@amit Thanks. The xenophobia just really got to me. I'm not a Christian but was brought up in that environment. It seems very like the story of ‘no room at the inn’. “We can’t help you because our lives aren’t perfect.”
@Miraz It’s a healthy reminder to all of us. And it’s probably worth to remember that even if they are refugees, they aren’t “helpless blobs” just in need of things. They might be just what that community need in skillful workforce and help it from stagnation. All that said, we mustn’t forget that fear of change are in (almost) all of us when we feel that things are rolling on nicely and going ok as is.😱➡️🤗 @amit
@odd Some things are true of our area: we have a population growing faster than expected; we have high levels of unemployment, poor health and so on. As you say though, the refugees may well have a great deal to offer. In any case, as people who have fled their homeland they need our help to establish a new home. Human decency, compassion and hospitality say we should find ways to do what we can.
@Miraz Yeah. It is sad state of affairs that the majority view ends up being that. And the decision makers side with majority.
@simonwoods I really liked the way you phrased the last bit. Will let my mind ponder over it for some time :)
@Miraz Bravo. I hope your response gets printed. The power of ones speaking can create a reality; it can build up or it can break down.
@Miraz well said. That quote - “It’s important to get across that it’s nothing against anybody, it’s just timing and what’s best for them and the community.” Imagine saying that to Jews escaping Nazi Germany...
@Miraz I’m with you on that. Offer help, then encourage, and demand from those who can be demanded from. Make them a part of the solution I think describes best my feelings towards this.
But I see also that strains on the system can be worrisome and discouraging.
@Miraz Bravo for speaking up. The refugees needs to know there are people who support them too. Hope your letter gets published.
@Miraz Thanks @poetalegre @strandlines @DiplomaticDiva and others for the feedback on my Letter to the Editor. Tomorrow's paper should be the one to publish it.
@Miraz Did your letter to the paper get published? (Apologies if you’ve updated this and I missed it).
@DiplomaticDiva Thanks for asking. Yes, it did. And since then another person has also written a letter supporting refugees. So that's good to see.