing some of the thoughts in Letters to the Editor. Some took offense to Bernstein wrapping himself in a flag for the photo on Page A1.

“This is a clear violation of Section 8d of the flag code, which forbids the flag to be used as wearing apparel,” Fred Collins of Green Valley wrote. “It is not clear in the picture, but the flag possibly may be touching the ground, another violation. People of all political and religious persuasions should show respect for our flag!”

Others questioned the judgment of creating a tribute to illegal immigrants.

“Illegal border crossers know the risk they take,” Norman Stainaker of Green Valley wrote. “It is sad to see them abandon their children on the other side of the border or risk children’s lives in crossing. Keep in mind, there are legal ways to cross the border.”

Many who fight against illegal immigration cite rule of law as a primary motivator. If opponents of the memorial vandalized it, why didn’t their respect for the law stop them before committing such a morally offensive act?

“Isn’t it amusing that those who bemoan this ‘illegal immigration activity’ don’t mind breaking the law themselves,” Miles Constantine of Sahuarita wrote, “by trespassing on private property, vandalizing that property, as well as trampling on the constitutional right of free speech these people possess. Or is free speech tolerated anymore under the torturedly named “Patriot Act?”

This newspaper has called repeatedly for tighter borders and a guest-worker program to accommodate Mexicans who want to work legally in Arizona. It also has praised the work of law-enforcement patrols and volunteers who patrol the desert, trying to keep Green Valley safe from drug-running thugs.

We decry in the strongest terms, however, anyone who would destroy private property and trample on the memory of deceased migrants attempting to cross the dangerous desert in Southern Arizona.

Unsigned editorials represent the views of this newspaper. Respond by e-mailing letters@gvnews.com.