In light of the recent Paris attacks and the United States’ political squabbling over Syrian refugees, any stable-minded individual has to question what is fundamentally wrong with humanity’s sanity. Listening to politicians debate the perfect solution to these international crises is quite frankly, embarrassing. The fact that so many of our nation’s leaders are turning a cold shoulder to the Syrian refugee crisis is incredibly disheartening. America is supposed to be “the land of the free and the home of the brave.” Are we the only country entitled to this freedom? Are we acting brave by refusing refugees because we are afraid little orphaned Syrian children might somehow be “deadly terrorists” infringing upon our freedom?
The expression, “land of the free and home of the brave,” was first coined in 1814 when Francis Scott Key wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner.” When Key wrote these lyrics, Fort McHenry had just been bombarded and America was still intact as a country. Given that the United States acts as the mediator and referee in so many international dilemmas, one would think we could be a little braver when dealing with the Syrian refugees. It is perfectly normal and acceptable to be alarmed about the possibility of further attacks, especially on our home soil. However, if the United States is as brave and powerful as we claim to be, we (and the government) should be valiant and strong enough to handle whatever or whoever is thrown our way. Based on the direction the Syrian Refugee Crisis is going, the world is facing a genocide similar to the Holocaust of World War II. History will continue to repeat itself. How many more innocent people have to fall victim to ISIS before we get over ourselves and accept them?
Currently, 31 state governors in the United States have indicated that they do not wish to allow Syrian refugees entrance to their state. One of their primary reasons for prohibiting refugees is the vetting process. However, according to CNN Correspondent, Jeremy Diamond, “The refugee program is quite simply the toughest way for a foreigner to legally enter the United States.” The vetting process takes between 18 to 24 months, during which the refugees’ backgrounds are thoroughly checked and cleared by the United Nations before individual countries, such as the U.S., begin their own investigations. To top it all off, Syrian refugee applicants have additional screenings. According to a phone interview between Senator Angus King and CNN, King said, “(The refugee process) would take 18 months to two years. Under the visa waiver program, it could take 24 hours.” However, many state governors still fear the possibility that a terrorist will be permitted into the country or state through the refugee program. Do state governments not trust the federal government? It sounds like our own government officials have major trust issues between themselves.
If the tables were turned and American citizens were seeking refuge in foreign countries after facing terrorist attacks, we would not want to be denied based on our religion, nationality or race. We would be shocked if other countries believed our little orphaned American children might somehow be deadly terrorists infringing upon their freedom. As children, we are taught ”The Golden Rule,” which states, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Does this not apply to the situation at hand? “The Golden Rule” is found in some form in most the world’s major religions, such as Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism. Even if one is not religious, the moral responsibility still applies to all human beings. We are one and the same and should be treated as such.
As with everything in life, “this too shall pass,” but the way we remember it will not. Perhaps 50, 75 or 100 years from now, children and adults alike will study this event in American and world history textbooks. In 1947, Mr. Frank had his daughter’s diary, "The Diary of Anne Frank," published for the world to read. Her diary was one of the thousands, if not millions, of diaries kept by Holocaust victims of all ages. Anne Frank and thousands of others applied for refuge in the United States. They were denied. As unfortunate as it is, which Syrian refugee victim’s diary will we read in 50 years? Perhaps we will read one of their journal entries about being denied entrance to the United States. Undoubtedly, we will wonder why we didn’t help them before it was too late. The answer is happening right now.
