Regarding the letter, “Inslee puts our lives in peril”: I am proud to live in a state where our leadership takes a stand on important American values. When Gov. Inslee declared that Washington would be a state that welcomes refugees from Syria, he was reminding us of our common humanity. I am so tired of people who react to fear and misinformation.
So far, all of the Paris attackers have been found to carry European Union passports, not passports from Syria. The process for a refugee coming to the United States is already very stringent, with people spending up to two years in a refugee camp before being allowed to resettle. The vast majority of people fleeing civil war are families, and they come from all walks of life. Imagine if you lived in a country controlled by violence and chaos — wouldn’t you do everything in your power to create a better life for your family? What does it say about us as a people if we are not supporting these positive efforts? From Thomas Paine convincing colonists to declare independence in Common Sense, to the plaque on the Statue of Liberty, the foundation of our country have always been creating a safe haven for people fleeing persecution.
Some of the most shameful parts of our history have been we ignored these values, such dehumanizing and interring Japanese Americans during World War II. History has proven that events such as this are an atrocity in our country’s history. Let’s not repeat the mistakes of the past with the current refuge crisis but rather live out our values by honoring the already strict vetting process we have and working together as a global community to spread peace, rather than hate. The many thousands of people who are already resettled here are proving this is a process that works.
Michelle Spivey
Everett
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