Mauer letter: Refugees
It was with disappointment that our governor included Idaho with other states proclaiming they would prefer not to receive refugees from Syria. The rationale for such a decision is that ISIS could infiltrate the ranks of the refugees. While the demagoguery of a particular political party would deny entry to the Syrian refugees, it also plays right into the hands of ISIS. Politicians are quick to preach about values. American values embrace those who are oppressed and in need instead of turning them away. I refuse to live my life in fear of a possible act of terrorism no more than I fear the possibility of leaving my house in the morning and having a head-on crash on the interstate. The governor may declare that Idaho will not accept the refugees. I would think that America, including Idaho, is a country that would welcome the oppressed who seek to find a new life. For the many who have fled their homes, including widows with small children, Gov. Butch Otter does not speak for me. I believe all humans deserve compassion, empathy, understanding and respect; a new beginning in America. And, I have an extra bedroom.
Boyd L. Mauer, Boise
This story was originally published November 25, 2015 at 3:26 PM with the headline "Mauer letter: Refugees."