Father of Murdered Woman Speaks Out Against Political Exploitation

Mark Harper’s Powerful Op-Ed

Emily’s father, Mark Harper, took a stand by writing a powerful op-ed expressing his dismay at the misuse of his daughter’s memory. He emphasized that she should not be a “pawn” in the political discourse surrounding immigration. “We initially reached out to politicians and asked them to stop using her tragic death to further their agendas, and we are thankful that some listened,” he wrote in an opinion piece for the Crestwood Times. However, he noted that others, like some members of the political elite, continued to distort her story for their own purposes.

A Call for Respectful Dialogue

Mark urged those involved in the immigration debate to approach it respectfully and thoughtfully. He stated, “Emily would have opposed the exploitation of her death to push a narrative that promotes hate.” He stressed that using her memory in this way is deeply hurtful not only to their family but also to the broader communities involved.

Addressing Flawed Logic

He also highlighted the flawed logic of associating crime with ethnicity, asserting that the individual accused of taking Emily’s life does not represent the Hispanic community any more than white supremacists represent all white individuals. “To suggest otherwise is simply untrue,” he declared. He extended his support to the Hispanic community, acknowledging their valuable contributions to society and expressing regret for the harmful rhetoric associated with political agendas.

A Message of Unity

Mark concluded with a call for unity and understanding, saying, “Let’s build connections instead of walls. Our differences are trivial compared to the love we have for one another.” He urged everyone to engage in conversations that celebrate diversity rather than create division.

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Conclusion

In summary, Mark Harper’s open letter serves as a poignant reminder of the need for compassion and respect in political discussions, especially when they involve personal tragedies. He emphasizes the importance of honoring his daughter’s memory in a way that reflects her values, urging society to embrace diversity and understanding rather than division.