"Rejuvenating the Valley with respect for culture, community and habitat"

excellent article by poet, scholar, activist Kamala Platt:

"I am interested in what allows people and environment to thrive and, yes, to be respected by outsiders, not so they will necessarily come live here, but so they will trust borderland communities who speak against unwanted walls and waivers of our rights to a safe and healthy environment and culture.

When I tell people who know love and respect the borderlands culture about the waivers and walls they are outraged; only those outsiders who erroneously believe we have no culture here can’t see the harm in denying civil rights along the border. When we promote the cultural self expression of the borderlands, we build connections and mutual respect - genuine, shared security."