Mike Barnacle in his post on the Daily Beast, “As Thousands Die Trying to Reach Freedom, Where is the US?,” brings up a good point. He says, “The US used to be beacon for those looking for a better life. Right now the biggest humanitarian crisis in the world is just a news clip.” In the post he goes on to talk about the people is his neighborhood, when he was growing up, being from countries all over the world. Those people had escaped from the ravages of war to make a new life here.
“America provided things that form the foundation of who we used to be: the prospect and potential of hope, mercy and freedom for strangers who came carrying not much more than a determination to survive in a big country with a bigger heart. The question is: Who are we now?”
And I have been thinking the same thing. Why are our leaders so quiet about this crisis?
Notes Tied On The Sagebrush 
I can only imagine it’s due to the way they handled the children seeking refuge last year. That was a horrid display of care and concern, now we, as a country can only look on and say – we were wrong, may God forgive us. Well, some of us will say that, others will build a higher fence! The country built by immigrants now can’t tolerate humanity or recognize that our sole purpose in life, the legacy we leave is the sacrifices we make and the compassion we give. Our ONCE great country has failed not only those in crisis, but the world!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well there was always the dark side of it even back when people were coming here from Europe way back in the early 1900s. At first people were not always accepted, there was prejudice, and then people eventually came together. We have gotten so paranoid after 9/11 that we see people as terrorists.
LikeLiked by 2 people
As I sit here in Australia, I am witness to this present government’s position on “Boat People.” No different. And this is a ‘good’ and admirable country. So far as ‘terrorists’ are concerned, I believe it was our own President who used that label–and it stuck; moreover, I sometimes hear the rationale that amongst the innocent, terrorists are embedded. I think the ‘enemy’ is fear.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree wholeheartedly. 🙂
LikeLike
I don’t know how I feel on this subject. Many of us in America are struggling. We have a high homeless rate and people are hungry. I wish we could help but we have to take care of our own first.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I care about all those things as well. I think we need to care about all of it because we are really all part of the same family.
LikeLike
True.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is a good question Deborah. Maybe because they think this is an European problem whereas this is a world’s humanitarian issue, therefore any UN country is responsible for that too.
Besides, they should not forget that they helped creating the refugee crisis, when they pushed the button to start the whole mess in Iraq years ago, as well as in Libya. This problem is not new and is just aggravated now. It seems that the world started noticing it after seeing the photo of a dead child. However since five years, many more children and adults have already died when attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea to reach safe shores.
Europe is also divided on the issue and fear is dominating the public opinion, making politicians not take actions. Excuses on unemployment and financial crisis aren’t enough anymore, because this issue is not going to disappear by get worse if no one helps them.
These are not terrorists but human beings in despair. It’s been heartbreaking to follow what’s been happening since years ago.
We are all learning how to react and the most important thing to do now is to get better information about the situation via credible sources like UNCHR so that one can understand the issue and find ways to help, instead of being afraid. In this way public opinion can trigger better reactions from politicians.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree with you. Even though the people fighting in the war in Syria have created this terrible situation and some other policies have created all these worse problems we can not turn our backs on the people who are suffering because of it. It seems all countries need to work to find a solution and to end the war. But for now we must help these people. This has become a moral issue now. I am not saying these people are terrorists but I am reflecting on what I think is the thinking of others about the danger of allowing people into our countries. And like you say, people use the excuse of our own economic problems.
LikeLike
I agree with you too and know that you were reflecting about others thoughts that there might be terrorists amongst them. Many people think like that.
This is such a complex issue and no solution is a complete one but we cannot wait and watch these people dying everyday at European waters.
The crisis is affecting all of us, that’s for sure, but not helping them it’s not making us feel better.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have been surprised that there is this silence from the leaders of my country. I read some articles in the Washington Post this morning that are also very critical that there has been this attitude of distancing our country from this crisis. I know I was not paying attention to it or was not aware of how bad things were getting. Millions of people fleeing Syria and other countries as well. When I wrote my recent posts I was watching some video from the UN with reports on the refugee camps. It was an education. Lebanon, Turkey and Jordon have taken in so many people. And Greece has really bore the brunt of all the refugees taking that route to Europe. Yes the other countries of the world have to pitch in and help these countries who are receiving the refugees. Which includes my country. I know the US has already contributed a lot of money to the UN for this and we need to continue to do so. But I think words do help as well. And it would make me feel better to hear the leaders of my country speak to this issue and say that the US is there to help along with everyone else.
LikeLike
Well said. I’m also very surprised with the silence. Not only of the U.S. but many other countries.
LikeLiked by 1 person