Whether to escape tyranny and persecution in their homeland or simply from a desire to attain the oft-mentioned American dream, immigrants have long seen America as their best hope for the future. Initially, many have received less than a gracious welcome, but never have I seen such outright hatred and contempt for newcomers than is obvious in the inflammatory rhetoric of Donald Trump and JD Vance.
Trump’s totally unfounded accusations about the Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio, led to repercussions that continue more than a month after the debate with Kamala Harris. Vance, who passed this “information” along to Trump, has said himself he is willing to “make up stories” to get his point across. Have these two never read the inscription from “The New Colossus” on the Statue of Liberty, words welcoming to our shores those longing for freedom and a better life?
In their pandering to the evangelicals to secure their vote, have they — as well as the evangelicals they’re courting — conveniently “forgotten” Christ’s directive to welcome the stranger, to help those society considers outcasts? Our country needs leaders with compassion, who will extend a hand to those in need rather than assuming the worst, slamming the door in their faces and yelling, “You’re not welcome here! Go home!”
Where would you be today if someone had said the same to your great-grandparents, your grandparents, your parents or perhaps even to you?
Think before you vote!
Susan Gero
Leechburg