Zero tolerance for America’s human rights violations

by W. Andrew Powell
Border fence in Tijuana, Mexico

[vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1529439244023{padding-right: 10% !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;padding-left: 10% !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]Update: In light of the order that was signed today, that will now allow families to stay together if they cross the United States border illegally, I have decided that The GATE will not boycott the U.S. at this time. While I still have grave concerns regarding the fate of the children who have already been separated, and I would still urge everyone to continue to support organizations like Amnesty International, a boycott no longer seems necessary.


First and foremost, The GATE is an entertainment and lifestyle magazine. That will not change, and I don’t intend to make this site political. However, after the immigration crisis that is happening in the United States, I can’t, in good conscience, stand idly by and do nothing.

I was already motivated by the #BuyCanadian movement, because of the trade war happening with the U.S., and I’ve been upset about what is happening in that country for some time. As the details have emerged about the “zero tolerance” policy the United States is taking with immigrants illegally entering the country–that is now separating children from their parents and confining them to cages, under an immigration policy that is treating even asylum seekers as criminals–it was clear to me that it was time to take a stand.

The U.N. human rights chief has called the policy and actions of the U.S. government “unconscionable” and I believe that is an understatement. The policy, and the way it’s being carried out, is horrifying, and as a result, I’ve decided that The GATE will not publish any coverage related to American brands, products, services, or companies for two weeks, starting on June 21st at noon.

This boycott is meant as a statement, and to hopefully inspire people to stand up against what the United States government is doing, and make it clear that this treatment of immigrant children is unacceptable. The United States and key politicians, including the president, appear to be morally bankrupt and without any human decency, and this practice of separating children from their families must stop immediately.

One estimate suggests that the 2,000 children already separated from their families could rise to 30,000 by August, so pressure needs to be placed on the U.S. now to force them to change this practice before it gets much worse.

And things will only get worse. These children are terrified, and have no one they can trust, and it will likely only be a matter of time before conditions deteriorate.

Amnesty International has called these actions “torture” and I am urging everyone to take a stand.

Boycotting a country is frankly difficult, and there’s no simple rules I can suggest, except to remember that the purpose is to send a message to U.S. companies that we’re outraged and we expect them to help make a difference too. There is absolutely no reason that companies and their CEOs can’t stand up too, and lend their clout to the cause. It seems like the only way that things will change is through serious outcry.

So, as a few ideas, I would suggest the following:

  1. Get in touch with a government official to voice your concerns. In Canada, find your Member of Parliament and let them know that Canada needs to make a stand about this issue.
  2. If you’re in the United States especially, find out how you can join a local cause to peacefully protest the immigration actions or support causes trying to help the families and their children.
  3. If you’re outside the U.S., don’t buy American products or services, and let the companies and your friends and family know why you’re boycotting the U.S.
  4. Most importantly, support a charity that is working to help these children and their families. Consider Amnesty International, the ACLU, or one of these charities.

We have strength in numbers. Please stand up and send a message against these actions by the United States government, or support a good cause that is fighting to make a difference.

I will update this page with any news, and we will be adding links throughout the site so visitors can easily find resources to support causes like Amnesty International. I have zero tolerance for hate speech, or abusive behaviour on this website, however comments are open for supporters and those who want to help take a stand on this issue.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1529439290403{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;background-color: #515151 !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1529439261049{padding-right: 15% !important;padding-left: 15% !important;}”][vc_cta h2=”Tell the U.S. and President Trump: families belong together” h4=”Via Amnesty International” color=”green” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Visit Amnesty.org” btn_color=”danger” btn_link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amnesty.org%2Fen%2Fget-involved%2Ftake-action%2Ftell-the-usa-families-belong-together%2F||target:%20_blank|” css=”.vc_custom_1529439053067{margin-top: 20px !important;}”]Send an email to the President of the USA, Donald Trump and help end the torture of people seeking asylum in the USA now.[/vc_cta][vc_btn title=”Donate to Amnesty International” color=”success” align=”left” i_icon_fontawesome=”fa fa-usd” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amnesty.org%2Fen%2Fdonate-amnesty%2F||target:%20_blank|” css=”.vc_custom_1529439103922{margin-top: 20px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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