A huge number of folks attended the meeting regarding the Commissioners’ letter about refugees possibly being allowed into Missoula County. I so appreciate that we can gather and express our views in a democratic fashion, although apparently pitted against one another, and unable to hear viewpoints in a truly thoughtful fashion.
The empathy I feel for these people is important to share with you. The United Nations states that by the end of April 2014, 8,803 children had been killed, while the Oxford Research Group stated that a total of 11,420 children died in the conflict by late November 2013. Whatever numbers are correct, it is devastating. What would you do if that many children were killed in Montana in a few years’ time? Wouldn’t you take the hands of those who were left and start walking, hoping for any kind of safety you could find? Every refugee has a tale of family members who have been killed, tortured, raped or are missing. These folks aren’t interested in coming to the U.S. for revenge; they are coming for refuge. One third of Syria’s population has been wiped out.
It is hogwash to think that those who enter our country will not be screened carefully! And should 100 of them actually make it, in small numbers at a time, to Missoula, do you think they’ll not be seen on a daily basis by various agencies and sponsors? Do you think they’ll be buying guns and bomb supplies locally? Did the Vietnamese who came to the Bitterroot in the 80’s harm us in any way? How about the Russian settlement, in the South Valley: are they a problem for you folks who resist change, who patently do not understand our Constitution?
Here’s a brief reminder from our sponsor: the fundamental rights of due process and equal protection that are embodied in our Constitution apply to every person in this country, regardless of immigration status. The Commissioners’ letter is an expression of fear and ignorance. It has no standing whatsoever in the big picture. Discrimination against Muslims, refugees, whatever, is patently illegal.
Finally, I’d like to remind us all of Jesus’ words: Love thy neighbor as thyself. Not just your white neighbor or your peaceful neighbor. These people, fleeing for their lives, are parents, grandmothers, scientists, craftspeople, doctors, storeowners, carpenters, masons, Christians, musicians, and Muslims. They are shattered to leave their homes. I encourage us to examine our hearts, be willing to love radically and thoroughly, and be unafraid of those in such dreadful need.
Star Jameson
Hamilton
charles sleath says
After attending the Commissioners’ meeting about the refugees coming to town, I decided to get online and see which towns in Montana were the most dangerous. I’m glad to report that Hamilton was only third most dangerous in the state. I has afraid it may have been number one after I witnessed the “mob” at the commissioners meeting.