Letter to the Editor

The only thing we should fear, is fear itself
 
Letter to the Editor:
 
     I attended a town hall meeting Oct. 13 in Hampton that our U.S. House Representative Steve King spoke at. In addressing the Syrian refugees pouring into Europe and the notion that the U.S. may be pressed by virtue of executive order to accept Syrian refugees, Rep. King had what I would call a disheartening opinion.
     King noted how Chancellor Merkel of Germany has stated that fear cannot be the guiding principle in handling the Syrian refugee crisis. Thankfully thus far, fear has not prevailed, as Syrians are making their way to Germany by the tens of thousands in a beautiful scene of humanitarianism.
     Instead of “fear” being the guiding principle, King said he liked facts. His facts being, “they” wont assimilate into the culture, “they” won’t speak our language, “they” won’t have just one wife like we do (yes, he said that), “they” won’t worship the same God we do. He would continue with what I call fear-mongering, drawing upon a recent trip to Dearborn, Mich., where he witnessed too much of what is not “American” culture.
     Mr. King, what exactly does “American” culture look like? Show me a state on this planet that can claim the diversity we do, and a state that was, and is built by peoples from all corners of the world. To suggest that “they” need to do and say within the box you have carved and created out of your version of what America should look like, is ludicrous.
     Rep. King what would you tell the Syrians to do? Go elsewhere? Where is elsewhere? Is it safe there? Will their children be fed there? Yours and my creator asks us to open the door to a stranger in need and to not be afraid. Your creator and mine asks us to not be afraid of the fact that, “they” may be a financial/cultural stressor in our lives. Your creator and mine asks you to love them as they are, because you have been loved as you are.
     Whether they’re Syrian, Mexican or Canadian, isn’t our collective call as Christians to ensure the well-being of all? And quite frankly, your not so subtle equating of Syrian refugees as being of the same mold as militant Muslims was uncalled for. Have you heard? Not all Muslims are terrorists.
     Rep. King, please consider stepping back and taking a look at the culture of fear you are engaged in. Lead by bringing hope and inclusion to the table instead of darkness and exclusivity. Political lines in a desert, be them in the Middle East or the southwest corner of the North American continent, make for sad excuses when it comes to issues of humanity.
     I commend Chancellor Merkel for not letting the devil be in the details, and for just saying “come.” Come, all who are weary and need rest…(Matt. 28), for God will make a way for light to prevail. Always has, always will.
 
Pastor Steve Winsor
Hampton

Hampton Chronicle

9 Second Street NW
Hampton, IA 50441
Phone: 641-456-2585
Fax: 1-800-340-0805
Email: news@midamericapub.com

Mid-America Publishing

This newspaper is part of the Mid-America Publishing Family. Please visit www.midampublishing.com for more information.