We never imagined we would need a sign like this. Yet here we are.Â
Across the country, city councils are passing resolutions calling for greater accountability when federal immigration officers violate state law - our town just passed one. The resolutions reflect the demand for immigration enforcement to operate within constitutional and legal boundaries, and is often framed as one about undocumented immigrants.
But it’s bigger than that.
It includes legal residents wondering whether carrying their green card is enough. It is about refugees who fled persecution only to fear another knock at the door. It’s naturalized American citizens wondering whether their accent, skin color or last name will make them a target for questioning despite holding a U.S. passport. It is about children afraid to leave for school because they don't know whether their parents will still be home that afternoon.
And the impact goes far beyond those directly affected.
Businesses lose employees who are afraid to come to work. Friends stop visiting one another. Neighborhood gatherings become smaller. Entire communities become quieter because they are afraid to be seen. That is a loss for everyone.
At Prosperity Candle, every member of our team is legally authorized to work in the United States. We comply fully with state and federal laws. Our sign is not an act of defiance, but rather an affirmation that constitutional protections matter. Warrants matter. Due process matters. Individual rights matter. Integrity and compassion matter. These principles protect everyone.
The strength of the United States has never come from making people afraid. It comes from the confidence that our rights do not disappear because of where we were born or what language we speak. America is strongest when it protects both its borders and its principles. We should never have to choose between them.
3 comments
Dear Patsy and Ted,
Bless you for taking this stand (in your usual elegantly kind way) and thank you for telling us, your devoted customers and community, about it. It is heartbreaking and appalling that our country has come to this sorry pass and that you have to do this to protect your wonderful creative team. Please know that we have your backs in any way we can. We are grateful for all that you collectively do to make the world a better, more beautiful place, and we are cheering for you and sending our love to you ALL!
I wish that more businesses would take a stand like this.
Patsy and Ted, you are great examples that we can all stand up, use our voice, and together push back against injustice and prejudice. Supporting and helping those who are fearful and persecuted feel seen and valued is a small task we can all take on.