Former Marine Comments On Why He Thinks The U.S. Should Still Take In Refugees

A Nation Afraid

This is dynamic season in our country. Our nation is not only afraid because of the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and California, but also because of the increasing global threat of terrorism around the world.  It is a legitimate threat and we cannot take it lightly.

The central focus of the recent political debates has been keeping America safe and secure.  Although I agree wholeheartedly with this concern I am of the belief that we have to find a way to do this without losing our souls in the process as Americans.

For The Sake Of Our Children

I realize that a strong military response to ISIS and it’s allies cannot be avoided, but if we do not find a way to deal with the root causes of why groups like ISIS exist then we will fail.  Our children and grandchildren will inherit the bitter consequences of our inability to heal the breech that exists between our foreign policy interests and the interests of other nations of the world who also want a better life for themselves and their families.

Will we be an empire or a partner for the common good in a global community? Will we be afraid and think only of our self-preservation or will we enter into a national conversation to actually work for redemptive solutions to terrorism, immigration reform and receiving legitimate refugees in our country?

Can We Be Both Safe & Open?

One of the big issues before us now is what are we going to do with refugees coming through the Middle East who are fleeing for their lives from ISIS.  I can appreciate the struggles on both sides of the issue and I think both sides are going to have to work together to solve this problem.

The key is to actually solve the refugee issue in ways we do not have to compromise our American values while taking care of our interests and need for security.  I think it can be done, but those polarized in this conversation are going to have to see, hear, and engage each other for the sake of the common good of all in this country.  And “yes” that includes our American Muslim neighbors who love this country and hate terrorism as much as the rest of us.  We cannot scapegoat them or leave them out of the conversation. Nothing would make ISIS happier.

I found this blog about a U.S. Marine that has a great concern that we are in danger of letting our fear and need for security cause us to compromise who we are at our core as Americans.  I hope you enjoy it.  You do not have to agree with him, but I hope you will at least listen to what he has to say.  U.S. Marine Comments on Syrian Refugee Crisis