Presidential hopeful Donald Trump has been the center of controversy since his comment about wanting to build a wall on the Mexican border. Filemon Vela, a democratic congressman from Brownsville, Texas, has added his opinion to the chorus of outrage by telling Trump to put his wall up his backside.
Vela said in a letter the idea was preposterous because Mexico is important to the United States for trade and by being an ally. He said if any such wall was built, he would tear it down, and it was “astounding and asinine” that Trump would even consider such a thing.
Anticipating a possibly racist retort from Trump’s camp, Vela said his family had moved to America in 1857, which predates the Trump clan. In addition, his grandfather and great uncles fought in both world wars, and his father was the first Mexican judge to preside over a federal court.
Vela’s letter touches on a sensitive point regarding the heritage of Americans, many of whom are descended from immigrants. He also reminds Trump that this country committed genocide against Native Americans as the population spread westward. While some of Vela’s comments will raise eyebrows, he is sending a much-needed message in Trump’s direction.