As former residents and a member of the Durant city administration, now retired, it was surprising to see citizens of Durant making, not just national, but international news, related to the objection to use the old Big Lots site as a detention facility for ICE.
Pragmatists will argue it is a good use of the vacant site. Economists will claim it will bring in revenue. It will bring jobs. It will not increase risk. Maybe.
But without a doubt the reputation of the Durant community will be damaged. Your morality and compassion will be questioned. What you stand for as human beings is at issue. You have a population there who will be afraid. They work in your fields, your factories, in your businesses and attend your churches. Students of color attending SEOSU who hail from across this nation and other nations will be hesitant to leave campus. Members of the great Choctaw Nation, as well as other Native Americans, will be fearful.
Clearly, you passed the test. We cannot express how proud we are of you.
Despite what is happening in the world, there are always good people who are concerned about doing what is right. You are good people. You have done right.
Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Sincerely, Gary and Donna Rudick