As I write this a controversy is raging over the plan to accept Syrian refugees into the United States. To date thirty one republican governors have vowed to turn them away from their state (although they do not have the authority to do so) while on the Today show this morning former director Tom Ridge of Homeland Security decried the move and went on to soundly criticize the Obama administration for everything ranging from foreign policy to terrorism itself. Ridge of course has been out of the loop for nearly ten years but, hey, who's counting?
Here's the thing. There was a time when the United States of America was the go-to place if a people were fleeing political oppression and tyranny. It was safe haven for anyone. Remember the inscription on the Statue of Liberty? Give me your tired, poor, etc etc.
What happened to that sentiment? What has happened to this country? Obviously we need to ensure that the people we allow in are safe and pose no threat to the rest of us but surely we have room for the others, don't we?
Hatred, intolerance and ignorance must not be allowed to overtake this nation. If it does, we're no better than anyone else.
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