November 16, 2015
Humanists of Rhode Island
To:
The Honorable Gina Raimondo,
The recent, horrific attacks in Paris serve to highlight the terrible plight of Syrian refugees. The apparent perpetrators of the Paris atrocities, I am sure you realize, are the same violent people and organizations that the refugees are escaping from. It would serve the attackers' purpose, and make us complicit in their actions, were we to turn away these people in their time of need.
As the governors of llinois, Ohio Indiana, Massachusetts, Louisiana, Michigan, Alabama, Texas and Arkansas give into fear, ignorance and nativism, it is more important than ever for Rhode Island to stay true to its immigrant roots and do all we can to provide shelter, safety and compassion for as many Syrian refugees as we can bear.
We are sure that there are powerful political forces and hundreds of letters, phone calls and emails pouring into the State House demanding that you close our borders to those in the world most in need. We would encourage you to listen to the better angels of our nature and open our hearts, and our borders.
Let’s show the world what it means to be a Rhode Islander, and a decent human being.
Sincerely,
The Humanists of Rhode Island
The Sisters of Mercy have a long history of welcoming the stranger, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, counseling the doubtful and praying for the living and the dead. I am certain that the Sisters of Mercy in RI would support you on this, Governor.
ReplyDeleteAll people of good will would support the intent of this letter, Governor Raimondo. During this upcoming season of thanks for our many blessings, can we -- immigrants all -- turn away those who are as our forefathers and mothers once were? It is our heritage to give shelter to the hungry and poor. It's our duty to repair the world. Let us live up to the spirit of the Independent Man atop our state house, and do what is right, regardless of what our fellow states shamefully do. We can stand proud, lending that helping hand to those ravaged by war and terror. It's the right thing to do.
ReplyDelete