Under The Apple Trees

Under The Apple Trees

by | Feb 18, 2026 | Opinions, Poetry, Politics, Prayers & Thanksgiving

I must stand in the light
and be the reflection
Of the love I know full well
Many think they know His love
But if you are following the lead of men
they will fail
because they must
so you will know you need a Savior

~

It isn’t His name that will save you
but His love
It is different than what can be
bought with money or influence
It is given freely
under the apple trees
or in places where
money doesn’t matter 

~

Holy, Holy, Holy
is the Lord God Almighty
He has always been here
and always will be
And They don’t care what you call Them
But that you do
They are ravished
by one glance of your eye

~

The men in power can not save you
but your Teacher can help you
Through whatever war is created
whatever mistake you make
and They will love you all the way
Because you were breathed into existence
by the same Creator of the mountains
and the trees

~

Naked under the apple trees
we are all the same
Bodies come in many colors
but our souls either reached out to Them
or they did not

~

Regarding Alabama’s The Child Predator Death Penalty Act

Regarding Alabama’s The Child Predator Death Penalty Act

by | Feb 16, 2026 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions, Politics

Dear Representative,

I am writing to you regarding Alabama’s The Child Predator Death Penalty Act or HB 41. Governor Kay Ivey signed this into law to make sure that when specific criminal acts perpetrated against children under the age of 12 years of age were designated as Class A Felonies.

  • First Degree Rape
  • First Degree Sodomy
  • First Degree Sexual Assault
  • First Degree Torture

They also included murder and were very specific about:

  • murder during kidnapping
  • murder during robbery
  • murder during sexual assault
  • murder of federal, state, county, local law enforcement officers
  • murder during imprisonment
  • murder for hire
  • murder during sexual abuse
  • murder during arson
  • murder during anything you could imagine…

In Alabama, people found guilty of these crimes will be sentenced to life in prison and they must serve 30 years in prison before they might be considered for parole. I see wisdom in looking at our own RCWs and making considerable adjustments.

RCW.9A.44.010 or Washington Criminal Codes is sufficient in defining people groups that might be involved in crimes. When I looked up Washington State Rape and Sexual Assault Laws I was able to find some sentencing information. What bothers me is that there is no words about trafficking. One thing I appreciated about Alabama’s bill was that they used the term: torture. Our laws use the phrase “serious physical injury” but I think that one says more than the other and both are not the same.

At this time adults convicted of Class A felony, those with prior sex offenses and kidnappings and those who are found to have tendencies towards violent sexual crimes will be required to always be registered with the county sheriff, in the county where the person resides. I don’t understand this. Why should peaceful and law-abiding citizens have to live among people who have proven that they can’t control themselves? I think this is a good argument to follow suit with Alabama and put people that hurt our most innocent victims away for a very long time.

Because of this, I am asking for a revision of RCW 9A.20.021 Maximum Sentences for Crimes. People found guilty of Class A Felonies, who are in for a life sentence, are not usually able to pay a $50,000 fine. I understand that Washington State does not have the death penalty as an option for extreme crimes, but we need to consider the safety of our most innocent and law abiding citizens. We deserve protection.

Sincerely,

Summer D Clemenson

~

Regarding H.R.22 AKA The Save Act

Regarding H.R.22 AKA The Save Act

by | Feb 16, 2026 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions, Politics

Dear Representative,

Today I am writing to you regarding H.R.22 AKA The Save Act. Last week I began the process of ordering my wife’s birth certificate. Since she works 3 jobs, I am the one that has the time for this. Unfortunately, during COVID we lost our storage unit so our marriage license is gone. I am not able to finish that process until we get a new copy of that document. My wife was born in North Carolina. A copy of her birth certificate costs $65. Luckily, we were married in Cowlitz County and our county seat is located in Kelso, which is only 5 miles from Longview, where we live. We will pay $25 for a new copy of our marriage license. These documents are important. We need to have them but I began this so that we can begin the process of getting her REAL ID which will cost about $100. In the end for both my wife and I to get REAL IDs this year, we will spend $355. I realize that driving is a privilege but voting is a right.

I vote by mail. I do not have to remember when to vote because ballots show up on time. My information is validated regularly. I drop my ballot in a secure box provided by city council. My vote is on paper and can be verified and recounted.

According to a statement accredited to Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, I read that nearly 70 million married women do not have a birth certificate with their legal name on it. This accounts for 25% of the voting age population. This only accounts for people who changed their names because of marriage. There are many reasons to have changed your name. However I am passionate about this because my wife chose to take my name when we got married.

My wife is an Army Veteran. She was willing to give her life our country. She deserves the right to vote.

The Save Act is voter suppression and an attempt to rig elections. My wife’s great-grandmother was a freed slave and she also was a voice in the Civil Rights Movement. She was proud to vote and she impressed on my wife how important it was to vote. Please don’t take this away from my wife. Please vote NO on The Save Act.

Sincerely,

Summer D Clemenson

~

I Wont Be Quiet

I Wont Be Quiet

by | Feb 14, 2026 | Opinions, Poetry, Politics

Forgiveness does not mean
we don’t need change
Just because I accept
the peace that
letting go of you
Doesn’t mean that
I will let you destroy
anyone else

~

The stepfather
the boyfriend
the uncle
the stranger that stole
that took something that
can’t be returned
You will not be allowed
to feast on me
or my siblings
again

~

If the protesters
the writers of letters
the callers and communicators
to our representatives
offend you
You are letting the abuser continue
You are an abuser
You are helping them win

~

The system they built to keep us tired
so we can’t complain
so we keep making babies
for them to devour
needs to be ended
We out-number them
If you support the status quo
You are for them

~

I Wont Be Quiet

~

The First Confirmed Death of 2026

The First Confirmed Death of 2026

by | Feb 12, 2026 | ICE, Opinions, Poetry, Politics

There is no picture of
Luis Gustavo Núñez-Cáceres
that I can find
This 42-year-old
Honduran citizen is
the first confirmed death of 2026
from an ICE Detention Center

~

Arrested on November 17 in Houston
Núñez-Cáceres began at
The Montogomery ICE Processing Center
but within a week
he was moved to
The Joe Corley ICE Processing Center
on Hilbig Street in Conroe, Texas
He died at a nearby hospital
on January 6th at 4:31 am
from complication related to
congenital heart failure

~

Both facilities listed are operated
by ICE-preferred contractor
The GEO Group, Inc
4 of the 7 people who died in December 2025
and at least 45 immigrants
have died while in the hospital
or promptly upon release from GEO Institutions

~

The DHS Appropriations Act of 2018
mandates that ICE
publicize reports of in-custody deaths
within 90 days
ICE claims they are dedicated
to the well-being of the humans in their care
But a guard just pleaded guilty
to sexual abusing a detained immigrant
and no supervisor was charged
It seems there is no justice

~

If screenings and assessments
healthcare and emergency services
are offered
If the well-being of detainees
is important
Why is there no one to hold accountable
Why is there no picture of Núñez-Cáceres

~

Every Person is Important

~

God’s Breath In My Lungs

God’s Breath In My Lungs

by | Feb 11, 2026 | Opinions, Poetry, Politics

My soul hurts today
I have never been raped
but men have touched me
without my permission
and I felt violated
Most of my friends can say the same
or more

~

God did not give permission
for anyone
to hunt, kill, or eat each other
Change can come if we decide
we want it bad enough
We don’t have to work from hate

~

We can work for love of each other
Because I love you and
value you
I want your safety and life
to be honored

~

No longer can we protect sickness
and depravity
You don’t get to steal
God’s breath in my lungs
We must protect life
All of it

~

I Hate Politics

I Hate Politics

by | Feb 9, 2026 | Opinions, Politics

I often read or hear the phrase: “I hate politics.” I used to say this myself, and I used to believe it, but as I have embraced the idea that hatred is not only a waste of time, it is a waste of energy, but it is also something I don’t want in my life. When it comes to a topic that is so engrained in our life, it is futile and meaningless to try to get away from politics.

Politics, at its core, is about power relationships, decision-making, and the art of influence that exists in virtually every aspect of human interaction. – Political Science Institute

We can not get away from politics and this is why we are frustrated and exhausted right now. Politics fundamentally involves three key elements: leadership, domination, and subordination. We find politics in workers unions, student organizations, federal, state and personal budgets, relationships, institutions, social networks, religion, education, art, and even the Super Bowl. The influence of a person in a respected position of leadership can cause either calm or havoc, joy or angst and let’s face it; the current administration likes to keep us jumping. I am in a constant state of wait and see because I decided I could not wake up to, “Dear God Help!” anymore.

In a conversation I was told I was not allowed to speak in, yesterday, I bit my tongue while I listened to someone tell me that they did not care about the video that was put out on our president’s Truth Social wall, where President and Mrs. Obama were portrayed as primates and he was the king of the jungle. The same video, I actively did not look for because I don’t give room in my mind for such things; however I did see screen captures that some people had put up on Facebook. This person did not want to hear what I thought about it.

Since I wasn’t allowed to share my opinion yesterday, I will share with you what I thought after I had waited and saw, throughout the day. I was thankful. I was thankful because I saw in two different posts that Christian groups, that previously had not been able to speak because of their political beliefs, now were able to put down politics and see their humanity and their common belief in love for each other and the teachings of Jesus and agree that our president is wrong and we need to be loving each other. There was humility where there once was judgement. God found His glory and I was grateful.

I don’t believe if you are a human, it is honest to say that you hate politics, if you know what politics are because politics is how we change systems. Systems exist so that people are served. We have heard the word “system” used to describe many things, including racism or white supremacy, government assistance, our police, and government. This word, like politics is not a bad word but it can be used against us, much like politics, if we are not mindful of it. A cookie is not bad either, but if you eat an entire box of them, do not be surprised if you get a tummy ache.

I do not know everything. I try to be slow to answer these days, because that was a habit my grandpa had. It is good to stop and take a breath before you speak. Consider who you are talking to, whether they can even hear what you are saying, before you bother to add your 2 cents. Because let’s face it, pennies are not available anymore. This next generation wont even know what $.02 looks like. Some people cannot experience what you are going to lay in front of them, for any number of reasons even if they are good people that mean well. Just because Morgan Freeman doesn’t believe that we should have a Black History Month, doesn’t mean he has the authority to speak for all Black people. He is a great and creative and intelligent man, but he is just one man. I read Malcolm X and Uncle Tom’s Cabin in high school and Their Eyes Were on God in college and many other books about Black culture in my life. I have read There There and The Soul of the Indian, Like Water for Chocolate, Koshersoul: The Faith and Food Journey of and African American Jew, Madness: A Bipolar Life, and Gandhi: The Autobiography and many more books, as an adult that have taught me that as the human race, we are all complicated and beautiful and we all deserve to be here and no one is better than anyone else.

There are different forms of political power:

  • Economic – control through financial resources and market access
  • Social – control through cultural influence, celebrity status, or moral authority
  • Institutional – control through formal positions within organizations or government structures
  • Informational – control through access to knowledge and communication channels

Trump ran on a promise to lower the cost of living. But he was also supported by oligarchs (a small group of government with a lot of money) that could support him as long as he did what they wanted. He has succeeded to keeping them happy but a huge number of people in the United States are not happy because we are hurting. In order to make the oligarchs happy, many people have lost their jobs, their insurance benefits have been reduced, Medicare and Medicaid is being gutted, SNAP has been cut off or decreased, although unemployment and inflation seem to be steady. This is all economic politics.

Trump and his staffers, republicans and democrats have all learned to use the media and social media sites to communicate with us, what they want us to hear. Celebrities use their time at awards ceremonies telling us what they think we should know about political issues. We are overwhelmed by videos of people dealing with ICE and CPB agents, protests from fellow United States citizens who are not happy with our government. This is social politics.

The County Assessor decides how much tax you own on your property. In Washington State about 50% of our taxes come from retail sales and use taxes, 18% from B&O taxes, 10% comes from State Property taxes and 22% comes from all other taxes. This is Institutional politics.

I believe that social networks have given us a freedom to communicate and a HUGE responsibility to make sure we are being careful with what we find online. I do not believe that AI is a gift. I may be incorrect, and I am comfortable with being incorrect, but if it is free AI, I think you are setting yourself up for something that might be dangerous, much like those free surveys and games online. Every time you push a button that says yes, you are giving permission to someone and it might be for more than you realize. I don’t care about Big Brother. If they are really watching me through my cell phone or computer or flat screen TV, than they must be really bored because they are not going to see anything but a middle-aged woman, reading or writing or cooking or sleeping. But I am not going to give them permission to access my pictures and addresses and notes on my devices. This too is political power, because it is my information. But informational politics includes what we have available to us in libraries, newspapers, magazines, online, schools, media in general.

Sex also plays a huge role in politics because we have decided that not only is my genitalia, that of what is considered female, and the weaker sex, who will never make what a man makes in wages, but people have decided that you get a vote on what my doctor and I decide what medical procedures I can choose, depending on what state I live in. When I voted for marriage equality, I had no idea I was voting for the right to marry my wife, Karen G Clemenson, but it worked out for both of us. However, if we go to certain states, our marriage is not recognized. I am not angry about it, but I know people that have known their whole life, they were queer and they were bullied and abused, and they do have scars. This too is political.

I also know people that feel as though their body is not as it should be. They feel they were born in a body that is the wrong sex. Who am I to argue with them about the body they live in? Even if one of us is wrong, it does not hurt me to love them, they way they want to be loved and called by the pronoun they desire. I have fought a lot in my life to be seen and heard. If you tell me your name is Susan and you have a full beard, I am going to call you Susan. I might also ask permission to ask a few more questions and if you let me, I might ask you a few more questions, but when you say you are done, I will stop. This too has become a political game.

If I am here to love you, which is what I believe my mission is, and then I wont listen to you, what good am I, if I condemn you before I even hear your name? Some of the best lessons I have learned, came because I let someone speak.

Politics is what gives individuals in a group a voice. Politics is what my great-grandmother fought so my disabled great-uncle could have access to restrooms and sidewalks. Politics is what Jamie Holloway‘s mom fought so that blind individuals in Longview, Washington would have access to the chirping bird sound at the crosswalk and people would know what the white and red canes were for. Politics made it so that I could not only be friends with my best friend and now wife because she is black. Politics made translators available for people who don’t speak English or can’t hear or see. Politics made lunch breaks mandatory and child labor illegal. Politics are not perfect because people are not perfect. But we have to keep trying. Politics are are not evil. But we might need to stop and take a breath sometimes.

Read More:

~

Feel free to leave your comments below!

My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Jesus Follower, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Jesus Follower…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.

If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.

~

Regarding Gateway Hudson River Tunnel Project

Regarding Gateway Hudson River Tunnel Project

by | Feb 6, 2026 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions, Politics

Dear Representative,

Today I am writing regarding the Gateway Hudson River Tunnel Project. I saw a post by Pete Buttigieg today and I wanted to make sure that it was true. It did not take long to find articles that supported his claims. President Donald Trump wants Washington Dulles International Airport and New York’s Penn Station renamed after himself in exchange for releasing federal funding for the Gateway tunnel project.

The Gateway Hudson River Tunnel Development Project is a multibillion-dollar rail initiative viewed as critical to Northeast Corridor travel and the regional economy, and delays in releasing federal funds threaten construction timelines and union jobs.

Attorney General Letitia James says this project is a critical infrastructure project essential to regional rail service and the national economy.

The Hudson Tunnel Project is the central component of the Gateway Program, a long-planned effort to revitalize Hudson River rail travel. The project will repair the 116-year-old North River tunnel and build a new tunnel beneath the Hudson River. The tunnel was severely damaged during Superstorm Sandy and continues to deteriorate, causing frequent service disruptions and emergency maintenance that impact hundreds of thousands of commuters. Construction on the Hudson Tunnel Project began in 2023 and is currently underway across multiple active sites in New York and New Jersey.

New York and New Jersey have already invested hundreds of millions of dollars in the project, and the federal government has awarded more than $16 billion in total funding through multiple grant and loan programs. However, despite years of planning and coordination, on September 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) abruptly halted all funding for the project.

The pause immediately affects nearly 1,000 workers, and an extended suspension could put about 11,000 construction jobs at risk, along with the 95,000 jobs and $19.6 billion in economic activity the project is projected to generate.

Although I do not live on the east coast, I am a tax-payer and I feel for my fellow United States citizens. I know that my tax dollars should mean something. I believe this action by this president is just one more self-serving action that proves that he is unable to put our United States first when making decisions. Please do what you can to make the funding that was already voted on for this project to be available to restart this project and get people working, despite the unnecessary needs of this president to have his name in lights on places he has not earned the right to bear it. Why is it that in order to get this president to comply, he must be sued? He has set a precedence of wastefulness, in his need to be #1, but not necessarily the best.

Sincerely,

Summer D Clemenson

 

Read More:

~

God Is Always Good

God Is Always Good

by | Feb 6, 2026 | Opinions, Poetry, Politics

I praise God because He is good
even when no is right
and everyone is right
and the Epstein files are proving
what we already knew

~

I am not disagreeing with you
but I am including all sex abuse crimes
because Epstein Island is the one time that
Black Women were not included in sex abuse
although some might say it was not about sex
but about power and
the genitals just happened to be the way in

~

I’m not looking away and I am not ignoring what I see
I am just no longer shocked
I am just waiting
As someone who has been in need
and yet always forgotten
I am used to humanity
people do as people do unless they decide to change

~

And change must come from within
Change cannot be imposed
Change cannot be forced
Change cannot be man-made
or it wont last
That is why God honors free will
That is why God lets you choose

~

So while I wait
I will praise Him because even though
everyone is right
and everyone is wrong
God is always good

~

Shalom Doesn’t Just Mean Quiet

Shalom Doesn’t Just Mean Quiet

by | Feb 3, 2026 | Opinions, Politics, Prayers & Thanksgiving

My writing has become fervent lately and pointedly political lately. More than ever it has had a point in mind and not just to be art or education. I pray every day that I hear God; that He be blessed by me and that I bless you. The target is not to be divisive against a political party but systems that are not healthy; that have never allowed for true equality or peace. Shalom doesn’t just mean quiet. Shalom, the word, Jesus would have used for peace is much greater than the word we throw around so easily.

People have accused me of hating our president; maybe they are confused by my post Dear President Trump. At one time that was sort of true, for a time. But as I looked inside myself, because I had to understand what was happening every time I heard his name and I lost control of my body, in an anxiety attack. I eventually realized I was afraid of him. There were layers that I had to look at. And as I dealt with myself and my scars from emotional abuse and neglect in my past, I was healing and on the day Trump was shot, I saw something in that video clip that brought clarity to my fear. He looked like my abusers. His defiance, even in a moment of terror; I knew that look. On that day, I was no longer afraid of him because I knew I was just like him, if I wanted to be. And I don’t.

Over the last 25 years or so, I have blatantly chosen to become softer, calmer, a better listener, more inclusive than I was taught to be. It has been difficult but Karen G Clemenson and Jamie Holloway are good coaches and Jesus is the best teacher.

When I thought I hated President Trump, it really bothered me. Just about as much as when I realized I hated another person in my life. I don’t want to hate anyone. If God lives in me, there can be no room for hate inside me. Why would I ask Him to live with that? But I am lucky because God desires to live in a relationship with me, in Spirit and truth, so I can and have been brutally honest with Him and while I did that He has helped me to set down a lot of painful things. He will do that every time I ask Him to. I do not hate President Trump. I do not like President Trump, but I do respect the fact that he too, is made in the image of God and God made Trump and God loves Trump and He will find glory for Himself in what Trump is doing, because that is what God does.

I have been considering the fact that people think that I hate Trump and then I saw a video of one of my favorite spiritual leaders, Reverend Joseph Yoo. Today he was reflecting on peacemakers.

>>>Watch the video 

“Shalom means wholeness, things being restored the way they were supposed to be. Justice where there was exploitation. Healing where there was harm. Provision where there was lack. Belonging where there was exclusion. Shalom is when human lives actually flourish. Because you can have no war and still have injustice everywhere.” Rev. Joseph Yoo

I was watching another person speak today, where they stated that they felt that Trump had been elected by people because people saw themselves in him. People that were offended by facts, accountability, and equality for all people liked Trump. People who thought that cruelty was strength and compassion was weakness and lying, cheating, and bullying people were something to brag about, they believed in this man.

>>Watch the video

I don’t know if I agree with this video completely, but it something to consider; to chew on. I read a lot of people’s comments on Facebook. I read more comments than I ever comment on, mainly because I am shocked at what people are willing to say to each other. It makes me wonder, if TJ Talks is correct about at least a few of my fellow United States citizens. So while I pray for President Trump, I pray for the people that voted for him and the people that make those comments that shock me. I ask that God find glory for Himself in what He is doing in their lives too.

I have written a lot of Letters to my Representatives lately. I think it is a better use of my time than protesting. I don’t have a body that can handle the winter weather or standing for hours. But God gave me the gift to write. But I also feel compelled to honor the people that have been killed by ICE. I am almost done writing a poem for each person that has been killed this year by ICE. It isn’t because I hate ICE. I don’t. I don’t like that they wear masks, are inconsistent with warrants and don’t check IDs. They have used many policies during this administration, against United States citizens that we have never seen before. What I am doing is honoring the lives that are lost because I believe that Every Person is Important.

>>>Read the ICE Memorials

I have thought about people who argue that many people died while in detention centers under President Obama. I vaguely remember this. It was a long time ago, but at that time we were trying to get a business or two off the ground. Also I was starting to get sick and trying to not worry about it. I was also unaware of many issues I had lived with always. I do remember that we did not hear about ICE agents randomly asking for proof of citizenship from anyone they saw, they didn’t go door to door and people didn’t feel the need to protest the government like they do now. I remember being angry about neglect and abuses in detention centers but I didn’t know what to do about it. I am older now and more comfortable and able to speak my mind, which is why I write to my representatives and encourage others to do so as well, now.

I felt safer with President Obama. I don’t feel safe with President Trump. But it is not their breath in my lungs; It is God’s and I understand this better now, than I ever have. By looking honestly at what is happening and considering and praying and trying to listen and be inclusive and even mourning the loss of lives I want to restore balance. Because that is Shalom.

~

Feel free to leave your comments below!

My name is Summer. That is how you can call me. I hope that I am a blessing to you. I am not perfect. I will fall again. But I am forgiven. For anyone reading this that isn’t a Christian, unapologetically, I am a Jesus Follower, but I believe there is room for lots of beliefs and religions in the world. It is not my intent to offend people with different beliefs than I have and I would be open to open-minded conversations with no goals of changing anyone’s mind, but sharing information. If you are interested in becoming a Jesus Follower…Do you know Jesus? Do want the Holy Spirit to fill you and give you understanding and salvation? Ask Him. Want someone to pray with you? Contact me.

If you would like to know Jesus as your friend, but want to make this amazing commitment by yourself please pray something like this: Thank you Jesus that You are the Son of God, the God that created heaven and earth. Thank you Jesus that You came to earth in the form of a man so that You would be able to empathize with my humanity. Thank You that You did this in order to fulfill the promises You made at the foundation of the world. I realize that I am a sinner and do things that hurt myself and keep myself away from you. Thank You that You died for my sins so that You could defeat death and bring me into Your life. Please forgive me. I ask You to be Lord of my life. I ask you to heal my hurts and show me what my new life, empowered by You looks like. Thank You for Your mercy.

~

He Can Not Go Home

He Can Not Go Home

by | Feb 3, 2026 | ICE, Opinions, Poetry, Politics

Victor Manuel Diaz
died in ICE custody
at Camp East Montana
on Digital Road in El Paso, Texas
They found in unconscious
and unresponsive on January 14, 2026
Diaz is the third human to
have died there
since they opened last year

~

Diaz was 36-years-old
he came to The United States
to earn money to build a house for his mom
He was arrested on January 6
in Minneapolis
His family in Nicaragua learned of
his detention
through his employer

~

“I don’t believe he took his life
He was not a criminal
He was looking for a better life”
said his brother
in response to ICE saying
it was suicide
No one knows why his body
was sent to Fort Bliss
instead of the local medical examiner

~

Diaz had his mother
two sons and siblings
back home
They say he was not depressed
What happened so that he can not go home?

~

Rent Is Due

Rent Is Due

by | Feb 2, 2026 | ICE, Opinions, Poetry, Politics

They’re all wearing masks
They don’t identify themselves
They are driving around in
unmarked vehicles
with tinted windows
They change their license plates
all the time

~

In response we blow our whistles

~

There is no one who is safe right now
Rent is due at the end of the month
and income earners have been stolen

~

We live in a war zone
because of their lawlessness
There is need of those
who document what is happening
Deliver food and medicine
Take children to school

~

If you can help:

Disclaimer: Summer D Clemenson is not affiliated with any of these organizations. My goal is help you help others through art. Summer D Clemenson and Clemenson Enterprises, LLC does not keep track of the resource levels of the organizations listed here. Please be kind to the people that help you regardless of the limits of these organizations.

~

I Hear His Cries

I Hear His Cries

by | Feb 2, 2026 | ICE, Opinions, Poetry, Politics

The 5th person to die in ICE custody
this month
in the first 16 days of 2026
Herber Sanchez Dominguez
was only 34-years-old
He has a wife
and children

~

Dominguez was found unresponsive
at 2:05 am on January 14, 2026
at The Robert A Deyton Detention Facility
in Lovejoy, Georgia
on Hastings Bridge Road

~

We knew when he got here in 2023
he was captured
and released
with a notice to appear for an
immigration violation

~

On January 7, 2026
Dominguez was arrested
for driving without a license
Language barriers compound
the obstacles immigrants must overcome

~

Transparency 
and access to care
could save lives
Just because Heber was born in Mexico
his mental health should have counted

~

I hear his cries

~

Parody Was A Real Person

Parody Was A Real Person

by | Feb 1, 2026 | ICE, Opinions, Poetry, Politics

Parody La was a 46-year-old male
La was last seen in Upper Darby Philadelphia
He left to get groceries on January 6, 2026
He had been detained
for hours before his family
knew he was gone

~

La came here as a refugee
when he was 2-years-old
He’s never been to Cambodia
He’s really an American man
even though he lost his permanent residency
after some bad choices between 1992 and 2022

~

Experiencing drug withdrawal
La was placed under medical observation
at the ICE Detention Center on Philadelphia Street 
His family questions the use of naloxone
when medical finding cite
anoxic brain injury
shock and multi-organ failure
He was not overdosing

~

Parody was a real person
People loved him
He has a daughter named Jasmine
He died on January 6, 2026
after 2 days in the hospital
one of 32
to have died in detention
Every Person Is Important

~

All I Really Got

All I Really Got

by | Jan 31, 2026 | ICE, Opinions, Poetry, Politics

“Its gonna be hard to break me
because I have a strong spirit
and I grew up with a whole lot of love”
Keith Porter was shooting his gun in the air
celebrating New Years 2026 in Los Angeles
when an off-duty ICE agent shot him
adding to their record of making false and distorted claims

~

“I got two beautiful young girls
and I’m going to raise them
the way I’m supposed to”
Porter held multiple jobs
and was a student aid to kids
with special needs
His friend says its hard to hear people
sully his reputation
“He loved to make you smile”

~

“I pray I talk to God
I talk to family
Because at the end of the day
that’s all I really got
I feel rich”
He used to call his mother every day
to say I love you

~

Dear President Trump

Dear President Trump

by | Jan 31, 2026 | Opinions, Politics

Dear President Trump,

I have been praying for you. It has been a hard road for us. But I am honestly able to ask God to find honor and glory for Himself in what He is doing in and through you. I love the United States of America, but I am not a fanatic. I love people more than countries. Because I love Jesus more than what the world can give me. I have been watching you. I don’t think you can fully understand what I just said.

I believe a good leader can be found in the midst of the people; working as one for a common goal. That is not how you work.

Today, before I decided to start writing, I chose to remind myself of why President Nixon resigned. He too wanted to be re-elected so badly that he was willing to do anything. He didn’t believe he could just let the people vote. He couldn’t let us speak. He couldn’t let us decide. He found himself in the midst of scandal: burglary, obstruction, bribery, destroying evidence, all funded by donors. When he was impeached, he had the dignity to resign. I don’t know if that was because he was a man of his time, or if he had decided, he had had enough. I respect his decision.

I never voted for you. The bible tells what a good man is. I have spent a lot of time with Jesus. They say that banks teach tellers how to spot counterfeit dollars by having them study real money. You just know when you are looking at the fake stuff. I knew you would fail me. I knew your lust for power and money would stop you from making the kinds of decisions that even an imperfect president, would be able to make. I am not the kind of christian that you have met, because I am very sad about the ones that follow you. But I do pray for you and them.

I have watched you lie. A lot. I know you have hurt people. A lot. I have watched you be impeached twice. So now I just want to ask one thing of you; in case there is any honor in you at all. Will you please resign?

Sincerely,

Summer D Clemenson

 

 

 

Regarding SB-5312

Regarding SB-5312

by | Jan 31, 2026 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions, Politics

Dear Representative,

Today I am writing regarding SB-5312. Concerning net nanny operations involving fictitious minors. Net nanny operations are undercover law enforcement initiatives where officers pose as minors online to catch individuals attempting to engage in sexual activities with children. These operations aim to prevent child exploitation and apprehend potential predators. This bill is sponsored by Representatives: Lisa Wellman, Noel Frame, T’wina Nobles, and Claire Wilson. It was first read on January 16, 2026 and sent to the Law and Justice Committee. There was a public hearing in the Senate Committee on Law & Justice on January 27, 2026.

I see that the adults convicted of sex crimes towards children, regardless of whether they are found during net nanny operations or not are following the current RCWs.

  1. Adults convicted of Class A felony, those with prior sex offenses and kidnappings and those who are found to have tendencies towards violent sexual crimes will be required to always be registered with the county sheriff, in the county where the person resides.
  2. Adults convicted of Class B felony, without prior sex offense or kidnapping will be able to stop registering with the county sheriff, in the county where they reside, 15 years after they have been released from their jail sentence, as long as they can remain free of new criminal activity.
  3. Adults convicted of a Class C felony, a violation of RCW 9.68A.090 or 9A.44.096, or an attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy to commit a class C felony, and the adult does not have prior convictions for a sex offense or kidnapping offense, the duty to register shall end 10 years after the last date of release from confinement, if any, (including full-time residential treatment) pursuant to the conviction, or entry of the judgment and sentence, if the adult has spent 10 consecutive years in the community without being convicted of a disqualifying offense during that time period.

I do not want there to be a difference between criminals that knew there was a real child and those that did not know they were not talking to a real child. I believe that sex crimes are not prosecuted strongly enough. I believe that it doesn’t matter that people were caught via a “net nanny operation” because they thought they were talking to a child and they should have said goodbye as soon as they thought they were talking to a child. I have read RCW 9A.44.130 and they should have done the responsible thing and the right thing. Instead they did the sick and wrong thing. They deserve to be treated like the sex offender they are and 3 years of being a registered sex offender is not enough time. I want you to debate and negotiate that adults convicted of Class C felonies and all we see in #3 that these people should have to register as sex offenders for 10 years.

I would also like to see longer sentences for sex offenders. The victims, especially if they are children at the time of the crime, have to live with the affects of the actions of the criminals, for the rest of their lives. Almost everyone I know has been the victim of a sex crime, and most of them as children. It has affected them all their lives. These criminals should not get to just walk away.

Sincerely,

Summer D Clemenson

Regarding HB-2597

Regarding HB-2597

by | Jan 31, 2026 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions, Politics

Dear Representative,

Today I am writing regarding HB-2597 concerning remedies for violations of federal constitutional rights occurring during immigration enforcement. This bill is sponsored by Representives: My-Linh Thai, Mary Fosse, Tarra Simmons, Lisa Parshley, Mia Gregerson, Sharon Tomiko Santos, Alex Ramel, Chris Stearns, Roger Goodman, Edwin Obras, Strom Peterson, Julio Cortes, Beth Doglio, Timm Ormsby, Gerry Pollet, Shaun Scott, Cindy Ryu, Greg Nance, and Osman Salahuddin. It was first read on January 20, 2026 and referred to the Civil Rights & Judiciary Committees.

This bill states that federal officials have not been beyond the reach of state laws because they are federal employees, since the beginning of the history of The United States.

The purpose of HB-2597 is to add that:

  • Any person who is hurt during an interaction with civil immigration enforcement, may bring civil charges against that government agent in any court.
  • A person found to have violated the United States Constitution while participating in civil immigration enforcement is liable to the injured person for legal relief, equitable relief, and any other appropriate relief. A prevailing plaintiff may recover compensatory and punitive damages.
  • If a  government agent has been found guilty of causing harm to a person during a civil immigration enforcement, a court shall award reasonable attorney fees and costs to a prevailing plaintiff.

I am in total agreement with HB-2597 and I would like you to vote YES on HB-2597.

Sincerely,

Summer D Clemenson

~

Regarding HB-2641

Regarding HB-2641

by | Jan 31, 2026 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions, Politics

Dear Representative,

Today I am writing regarding HB-2641 prohibiting certain law enforcement agencies from hiring certain federal employees. This bill is sponsored by Tara Simmons, Shawn Scott, Kristine Reeves, Natasha Hill, and Nichole Macri. The bill states that no United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and United States Customs and Border Protection (CPB) who was hired on or after January 20, 2025 will be able to be hired as a general authority Washington law enforcement agency or a limited authority Washington law enforcement agency.

I agree that we have seen some disturbing events at the hands of ICE and CBP. But I also agree that they were following orders. I think each person should be held accountable for what they have done. I believe if people serving as ICE and CPB officers can be found innocent of crimes and they can prove that they can fulfill all the standards of  the Washington Law Enforcement Agencies they might be applying for and maintain those standards, they should be able to be hired and maintain those positions.

I believe that Washington Law Enforcement Agencies may want to apply their own process for handling candidates that may require more training in order to reach their standard. But I believe that you should vote NO on HB-2641.

Sincerely,

Summer D Clemenson

~

 

Regarding HB-2644

Regarding HB-2644

by | Jan 31, 2026 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions

Dear Representatives,

Today I am writing regarding HB-2644, concerning the use of body worn cameras by law enforcement officers. It has been found that public trust in law enforcement is strengthened by transparency and accountability. Body worn cameras provide an objective record of law enforcement interactions to protect both officers and the public while aiding in accurate investigations and judicial proceedings. Because of this legislature intends to establish a uniform statewide standard requiring all law enforcement officers to activate their body worn cameras during all law enforcement encounters and responses to incidents, ensuring continuous and reliable recordings of public interactions.

  • If this bill is agreed upon, it would become valid on July 1, 2027.
  • Recordings must be kept for 90 days.
  • In the case of use of force by a law enforcement officer, an arrest or detention, or a complaint or investigation involving a law enforcement officer’s conduct, recordings must be kept for 3 years.
  • Unauthorized access, alteration, or deletion of body worn camera recordings is prohibited and subject to disciplinary action by the employing law enforcement agency, in addition to any other penalties provided under state law.
  • All law enforcement agencies must have updated all their policies in order to be able to fulfill their capabilities to follow these requirements by July 1,2027.
  • A civilian who is subject to an incident involving an officer, has the right to a copy of the video of the body cam footage, unless it goes against any state law.

I believe that this bill will help in the process of keeping civilians and law enforcement officers more safe. I urge you to vote YES. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Summer D Clemenson

~

Regarding SB-5906

Regarding SB-5906

by | Jan 31, 2026 | Letters to My Representatives, Opinions, Politics

Dear Representative,

Communities are stronger and safer when people are not forced to live in fear. I am writing regarding SB-5906. United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and United States Customs and Border Protection (CPB) has been operating in communities without judicial warrants and targeting people who are Brown, Black, and Asian. This bill protects sensitive spaces. It ensures Washingtonians can go to school and go to medical appointments without fear. People need to feel safe in places where they learn, heal, and vote.

  • This bill outlines that federal officers must a valid judicial warrant, judicial subpoena, or a court order before they are allowed to enter a non-public area of an early childcare facility, school site or medical facility.
  • It is the job of child care facilities to exhaust the emergency contact procedures provided by the families and guardians of the children.
  • Unless required by state or federal law, a health care facility and its personnel may not allow any person access to the nonpublic areas of the facility for immigration enforcement purposes, unless the person has a valid judicial warrant or court order that specifically grants access to the nonpublic areas of the facility.
  • During primaries, general elections, and special elections, a county auditor shall designate as nonpublic any place where ballots are handled, processed, counted, or tabulated. Federal agents will also be required valid warrants to enter these areas as well.

I am fully in agreement with this bill. I am asking you to vote YES for this bill. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Summer D Clemenson

~