To the Editor:
Re “G.O.P. Governors Vow to Close Doors to Syrian Refugees” (front page, Nov. 17):
The move by a number of Republican governors to close their state borders to Syrian immigrants is disturbing to say the least. While it might be politically expedient and reassuring to the fearful among their citizens, the action, even if legal, is cowardly and uncaring.
Might there be a terrorist among a few thousand immigrants? Sure, but there might also be a child molester, thief or garden-variety murderer. If we will turn away very desperate people because we cannot guarantee that they are all perfect, we are a cold and xenophobic nation—and a very foolish nation.
We have long had homegrown terrorists. We cannot be completely safe. Why do we continue to abandon our caring, welcoming nature in the quest for the impossible?
ANNE-MARIE HISLOP
Chicago
Note from KBJ: How very kind of Ms Hislop to put herself and all the rest of us at risk so that she can feel morally superior to the xenophobes. If there is any justice in this world, she will be in the audience when the next terrorist attack occurs.
