This is a big departure from my typical posts. But the last few days have been a big departure from normal life, you could say. Everything’s a little helter-skelter, Bridget’s throwing herself from the sidelines into the political arena, who knows what’s next to come (literally).
Here we go.
After a week of hand-wringing, reading, talking, stressing, we heard there was a march happening in Boston to protest the refugee ban. I’m not a march kind of gal, Steve’s not a march kind of guy. The last time I was amongst those sorts of crowds was when the Red Sox won the World Series in 2004. Very different circumstances, obviously. After hours spent reading everything I could get my hands on (Parker and Anders will tell you; they had to fend for themselves most days!), dialoguing on Facebook (yes! I was one of those.), reading a question phrased “why do you bleeding-hearts…” as though it were a dirty word (better question: why aren’t you one?), I was eager to put it all to action.
I don’t get really vocal about politics because, if I’m being honest, a) I usually don’t pay enough attention to it, b) I don’t trust my own intuition/sources/opinion, c) I fear I’m in an echo chamber of like-minded people reading like-minded things regurgitating like-minded information, d) I recognize that there’s an enormous population of thoughtful human beings who feel quite differently than I do and probably for their own very good reasons, and so on and so forth.
Then came the refugee ban executive order.
I have a hard time with a lot of what is happening be it women’s rights, climate change, etc. but this particular ban is where I think we should all–and I mean all–take a good, long pause, and ask ourselves what is going on. I think there is one right side of this, and I wish we were all on it. I know not everyone agrees with me–clearly! but if I’m completely honest, I’m seriously having trouble this time understanding why. Let me be clear: I’m not suggesting we get rid of our vetting process, throw open the borders, and let anyone who knocks at the door in. I love my family just like you do and would not want to put them in harm’s way–ever. I’m just suggesting that if there is a fire–and Syria is clearly on fire–let’s not be the ones responsible for blocking the fire exits.
Vetting and compassion are not mutually exclusive.
If you’ve been reading long enough, you’ve seen me mention Syria. I know everyone has different things that grab hold of them, demanding that they pay attention (and thank God for that; we need to diversify!). One of these things for me has been Syria. I’m regularly ripped apart by the pictures and stories that are coming out of Aleppo and Wadi Barada. I still think about Alan Kurdi, the three year old boy who drowned in 2015 when his father was trying to flee. The faces of the parents there, utter anguish, as they hold their injured (or worse) child. That face could be mine or yours. The idea that they are there, I am here, and there is so much legal red tape (and a great big ocean) keeping me from hosting them in my (safe and warm) home and around my table is enough to make me want to scream. Lord have mercy!
I understand that a president has to make choices, sometimes fast ones, sometimes because of a threat. He’s privy to information we don’t have, and, at the end of the day, he’s the one in the Oval Office. But when a particular president’s campaign and short time in office thus far is filled with so much strident nationalism (America first!), fear-based politics (they’re killing Christians!), xenophobic rhetoric (Muslims!! Mexico!! China!!), and seemingly impulsive decisions that throw things into total chaos with cruel results (five year old detained without his parents for ten hours; a Syrian family arriving legally (one of whom has been working on obtaining legal immigration since 2003) only to be detained at the Philadelphia airport and sent back on a Qatar flight three hours later), it does cause one to wonder: is all this really about making us safe or is there something more malicious at work here? Is he thinking through the ramifications of these policies? Who’s counseling him, if anyone, on these actions? Is he listening to their counsel? What am I missing? How am I mis-reading this? And does he even care?
I am happy to dialogue here. Please keep all comments respectful. (I don’t think I even need to say that. You guys always do.) And fear not, this blog is not going political though I’m not even sure this qualifies. This is a humanitarian crisis. Let’s talk about it, whether or not politics are your thing.
We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Elie Wiesel, Holocaust survivor
Some good reads this week on this issue: this piece on what the ban means and how you can help, and this on what the vetting process in place prior to this already looked like, and this heartbreaking poem by Warsan Shire.
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.
I honestly don’t see this as a political issue – I see it as a compassion and human issue. Thank you for posting this, as I know it can hurt your following. I am losing any respect for bloggers who DON’T post something on this issue and act like nothing is happening in the world.
Totally agree. I’ve felt so turned off by bloggers carrying on like nothing is going on, let’s carry on consuming pretty pictures and heartwarming anecdotes as if all is well and normal. Thanks for speaking up and taking action! An American abroad, I marched in London. Solidarity! xx
I feel the same exact way!
Yes! Exactly how I feel too. This isn’t politics it’s human decency . It’s compassion. It’s THE GOLDEN RULE. Much respect Bridget for this post. Xoxox!
Good on you for standing up for what you believe in. Thank you for sharing.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
I think this may be my favourite post of yours ever! Thank you for writing it.
Thank you for this. I realize that putting your political thoughts out there for everyone to see can be terrifying, but these are increasingly becoming more terrifying times. I love that you got involved and are using your voice to stand up for what you believe in. I stand with you and hope that reason ultimately prevails (though I expect it’s going to be a very, very long road to get there at this point).
I AM WITH YOU. I protested (my first ever) at our local airport over the weekend over the same damn thing. I am disgusted by the state of our government–and worse–the state of my fellow Christians’ heart. There are so many inaccurate things floating around (“Obama listed these 7 countries first!” and “Obama banned Iraqis for 6 months!” come to mind) and even if they were accurate – why should that stop me from protesting NOW? Just because something is legal does not make it morally right. Slavery was legal. Apartheid was legal. Segregation was legal. So should we have just gone with the punches because it was legal? Absolutely not. To act like we didn’t vet refugees before is ignorant. To act like refugees don’t matter is heartless. I am devastated and angry and scared for our future. Fight the good fight, girl.
that’s such a good point, danielle. just because we didn’t protest at some fill-in-the-blank time in the past doesn’t make today’s protest any less valid.
The entire election (for me) has not been about the party, but the person. The actions of the new administration are having severe, negative impacts on innocent people. I’m so sad for our country right now.
Bridget, I’ve been following for quite a while and I’m not sure I’ve ever commented before today. Thank you for this post. It’s not easy speaking up, but I’m so glad that you did. I couldn’t agree more with your statement that this is about humanity, not politics. You are so right. Thank you so much for this.
I honestly don’t know what to think anymore. While I have no issue with nationalism (I’m very proud to be an American), I think I’m most afraid of what may be coming next. I feel torn between compassion and fear – very well perhaps totally unwarranted fear but, still, fear.
May I ask you why you are proud to be an American?
It would honestly interest me. From over here in Europe this pride is sometimes hard to understand. I have lived in the US myself for a year and often feel sorry for my American friends because your country is so behind in many ways, like college fees, health care, maternity leave etc. etc. So I am interested to hear what you have got to say.
Best wishes!
I wonder if perhaps Erin might have meant she is patriotic. Patriots are proud of their country for what it does; nationalists are proud of their country no matter what it does.One is responsible, one is blind faith/arrogance. I think, often, the terms get interchanged.
Bridget.. there are only a few blogs I follow daily. Yours is one of them. Why? Because I like your ‘voice’ and I am interested in what you have to say. I think it would be a negative thing for you not to comment on what’s happening right now. Frankly I am fed up with both Republicans and Democrats. I don’t side with either one of them right now. I side with being a decent human being. I side with the golden rule ‘do unto others as you would have them do unto you’. Treat people the way you want to be treated. People are not listening, when you hear comments from people it is clear that a good number of them don’t understand that people who had green cards, people who had visas were being sent back to a worntorn country. As you mentioned, these people were vetted extensively, sometimes for years!! Tbey had cleared ALL the hurdles only to be sent back at our airports. This is inhumane! Some of these people had relatives waiting to pick them up and they weren’t even allowed to speak to them. They weren’t allowed to make phone calls for interpreters or attorneys. What is going on and how can people look the other way? This administration is a dangerous administration if it tells you not to believe respected news sources. Does the media get it right all the time? Of course not, but I believe them over an administration that lies, covers up or denies the lies and changes the rules to suit them. I’m afraid and sad. Thank you so much for an extremely thoughtful, well researched entry.
Bridget, Thank you for posting this. Over the past week, I have struggled to read blogs (typically one of my favorite stress relievers) because I keep asking myself, “How many pretty pictures can I look at when the world is in the state that it is in?” This is a humanitarian crisis and it is one that deserves every person’s attention. I don’t need a respite right now, I need a wake-up call. Xo
Hi Bridget,
(First time commenting, but I feel like I’ve been reading forever haha. Love the blog, love your voice)
I’m glad you marched Bridget! And being political here is authentic- seeing people we admire (like bloggers) getting out and getting involved is encouraging for my own involvement.
Xoxo
Thank you for putting into such eloquent words the thoughts of so many. We marched here in London and I just hope that things change. Well done for using your platform to stand against these atrocities, as you quote this is not a time to play at being “neutral”
I completely agree with you. I think it is so important to stand up to what is going on, and to let your children see you doing so. It is all so very surreal.
This. This is beautifully written, and I could not agree more. Thank you for posting it, I look forward to seeing what others have to say.
Thank you so much for your thoughts B. While I agree with you wholeheartedly, I also appreciate the kind approach you took to discussing it and creating an open experience for those who may not. Additionally, I think it’s really great you brought your sons to the protest – letting them see what positive democracy is like from a young age is fantastic.
Thank you for the post! I’ve followed your blog for awhile and haven’t felt moved to comment before, but I wanted to affirm your impulse to put this out there and commend you on your recent political engagement and decision to use your platform to start a conversation. As someone who is, well… not very good at keeping her political opinions to herself, it gives me great hope to see others coming out of their shell. Thanks Bridget!
I am so thankful for your voice! We are a nation of immigrants and refugees — my great great grandfather came here hoping for a better life for his family. If we didn’t already have an extreme vetting process, I think perhaps it would be easier to understand supporting this ban (maybe.) — but, to be honest, I have difficulty truly understanding how anyone can read these stories and see these photographs and not want to embrace refugees with open arms and love and compassion.
I completely understand not wanting to be political (though, the person is political, right?!), but it is comforting to see so many people speaking out against injustice and oppression! Thank you!
Love you and your heart, Bridget! Favorite line: “I’m just suggesting that if there is a fire–and Syria is clearly on fire–let’s not be the ones responsible for blocking the fire exits.”
Just wanted to mention there are refugee resettlement programs available where you can “host” a family who has been approved and is new to the states. Typical needs include: teaching them English, registering with their electric company, helping them navigate a grocery store, filling out healthcare forms, etc.
My sister is apart of one called “Bridge To Care” in Florida. They’re hard to find online or I would leave a link!
Hope this helps start the conversation for long-term care of these precious refugees.
Hi Bridget! I’ve been reading your blog for a few years now and always appreciate your honest and real content. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this issue; I agree completely, it’s not a political issue, it’s humanitarian and it comes down to the basic principle of loving your neighbor as Jesus calls us to in Mark and Luke. Refugees don’t choose their situation and many are just trying to protect their families and loved ones, who are we to say that they aren’t welcome in a country that was founded by refugees? I am utterly disappointed and frustrated with the choices being made by our leader and can only hope that the voices of those peacefully marching and protesting will be heard and considered.
Just want to say thank you for writing this.
Thank you for your vulnerability about why you don’t normally talk about this stuff. If I’m being honest, it’s reasons A and B for me as well. I lead with my emotions a lot and I think that’s also why I shy away from this stuff. It’s much easier for me to say ‘this just doesn’t feel right. this is not how Jesus asks us to treat each other.’
Even so, I’m going to listen to those who called in supporting the ban on this page to hopefully get some understanding. http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/31/world/immigration-voicemails/index.html
Beautifully said, Bridget. It’s 100% a humanitarian issue, and I don’t understand how many can politicize it if they envision it happening to themselves.
Thank you for posting, Bridget! I am a longtime reader but I don’t think I’ve commented before. I appreciate your speaking out on this critical issue. I think a lot of people (myself included) are finding that in order to be able to live with ourselves, we are needing to be more vocal about politics than we would have felt comfortable with in the past.
Couldn’t agree more. I was sadly out of the state this weekend so didn’t march, though I was at the women’s march. Like you, I have never taken an interest in politics or anything concerning it. But Trump has proven that that ignorance is no longer a choice. It is up to us, the people of this country who believe in the rights of its citizens, to pick up and support the ones he is knocking down.
What I’m currently struggling with most is how to interact with friends who support Trump and all he has done. Some close friends of mine are very clear in their passion for Trump’s policies….and that is giving me huge pause. How do I still love them, and look past their views which are seeming more and more racist, sexist, homophobic, and xenophobic?
Hi Julia,
I have been struggling with the idea of how to interact with friends who support Trump as well. I’ve never felt more conflicted. This goes beyond having different political views. It’s making me question whether these are people whom I can respect. Something along the lines of, ‘If you are kind to me, but cruel (or indifferent!) to my neighbor, then are you, ostensibly, all that kind?’
Perfectly said ❤
Love every bit of this, especially the Elie Wiesel quote. Everybody with a voice and a platform should be talking about this issue and the many others that are at stake. There is no such thing as staying out of politics.
Thank you so much for this. I love that you wrote and – more importantly – posted this! I tend not to get too vocal about politics either, for very similar reasons as the ones that you described. But I so appreciate you writing this post and I couldn’t agree more. I’ve been feeling really anxious, helpless and scared the past few week, following the election in the US. A lot of the decisions that have been taken affect us all, no matter where we live, and we should not keep quiet. ‘We must take sides’. It’s true – and that’s coming from a neutral Swiss girl! In all seriousness though: Thank you, Bridget! Catherine (long-time reader from Basel, Switzerland)
I whole heartedly agree and I love your approach to this subject. Last year, I think we all felt like ‘ugh, politics. It will die down soon’ but now it is pretty evident that we won’t be returning to ignorant bliss for a long time-if ever?. I wasn’t the marching type either-mainly because in my lifetime there hasn’t been a threat motivating enough until now-but, hell, the Donald has made me an activist. I went alone to the Women’s March and I plan to keep using my voice/feet/money/whatever to resist this.
Thank you for being brave enough to post this. Bravo.
First, I applaud you for posting this. I’m so conflicted and pray alot. I am concerned with everything that is happening in this country. Everything. As a mom of 2 littles I fear for their future. Even though we are a country based on immigrant ancestors, we are now a fearful country. The majority of us are scared and want to feel safe from those who are in charge, and it has been really a long time since we as a society have felt that. I get the ban even though the what if’s were obviously not planned for. Put up the temporary ban and get your ducks in a row as new President. I get that part. Our country has done this before. My great uncle and grandfather from Poland got split up after the war. One came here because he had a sponsor, a job lined up, etc. My uncle did not and went to Australia with the rest of the family. I’m all for accepting immigrants (we are all from immigrants long ago!) but we have too many enemies (here and abroad) to be so lax about rules. We need a strong plan of action going forward. Everytime you turn around someone is marching for something (because the USA has that right!) Why not march because our country is failing our veterans? Or for our poverty stricken families (who many have had to separate, divorce, etc) thanks to the job market and employment crash? Or for the mental health crisis? I’m one of those families who didn’t make it thanks to the crash. My ex flat out left because it was too much after being on unemployment for 4 years (that’s another flawed/broken part of our system IMO). So now I’m working full time (thank God) and barely making it (Hello working poor!), sacrificing time with my children so I can make it in the country I was born in and have paid into the system for over 25 years. When I needed help I went on welfare to get on my feet for a few months (I was a stay at home mom, TANF is not free in NJ and you have to pay the state back in full), but the families I work with who are coming over here on a Visa or illegally/newly legal are offered FULL medical coverage, cash, food stamps, housing, etc and they don’t have to work or pay anything back. Why?? I feel like there is something wrong about that and our values have been completely turned upside down because we now are afraid to hurt someone’s feelings. I get it that President Trump has hit a huge nerve and people are scared and angry. We as a country should be. America is falling apart. I just hope there is a positive upside to all of these new changes and plans. I’m afraid of another civil war if some kind of peace doesn’t come soon. I’m not sure it’s necessarily just the outside countries we need to worry about at this point.
Hi Kandie — thanks for posting. You sound like a really strong woman and I congratulate you for working to provide for your family. I just want to clarify a couple of things for you. “Refugee” can be a confusing term because many people come to the United States fleeing an unhappy life elsewhere in the world — but “refugee” in this case means someone who has acquired a Refugee Visa from the United States (a process that takes about 2 years of application and being investigated). It’s impossible to be an illegal immigrant AND have a refugee visa.
Secondly, refugees do have to repay the cost of their plane ticket, and the only get a $1000 housing stipend for the first three months. Most of the money comes from nine different “resettlement” agencies, six of which are faith-based (Christian or Jewish) although they help people of all faiths.
I definitely believe that we need to work to make sure all people in the United States are better supported, from refugees to working moms like yourself. But all that this ban does is withdraw permission to resettle in the United States, from people who had already gotten that permission (via the visa). I think it’s really unfair for the US gov’t to promise to do one thing and then take it away, effective IMMEDIATELY, with just one signature from the president. (I mean, imagine if they did that with your drivers license! “Oops, we had said you had permission to drive on our roads, but effective right now you can’t operate a car anymore, and if you were on the road right now, we will make you get out of the car and then you have to figure out what to do from there.”)
Thank you so much for adding some necessary facts. These are often not part of the discussion and unless you’ve had more interaction with refugee resettlement, not part of the general knowledge of Americans. Really useful and also helpfully framed.
Thanks Jessica! That was really informative information….obviously I had no idea all the fine details and clearly I’m not alone. So thank you for commenting back in a peaceful manner and shedding some light on the situation.
This respectful exchange gives me hope, thank you.
It also gives me hope! I love the fact you were both so respectful of each other. It was lovely.
Wow, Jessica, thank you so much for clarifying the issue. I have been horrified by the ban for all the reasons Bridget so eloquently described, but I was ignorant of a lot of the background facts. Your driver’s license analogy is perfect!
I feel the exact same way as you. I don’t understand the other side. How is there another side? We ALREADY have stringent vetting – it takes 18-24 months for a Syrian refugee to gain entrance to the US. And so many experts, who know far more than I do, have said that this actually could make us LESS safe, not more. Thank you for speaking out and making your voice heard. It seems it’s all we can do right now, and I still feel like we’re sometimes screaming into the wind.
I watch from the sidelines too – always unsure if I know enough to be vocal, if I have all the facts right, or if I will state my opinion but then quickly change my opinion once more facts come in. I’m always confused, basically. I am on a constant scramble lately to catch up with history, how we ended up here in the first place, and the whys or hows politicians can easily make the decisions they do…but the info is endless, it seems.
Here is another good article that grabbed my heart. It’s a little bit less spin + a little bit more love than most articles I’ve been reading.
http://www.preemptivelove.org/president_trump_executive_order_refugees_5_things
And another that is loosely related…but a reminder to myself to always be this guy.
(Also, seeing an elderly man cry is the hardest thing in the world for me – I will bawl like a baby every time)
http://www.boredpanda.com/man-saves-669-jewish-children-reunion-sir-nicholas-winton/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=BPFacebook
Keep having a big, open heart with a seat at the table for everyone.
xoxo – Kaylen
yes to that preemptive love article!!
I just realized I sent you an article you posted already. See? it’s that good. xoxo
Thank you for posting this, and posting it in such a thoughtful manner. I, too, never speak up on things political (or even comment on blogs ever) but I feel like we are in different waters these days. I’m commenting to show my support for this topic and also to come back and read different explanations and opinions because I also can’t understand this ban. (I also had my first baby one week before he was elected and let’s just say–I 100% do not recommend trying to figure this out emotionally in the post partum phase. It has been brutal, ha.)
I couldn’t agree more. I have so many questions, concerns, and images that keep running through my head. Bravo to you for writing this.
Thank you for your post! I really appreciated the article link to the Preemptive Love Coalition, so insightful!
My favorite post you’ve written. Thank you.
Thanks for posting this Bridget. Like others have said, it’s getting hard for me to read blogs where the authors are not making mention of the big problems in the world. Everyone has their own tolerance, but it feels false to me. Glad you’re speaking out.
I am so thankful for anyone with any sort of platform or following of people who stands up to the horrifying bigotry, ignorance, cruelty, criminality and oppression that is happening right now in our government. THANK YOU BRIDGET. I have stopped reading any blog or instagram account where the author isn’t addressing the situation in America right now. We are in crisis. As you said, the horror happening around the world could easily be any of us and our children. If we don’t stand up to what our White House staff is doing, to the oppression and white supremacy, we will be there much faster than most of us can even understand. I applaud you, this gives me hope.
Thank you for your words and thank you for marching! It is a humanitarian crisis and defies everything we stand for as a country. I appreciate your addressing what’s happening. Well done.
As so many others have said, thank you for your voice and for writing this post. You have put to writing so many of the things I have been thinking about and feeling. <3
Yes! Yes! Yes! Thank you. Growing up in a conservative household and still being surrounded by very conservative family, the past year has been incredibly trying. I’m trying so hard to wrap my head around why people don’t see issues like this as a HUMAN issue not a political party issue. Unfortunately, some closest to me are so dead set on being loyal to their party that they’re losing sight of what their party is based on (love your neighbor, etc.). I am so glad to be part of the little blog world where I’ve found I’m not alone in all of this. Me caring about someone different than me isn’t a political party. It’s being a decent human being…and man, I wish more people understood that.
Written beautifully and I couldn’t agree more. Thank you for standing up and speaking what you believe!
It’s hard to put into words my thoughts about what is happening at the moment. I am over the other side of the world, in New Zealand, and the stories that are coming out in the media are nothing short of heartbreaking. I truely do not understand the thinking behind the decision. I commend you for being open & starting a discussion.
I am from NZ too! My heart breaks to see what this man is doing not only to Syria, but to international relations across the globe. He hung up on the Australian Prime Minister?!. Oh USA, I fear for you, this is not the States I have known so long.
Thanks for speaking up, I decided to unfollow all blogs etc. that stay quiet or ‘neutral’. There’s nothing neutral in staying quiet in times like this I think.
Absolutely. I hope large American businesses start getting on this train too (and that people start boycotting heavily if they don’t) because I think big business may become our biggest tool in overpowering our governments actions.
Thanks for sharing your voice! I agree wholeheartedly. And you mentioned Climate Change – isn’t that a no brainer too?? What is happening in our country?!
It seems to be one to me, Sydni. The scientists are saying the evidence is irrefutable. But I feel like some definitely do NOT agree on it (or at least do not agree that humans are contributing to the problem). That is another that worries me quite a bit, though. (And the parceling off/selling of national land. Have you heard this too?)
Your fire exit analogy was perfection. I knew you’d do a great job at posting your feelings, but I underestimated how much this post would make me want to jump up, fist bump, go hug strangers, and keep NOT being silent. Love your heart, Bridget!
I must admit, I read that analogy somewhere else. I can’t remember where at the moment as I’ve read so many articles in the past week that my head hurts!! Thanks, Sarah!
I have to be honest and say that I do not follow politics on a regular basis. Saying this now makes me sound totally naive. In the last two weeks I find myself reading more and more about what is going on in the world. I’ve never checked CNN so much in my life and I find everything that is going on SO unsettling. This woke me up and now I am trying to figure out what to do next. I don’t know how this can go on for the next four years.
not naive. the current political climate has made me pay attention in a way i never have before. i think that’s true for a lot of us.
Thank you for sharing and for speaking up for compassion, empathy, and humanity. Thank you for using your voice to stand up for what is right and to condemn what is wrong.
Alright, I’ll be the first person in the to disagree with you on this issue. Not to be combative. Not even because I feel I have all the answers. Only to show that there IS another side to this. There ARE good reasons for the policies that have been put in place. It’s very popular right now to be anti-Trump. The fact is, he is the president because half of the country wanted him to be. The other half tend to overlook that. Also, the media hates Trump. Of course, they are going to portray him in the worst light possible. The reports you are getting from mainstream media are NOT the full picture.
My heart does go out to the refugees and especially to those who have been screwed by the system. I do think things could be done better. Still, I think it is important to remember that there are many who agree with the policies that have been put in place that also have hearts of compassion and reason. It’s not just a bunch of haters. There are good men and women that support what has been put in place with good reason to do so.
I admire you for taking a stand and taking action. We can agree to disagree.
I feel the same way as you do, Rachel S. and I believe everyone is entitled to their opinion and can think how they want to think. But this is just a “temporary” ban (90-120 days?). It is not for the next 4-8 years. Don’t get me wrong, I do feel like we should help out refugees. And I don’t know what those answers are.
Everyone needs to stand up for something and I am glad you spoke out, Bridget. I can feel your passion through your post.
alice, temporary for most of the countries – indefinite for syria (where, arguably, the need is greatest). and given his rhetoric, i’m afraid this isn’t just about keeping america safe.
Hi Rachel! I’m glad to have some who disagree (how else will we learn?). Thanks for your comment. I am trying to read the most nonbiased sources I can–or a variety at the very least–but I admit, journalism often leans left. Especially with this administration. (Any recommendations? My favorites are NYT and NPR at the moment. WP quite a bit too. Can’t say I’ve subscribed to Breitbart!!) I want our country to be safe as much as you do, but his EO, I’m hearing, was full of flaws, illegal, and even airport officials were left blundering through as there was zero prep for it. It just seems like this administration is making it up as they go, which is a bit frightening–whether or not he’s the guy I voted for.
Thank you for sharing. This was important (and brave).
Thanks for your perspective! I definitely understand, appreciate, and agree with much of it. but you started off by saying that you are concerned with what is happening to women and I really have to ask (respectfully)– what IS happening or has happened to women’s rights in the last two weeks that upsets you?
Thanks for your perspective! I definitely understand, appreciate, and agree with much of it. but you started off by saying that you are concerned with what is happening to women and I really have to ask (respectfully)– what IS happening or has happened to women’s rights in the last two weeks that upsets you?
“I’m just suggesting that if there is a fire–and Syria is clearly on fire–let’s not be the ones responsible for blocking the fire exits.” Excellently put!! I admire you for writing this article.
Politics may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I think that speaking out against this policy is our moral responsibility as empathetic human beings. When the voiceless and powerless are being discriminated against because of their religion and being sent back to the inhumane circumstances they’re fleeing from, we must resist in the name of humanity. How can we teach our children tolerance and kindness, and then turn our backs on refugees? If we stay silent, when our grandchildren learn about this tragic period of American history and ask how we could have possibly let it happen, we will have no defensible response.
So I want to first state, before I state anything else, I believe in the beautiful melting pot that is America. I am proud of my great-grand parents that immigrated here and my husband’s grandparents that immigrated to the US with a few small pennies and some BIG dreams! I love that you mentioned Pre-emptive Love, our family started supporting them last year when I began to see the genocide created by ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria for those who may not know what the acronym stands for!) in many of these war torn countries where the refugees come from.
Big Gulp… There is another side to this story! The protesters are very upset for many reasons. They are angry about Trump, they are angry about the election, they are also deeply concerned for the poor refugees that have been the innocent victims of this war. But that’s the thing with war… IT SUCKS.. My husband served with the 82nd airborne division and served in Afghanistan where the ravages of radical islamic terrorism still cause so much suffering. There are many victims in war.. soldiers, their families, the refugee, the slain. Many of us.. your country men and women suffer because of war even now…
And many people are afraid of the CRAP ( I want to say a worse word.. but won’t) that these radicals of ISIS and ISIL would inflict on US soil as they often encourage their followers to do even if it’s just “Lone Wolf Attacks”. As we’ve seen from the refugees and their sufferings.. these people are THE WORST.
So yes, we need to do both. we need to help, we need to welcome. but the federal govt. has a right to protect its borders and pause to reassess. (Showing the inexperience of this administration, this EO was badly executed and they did mess up it really bad, causing innocent people to suffer unnecessarily.. I don’t deny that.. )
But many of the protesters signs said things like “No borders, no nations, f*** deportations!” “No walls, no borders, f*** executive orders!” Dude.. No borders?!?! No Nation ?!?! F*** executive orders ?!?! that’s called Anarchy…that’s called failing to recognize that a freaking election happened.. and guess what? Hillary lost. I realize that STINKS.. but guess what, 1/2 the country every single election gets upset. I know CNN and MSNBC would be shocked to hear this but many people didn’t love the super progressive big government policies Obama put in place.. But President Obama was our president, he one an election twice and as a nation no matter what you think of the president, we don’t say F*** executive orders and rule of law. Speak with your VOTE in four years.
Also Borders and Immigration reassessment in a time of increased terrorist threats are also a good thing.. Europe is suffering from their open border policies.. There is literally a Gang Rape Crisis in countries like Germany.. read this article from a nonpartisan policy group.. These aren’t like 1 or 2 women raped (which would still be one to many…) but like 100s of women and children as young a 9 raped in open markets and festivals.. Europeans are protesting this.. Where is the outrage for this??? https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/8663/germany-migrants-rape
So look.. not all people who believe in protecting borders are racist, xenophobes.. (its unfortunate that Trump has said such unhinged things .. they hurt the rest of us who also not only support groups like Pre Emptive Love, and support the immigration heritage of this nation.. These same people might also be a little defensive of Borders because these people and their families spend years away from their families as they defend our freedoms abroad. Remember that ladies.. This freedom, this security that we have.. it is hard earned with the blood of many of our Nation’s finest. We need to keep America safe so we can continue to be a country that can welcome “the tired, the poor, and the huddled masses that are earning to breathe free.”
Beauty will Save the World – I couldn’t agree with you more…thank you for putting into words exactly how I feel! I too think it’s okay to pause and re-evaluate things. I think there are so many with our opinion who don’t speak up because we are automatically assumed to be racist. AND thank you Bridgett and all other commenters for the ADULT, respectable conversation on the matter.
beauty will save the world – i understand a lot of what you’re saying! and agree.
i will speak with my vote in four years! (thanks for the comment.)
I would highly recommend the memoir The Butterfly Mosque by G. Willow Wilson (a Boston University Alumna). I read it several years ago, and it was lovely. (I like to plug it any time Islam is mentioned…)
The political is personal, the personal, political. Thank you, Bridget. You, me, we – all need to speak up and speak out. As others have commented, I have began unfollowing blogs that aren’t speaking out about this. If we’re not angry, were not paying attention. With love, from a friend North of the Border.
Long time reader- never comment- But thank you!!!! This issue, too, has been on my heart. I was so happy to see you were apart of this march!
I mourn for America right now, such unsettling times. Fear, anger, confused and heart break. Use your voice! Love your post.
I’ve been thinking about this post all day. I’m someone who isn’t clearly on a “side” in this debate, and I’ve had a hard time making my mind up exactly where I stand. The media coverage from both sides is so sensationalized and biased that it’s hard for me to say clearly which side is right. My heart absolutely breaks for the refugees in Syria, as well as the families in Mexico that suffer at the rule of the cartels, and families all over the world just hoping to earn a better life for their families. The United States was founded by immigrants and I 100% agree that immigrants add value and much needed diversity, but I also believe that ISIS is a very real and scary threat. I believe that the families struggling that already live here are due more from the government than what is currently available. Although this policy was horribly carried out and communicated, I also don’t think that pausing immigration to re-evaluate processes is a terrible idea. There are billions of dollars spent on the refugee program and the benefit is to such a small portion of those in need. I can’t help but think there is a better solution that can help more people, and that perhaps resettlement isn’t the ideal option for the majority of families. If as much effort and expense went to providing medical care, shelter, and food to refugees as the amount that is spent on a 2 year vetting process, think of the good that could come. Unfortunately, rather than a dialogue between people with opposing viewpoints, all I see is name calling, disrespect and self-righteous attitudes. Instead of workable solutions that factor in concerns of both sides, people are labeled as racists, or uneducated bleeding hearts, and if you’re not 100% with me you have to be against me. This is one of the most respectful posts and comment sections I’ve seen, and I want to thank you for linking to articles that were insightful, and made a clear effort to explain the situation without a horrendous bias.
I really appreciate you addressing this on your blog. I’m so appalled, hurt, scared and ashamed of what is happening in our country. I find myself needing to hear and be around like minded people. I have enjoyed your blog for years and would like to think it’s because I enjoy you as a person. If you would never have mentioned any of these atrocities, it would be hard, to be quite frank, to continue to be a reader. That might be extreme but its truly how I feel in this current climate. I teach 25 first graders everyday of differing races and backgrounds. I look at them and feel this enormous sense of responsibility to fight for what is right in this country while also feeling a horrendous amount of guilt to see how the people in power view some of them. It can be emotionally draining which is why I feel like I only have room for allies right now. I’m so glad to see you are one of them. I agree. There really doesn’t seem to be any logic to the “other side”. I know it can be scary to take a stance but I genuinely applaud yours.
Bridget, I used to live in Syria, and fell in love with the country because the Syrian people are the most hospitable in the world, which makes this all feel so much more heartbreaking and inhumane. Anyways, I have friends from my time there who started an organization called Syrian Supper Club (SyrianSupperClub.com) which raises money for apolitical medical organizations to provide salaries for doctors, prosthesis for bomb victims, etc. They don’t have a Boston chapter… you’d be great to spearhead it. It’s a great way to help, bring people around a dinner table for conversation, and spur more action. They have a toolkit on their website on how to get started. I helped get the DC chapter going, so feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions.
Thank you for simply and eloquently putting all of these thoughts into words. I have felt and feel the same things you describe and wish I could make others understand at times. Living in the Middle East, I fraternize with people from these banned nations every day and my heart has grown happier around them, and Muslims in general. I live in a true melting pot, yet all mothers are the same, all little boys are the same – we can bond and understand each other so easily when given a chance. It’s obviously a great loss for refugees right now, but it is definitely, regrettably, America’s loss, too.
Dear Bridget,
I don’t know if Trump made the right or wrong decison I only know what a completey Open Border Policy has done to my Home Country Germany. We “welcomed” anybody who made it across the borders and our country has changed
for the worse. In the last 2 years over 3 Million refugees or people pretend to be refugees came here.
Half of the refugees who came somehow “lost” their passports on the way and so its hard to decern between real refugeea and formerly IS fighter. We have alot of issues here. Just one personla example. My 14 year old daughter can no longer
use public transportation without fear to get molested. In our little viilage where never ever have been Muslims before you now meet Women in burkas. Our feeling of safety is lost (not because of the women in burka that is not what I meant)
So how do you know, and this is a sincere question (I dont kno the answer) whom you let in who is safe and who is the terrorist that like in Berlin 3 days before Christmas bombs people to death?
Just my two little thoughts
Best wishes from Germany,
Anja
Anja, when I read comments like this, I honestly feel like we cannot be living in the same country. I use public transportation every day and there have not been more instances in which I have felt threatened in the past two years compared to the years before that. I’m “scared of” or uncomfortable around drunk and aggressive young men when I’m by myself, yes, but that has always been the case. Crime rates have NOT gone up noticeably, “gang rapes” like mentioned above were, for the most part, NOT commited by refugees, festivals like the Oktoberfest have NEVER been safe… It is wrong to blame everything that’s going wrong on refugees, decades ago it was the Jews who were the scapegoats for everything, now it’s Muslims. That’s dangerous rethoric! I’m FOR a vetting process, but two years is a long wait for someone living within a warzone and the visas often come too late. And even if one agrees with putting up a temporary ban, which I don’t, Trump also extended this to people who already had valid visas, green cards, sometimes people who have lived in the States for years. I know he has changed his tone now, but it’s scary how fast everything can change with the signature of a single person without a political background. We need someone who respects political processes, has the necessary insight, patience and knowledge to develop new policies and values open communication with ALL parties (and so much more that does not fit into this comment box ;)).
Anja, admittedly, I don’t know enough about this at all (though I did read the article another commenter linked to about these gang rapes) to confidently comment but, if true, it is very troubling indeed. I also consider the other side–is this true? Is this really all Muslim perpetrators and, if so, why isn’t it being reported that way? (PC/fear of being racist?) Is this like when Jews were scapegoats in WWII times? What are Germany’s immigration policies? (What I’ve read, the U.S.’s policies are very thorough.) I’m so sorry for the fear you and your family are experiencing. No one should have to carry such fear on their daily comings and goings. Thanks for your comment. I’m going to try to read more about this.
Please don’t equate the Eugenic Facisist Thinking of Germans, who looking for a pure and perfect arian race, ordered the systematic execution of MILLIONS of innocent Jews in horrible death camps with the rightful practice of countries who reassess or pause their immigration practices (and we can disagree on whether that should have happened) because they want to protect their country from terrorist who have openly declared War on the West and encouraged acts of terror. So so sadly, Terrorist exploit the refugee programs. This breaks my heart, but here are the facts:
Analysis of phone call intercepts established that seven of the nine attackers involved in the November 2015 Paris onslaught, which killed 130 and injured 368 people, entered the EU through Hungary, the Hungarian Counter Terrorism Center (TEK) chief, General Zsolt Bodnar, revealed. The seven were allegedly part of a larger 14-member terrorist cell that used Hungary as the springboard for their bloody actions in Europe. h
Hungarian intelligence established that one of the Brussels and Paris attacks’ masterminds, Salah Abdeslam, made four trips to Hungary in August and October 2015 where he arranged for at least nine terrorists linked to the Paris and Brussels bombings to enter Europe. The men were involved in a number of attacks in Europe last year.
The nine smuggled were named as Bilal Hadfi, Chakib Akrouh, Mohamed Belkaid, Najim Laachraoui, Sami Amimour, Omar Mostefai, Mohamed Aggad, Mohammad Almahmoud and Ahmad Almohammad.
Besides the Paris attack, some members of the group were also involved in coordinated bombings in Brussels in March 2016 that killed 32 people. Bodnar revealed that Ayoub el-Khazzani, who opened fire with an assault rifle on an Amsterdam-Paris train last August, also passed through Hungary posing as a Syrian refugee.
We know French friends who have moved to the United States because they no longer feel safe in Europe. After we sort out any kinks in the system we should certainly get back to welcoming Refugees especially FAMILIES and MOTHERS AND CHILDREN… and BTW Australia worked out a deal with U.S. under Pres. Obama that they didn’t have to take any refugees.. Come one, Australia!
To be fair, someone else in an above comment made the Jew comparison originally though I do think it is one that bears consideration.
You know more than I on the Paris attacks. I will need to better inform
myself on how that was able to happen. But I do know that not one terrorist attack has taken place on US soil from someone who came here via our refugee program. So, would you make the assumption (at this time, I would) then that that would suggest that our vetting process is already very good?
That reply was for Lisa.. And as you say.. perhaps it is good enough.. but I don’t have security clearance to know that.. So I am praying that if there is a reason, it is just, and that a solution to what ever problems there might be are remedied quickly and we can get help to at least a few thousand of the millions of displaced people. Because we are a nation of great wealth that ought to serve those in distress. In the meantime, I will be calling my senators and donating what every resources I personally can to help aid these refugees and I am very happy you gave attention to Preemptive Love, the fact that you can buy sheep, chickens and medical help through them is amazing. Great discussion and dialogue!
Just to clarify: that’s not what I meant when I mentioned the genocide here. I feel like how “we” or “they” talk about Muslims these days is comparable to assumptions made about Jews back then. “Muslims are terrorists”, “Muslims don’t respect women” and so on. It’s generalizing and often dangerous as it paints a picture of a homogenous group trying to destroy “Western culture”, which does not discern between fundamentalists and whatever you’d call the opposite. The ban was not what I meant. Blame it on my poor English 😉 I hope that clears up what I meant. Like I said, I think regulations for immigrations are extremely important in regards to homeland security.
I thought that’s what you meant, Lisa! Thanks for writing to clarify anyway 🙂
Can I say something? Glad that people here are peacefully protesting because as someone who doesn’t think MSNBC and CNN are God’s converyors of all unbiased truth… I just gotta say those who represent the Left of this country are inciting violence… Have you seen what Berkley looks like? http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/444508/hard-left-doesnt-fear-law-theyve-decided-they-are-law “This is war” “Be ungovernable” .. get a grip a GAY conservative wants to talk at your University that toughts freedom of Speech.. I’m sorry liberals but this is actually what Facism and Tyranny looks like. Also the left needs to change the way they message. Let’s talk about the Woman’s March. CNN is going to show you the nice sign.. and there were many.. but you also have little girls holding signs with obscenities and swear words. and one sign said “If Mary had an abortion we wouldn’t be in this mess.” How can you say only the Right has hateful words?!?! Is that what feminism is? Really? And you have Madonna talking about thinking about threatening to bomb the White house..And you have America Ferrera saying that everyone who disagrees isn’t America.. That isn’t true. I’m get that you think abortion is a right but there are other people LIKE HALF of this country that think unborn babies deserve protection (at least Some type of protection) under the law. And every year, 100s of thousands of us PEACEFULLY March for the Unborn in Jan. We’ve been marching for 40 years and we don’t get celebrities or media coverage that we should. Why? Because we don’t burn up cars or break starbucks windows.. You can bet if we did do that the Media would be jumping down our throats as crazy anti-women Marchers.. But we are just people who think differently than you. We believe in the dignity and protection of the unborn. ANd guess what we also stand with you on Refugees Rights.
But everyone reading this on the LEFT, please take a look at you party.. the Right isn’t the only one with hate..
Bridget, I realize this comment might be a little more impassioned than you would like to see. But I am upset about a lot of things too. I think we all are, but I am sick and tired of being vilified for my views and frankly I think that is why we ended up with a President Like Donald Trump.. because the LEFT for too long has decided to call anyone who thinks differently from them about a variety of issues is a basket of deplorables..
There’s a lot here I want to respond to and I’m grateful for your comment but I feel like you’re making A LOT of assumptions about me. I’m not for violence, I’m not for signs like “if Mary had an abortion…”. I really disagreed with the signs with expletives on them that I saw at the Women’s March (via news; I didn’t attend the women’s march myself). I feel like you’re heard louder and clearer if you don’t “shout” so to speak and I wish more people would take this approach. This will probably be an unpopular view amongst many of my readers–an apparently a surprise to you–but I’m pro-life. (Though, I think the pro-life movement can be really detrimental for things like sex ed., contraception, and women’s health thus doing the opposite of what they intend to do. I’m still figuring all of this out myself.). I’ve voted for a Republican. I too am frustrated by a lot of the things you’re frustrated by. I think I’ve made it very clear that I don’t think anyone who disagrees with me is a basket of deplorables–while I think that, judging by your comment, you are painting with too broad a brush and doing exactly what you’re angry with the left for doing. Because I take issue with our current president doesn’t make me a Democrat. (I’m pretty solidly an Independent at the moment.) In conclusion, I think we’d find a lot of common ground. And you’re probably onto something when you suggest that a lot of the nastiness between parties helped usher someone like Donald Trump into office. I’m not sure how we go forward but I think dialogue is important and I’m grateful for your impassioned (though, slightly off base specifically in how it relates to me personally) comment. Truly. Glad you’re standing with me as it relates to the refugees.
Sorry for making it seem like my comments were directed at you specifically, I guess what I am reading on places like (twitter.. I should probably get off that.. and on other news and Facebook feeds..) is that all this anger and violence is the result of Republicans coming into office. I really wish another Republican had won the primary, but I guess what I am hearing is this general assumption from my liberal friends is the blame is on the right. I agree with you that I don’t want to be broad in my generalizations. And I apologize for that. I am just trying to bring to light what I think (EVEN SNL makes jokes about) that people can live in a bubble and not see that violence shouldn’t be met with violence. This is why as a Pro-life woman nothing drives me more bonkers than those very small group of crazies that say and do mean and hurtful things to pro-choice people. Anyway sorry for both the way I conveyed my message and also the grammar errors. I blame my phone on making me appear so ignorant. “that toughts” insert monkey with the covered eyes emoticon. For those looking for more ways to help: http://www.crs.org/media-center/syrian-refugee-crisis-7-things-you-can-do-help
It’s ok! Really. I appreciate your passion – better than indifference! I too wish another Republican had won the primary. I think most of us do – and might’ve voted differently if so. I think these readers and their comments are examples of the dialogue I wish was the norm! How much we could accomplish. Thanks again for reading/commenting.
The National Review is a significantly biased news source. The protests have been largely peaceful. You’ve pointed to a couple of signs (without citing any sources) and then made a gross generalization about “the left” based on this while at the same time voicing frustration for being labeled. I don’t see this being a productive dialogue. I’m a left-leaning Christian, and I do not condone a sign like the ones you used as an example, in the same way I’m sure you don’t condone everything right-leaning people say/do/put on signs.
I think this comment thread has been peaceful and compassionate. I believe these women are open to different opinions and viewpoints. I would welcome a dialogue about how we can help refugees, which was what the post was about. This wasn’t about left vs. right. This wasn’t about pro-life vs. pro-reproductive rights. Obviously, I can’t speak for Bridget, but I felt like I had to reply, because I did not read anything this post that suggested these things. I do hope with continuing to share our experiences and viewpoints we can learn from each other!
I apologize. This is why I should just not write.. You are right. I made generalizations.. I am just trying to show how we got here… There is bias every where.. NRO is no more biased than CNN.. or MSNBC.. but of course people will feel differently about this.. And I promise not to interrupt the conversation about Refugees anymore. Because that is something we all care about!
There’s no need to apologize. I’m a liberal and I enjoyed reading your perspective. We can all make generalizations when we’re trying to make our point, especially when we’re on the defense. I cringe at some of the things that I see my “side” sharing and saying on social media. It’s like they’ve given up on trying to convince Trump Supporters of anything and settled on trying to make them feel bad instead (don’t know if it’s making them feel bad, but certainly has caused them to dig their heels in).
This is truly amazing feedback from your readers Bridget. Like it was waiting to pour out. The sense of anguish and sincerity, the helplessness, the responsible and respectful tone made me want to read on and on, each one of them, with tears in my eyes.
Thank you for being you, so beautifully again and again.
I struggle so much with how to respond to people’s ignorance (or hate) on social media. Mostly I’m just heartbroken that people who I KNOW are good people, can feel the way they do and say the things they’re saying. I grew up in the mountains of North Carolina. I love where I’m from– I’m proud of where I’m from, but, diverse it is not. Surprising as it may be, many of the people I grew up with have probably never even met a Muslim person–at least, not knowingly. They’ve posted some really terrible things about Muslims. I don’t even know how to respond to that. I know how liberals are perceived by them (we know everything and are better and more educated) and I try to be careful not to play into that perception. I’m shocked and outraged at what they say, but is showing shock and outrage the best way to help them see they’re wrong? Is there ANY way to show them they’re wrong? My point is, I think maybe we’re getting ahead of ourselves by trying to convince people that the ban is wrong. I think we need to start with the basics– Muslim people are not bad.
I really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts! I fall in line with pretty much all the reasons you listed for not tending to get really vocal about politics. Not paying much attention to it and in my case, not knowing much about it either, has never bothered me but now it feels different. I’m not confident or knowledgeable enough to argue my stance, but I just know none of this feels right and this time I just don’t think my gut, intuition, however it’s best described is off.
Thanks again for being real about this!
I appreciate your honesty. Thank you so much for opening up and giving your point of view. I’m thinking and questioning the same things. The first week with all of the executive orders was a blur – everything was happening SO fast…and not in a good way. How can we not question? And the travel ban makes my heart ache. Every morning we wake up and witness horrors overseas, and I feel like where we once were so compassionate as a country, we faltered. Or perhaps it wasn’t the “we” that faltered but a few that are allowed to make those decisions for us. I don’t know…but I again appreciate you opening this dialogue. I don’t like arguing, but I think that you’ve created a safe space for us to just be wondering WTH. Seriously. WTH.
This was a really refreshing post. I also protested the refugee ban this weekend, my first protest ever, and also hesitate to post political things on Facebook or really anywhere because I feel like I’m constantly trying to make up my mind. Both sides seem to have a point on many issues (although I am solidly pro-life, but am also pro-contraception-coverage because basically I just want the unwanted conception of babies to end so abortions will end… sorry for the tangent, moving on!), but for this refugee issue, I felt like it was really my only option, as a Christian.
It’s been really disheartening to see Christian friends and friends of my parents and other people I respect on Facebook who are silent about this refugee issue, or worse, argumentative for the “other side” (e.g. “I lock my doors to protect my loved ones, not because I hate the people outside”). Like I said, I can usually see both sides to a debate and subsequently don’t post anything, but this is one issue where there just doesn’t seem to be a Christian argument in favor of the refugee ban. (I have heard the “separation of church and state” argument, but A) I think there are non-religious reasons to protest this ban, and B) I think this is one issue that’s inherently “political” in the sense that a nation’s borders are political borders, not natural borders, and so if God is speaking about helping refugees/foreigners, he’s mixing church and state and there’s not much we can do about it.)
yes! to so much of this comment, emily. thank you!
Yes, yes, to all of this. Thank you for articulating so well why none of us should stay silent right now.
I wrote about it on the Huffington Post too, here:
http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/us_588f7c68e4b04c35d5834e92
But in short – I am not a political commentator – or an American for that matter – but these are exceptional circumstances and we all need to speak up, not just the normal political voices. Thank you Bridget – your was one of the blogs that started me thinking I wanted to write and it is so great to read this post.
bravo to you and your article too! a friend of mine actually sent your huffpo article to me a few days ago! agree with all of your sentiments and am so glad you’ve begun your own writing!
Thank you for speaking about this, Bridget. I find so many bloggers in their self-interest of appearing neutral and not alienating their fan base keep quiet. I thank you for being honest and brave instead.
This may be mentioned in all the comments you’re getting, but I follow Miry’s List on FB. They collect donations in Los Angeles to deliver to refugees near San Diego. BUT. Here’s the cool part-for many of these families they put together Amazon wishlists. So, from your home across the country, you can click on their wishlist, order them something and have it shipped to them. I’m sure there’s organizations like this on the East Coast-but just a head’s up!
long-time reader, first time commenter here! i love everything about this post: the fact that you bravely wrote it, what it stands for, and just that it is so well-written.
reading through some of the comments here, i have even more respect for the way you navigated some “broad brush” assumptions thrown your way. i, too, am pro-life, although the shortcomings of the large “pro-life” movement frustrate me to no end. i believe being truly pro-life is being pro-refugee, pro-immigrant, pro-healthcare, etc etc…as it seems you do, too (but hate to assume anything! ;). pro-life, but VERY anti-trump!
anyway, all of this is yet another reminder that we are all complicated people with perhaps complicated, unexpected beliefs…and the only way to understand one another is to be open, honest, thoughtful and understanding.
everything you said resonates and, i believe, is truth. thank you for sharing your thoughts with us!
“Nice people made the best Nazis. My mom grew up next to them. The got along, refused to make waves, looked the other way when things got ugly, and focused on happier things than “politics”. They were lovely people who turned their heads as their neighbors were dragged away. You know who weren’t nice people? Resisters.”- Naomi Shulman
Great post, Bridget! XO
Good for you!! SO important!! I’m so full of gratitude that the silver lining in all this is how much it is bringing us together more than ever. <3
Wonderful post, Bridget! I, too, am dipping my toes in the water of peaceful protest. Have been calling my senators and representatives to protest the ban as well as a couple of Cabinet picks. Am concerned that our country’s moral core is off course and that silence signifies consent.
Thank you for your post, Bridget. I’ve sort of checked out of the political and social media arenas since the election as it was just too much. But you are absolutely right, this isn’t a political issue, it’s a life issue. My sister and her family live in Asia and work with Middle Eastern refugees. One of their friends who was literally days away from receiving her visa to America after extensive vetting is now waiting, and praying, and mourning. That story really brought it home to me. I think personal connection is so important – that we see lives behind all the news headlines, human beings of flesh and bone and soul and eternal value to our Father. My husband and I are praying and wondering, like so many here, what do we do now? Because the great privilege we have been handed in our time and space here on earth is surely not just for our own comfort.
I totally understand when bloggers don’t want to “get political” on their blogs. I totally get it! I’m the same way for all the reasons you described. But when you are brave enough – and CARE enough! – to speak out… when you use this platform you have that reaches so many… well, that’s truly wonderful! The blogs I find myself following year after year are the ones where I feel a connection to the writer – like we would be friends IRL. It doesn’t surprise me that we share the same opinions & values, but it makes me really happy… and really proud of you! XO
Long time reader who’s only commented once in awhile, but wanted to echo a lot of comments. Loved this post, love your writing, love how you took a stand.
Have you heard of the newsletter PolarNews? http://www.getpolarnews.com/ They send a daily newsletter via email and pick one or two issues being talked about in the media and share a left side article and a right side article so we can see both sides of the conversation. It’s been an interesting tool for me since the election to learn different viewpoints. May be something you’d enjoy subscribing too.
Super late commenter here. I had to take a break reading blogs for a while because I would see subjects like this and get all angry all over again (not at you, the writer, but that we even have to deal with this $hit). I think you wrote an absolutely beautiful post that expresses my same feelings of disbelief at this situation. I can’t fathom the families dealing with this and it just absolutely breaks my heart to think of people fleeing persecution only to be turned away again at our borders. How can we think this is ok??? (And yes, I read the comments, and I still don’t understand, because they all sound like national security > people’s lives). Unfortunately I expect the Surpreme Court to uphold Trump’s ban (based on precedence) but I can only hope/pray it will be reversed permanently!
Thank you for writing this! I am so torn between all things political, I agree with some issues and facts and disagree with others. But your point on Syria is spot on, I cry with every article about some family or child suffering because they can’t escape and have no where to go. I’ve been reading your blog for over a couple of years now and I went back to the beginning and caught up. Your blog helped me through post partum depression and I thank you for that. Anyways, I just wanted to thank you for writing this beautiful perspective!