106. Finding Compassion with Each Other

If we could stop the inflammatory rhetoric, that would be good.  The people opposed to bringing the 25,000 Syrian refugees here by the New Year are not racists, nor are they islamaphobes, nor are they stingy, cold hearted or mean spirited.  Those people opposed to the resettlement of the Syrians are not ignorant.  They have a legitimate concern regarding their safety, and the safety of the country.

          The war we are engaged in is nothing like we have seen before.  Yes, the enemy has a clearly defined territory, and much like any other war they are seeking to expand that territory.  This group also uses social media to spread not only their message of hate, but images of their brutality. And, unlike other wars, it seems like enemy combatants make their way far beyond the front lines of that war, and wreak havoc. 

          Attacks such as the ones in Paris, the most recent and the one in the spring, or the Boston Marathon bomb, or the attack in Bangkok in August.  All are random, all carried out in the name of a religion.  Even if they were not carried out by people acting on behalf of this new enemy; they still seem to be the same.  It still exposes just how vulnerable we really are even in our own homes.

I, and those who stand with me in support of welcoming these refugees, are not bleeding heart liberals. Nor have we been duped.  It is not stupid to want to resettle these people to Canada. There have been other comments about those in favour of giving refuge to the first of the victims.  But we are not star-eyed idiots that think that a simple show of compassion will change the world.

          We know that there is risk involved, even if that risk is over stated.  But we also know that unless we risk peace, it will never come.  There is nothing wrong with us for wanting our country to take compassionate action.

When I first heard of the attacks in Paris I was angry.  I detest bullies.  My knee jerk reaction was to wish that there was an eternal punishment.  These assholes deserved to be there.  It took some time for me then to worry about the Syrian Refugees, for I saw the backlash against them coming.  How horrible, that this group claiming to be a country, has made us afraid of those people fleeing them.

          Yet, France, the very target of the attacks, has pledged to bring in even more of the refugees.  Curiously, those committing the acts of terrorism in Paris were citizens of France, and Belgium. 

         

Those who are opposed to the Syrian refugees are also quite aware of the threats made by this group to hide amongst the refugees.  They have followed through on other threats, and have added new ones.  The bombing of a Russian jet being one such example. 

          And so there is fear. 

          Most are not even opposed to bringing over that many refugees.  They would like to see the process slow down, not drastically, but enough that they can feel reassured that we are helping the right people.

In my opinion, the attacks in Paris were masterfully executed, with the desired effects.  There is increased fear of others.  There have been arsons, assaults, and ugly confrontations within Canada as a result of these attacks.  Thus, the point of the attacks have been successful.

          Those who are fleeing this group, the group we fear, are finding opposition to finding safety.  Refugee Camps are not safe.  This group conducting the war, has made us afraid that bringing the refugees may bring the enemy as well.

Those who are behind, or in favour, of this mass resettlement have done a disservice by not explaining the process – clearly and articulately – to the public.  Thus, leading to reactions made out of fear.  Even with the flood of protests against welcoming the refugees, few if any details have been made public.  Which is a shame, for often education will relieve our concerns.  The other antidote for fear is love. 

          Finally, in the last few days, the process of how refugees are selected, and who we are selecting, and how they are vetted, is being brought into the awareness of Canadians.

So, I will chose love over fear.  I will not let those bullies, and I refuse to name them, stop me from showing my compassion.  I have already been a vocal advocate for the resettlement of the Syrian people, and I will continue to do so.

          Do I think there will be repercussions from bringing in these Syrian refugees, and the others who will follow?  Absolutely.  But not from the refugees.  Those who want to make us afraid, will undoubtedly take action.  And, I may experience those actions directly if not indirectly.

          But I think there are greater consequences for not taking action.  For our country to lose its reputation as a leader in compassionate action would be a significant loss, and is but just one of those consequences.

So I urge you, whichever side you are on to do a few things.  First, let’s stop calling each other names, and being angry with each other.  Secondly, educate yourself, and not from just one source.  Far too many sources want to establish themselves as being the only source of true information – while they peddle lies.  Thirdly, pray. Then take action.  Whether that be writing or calling your MP to share your view. Or, to get involved in the local efforts to welcome these people – even if it is making a tuna casserole for the new family down the block.  (At some point they will have to experience that part of Canada.)  But together, as we are Canadians, let’s find our compassion.