And the debate rages on. Should we let the Syrian refugees in or not? Politically correct folks delight in reminding us that we are all a product of immigrants and ask “How dare we refuse to take in refugees yearning to be free?”
Well, here you go.
When my immigrant grandparents came here, they were sponsored, they worked for their keep, they didn’t expect entitlements, they learned the language, and they assimilated into the culture. They wanted to be American, they didn’t have “Press one for English,” and there were no free rides. And as far as I can tell, none of them wanted to blow us to smithereens.
America has always opened its doors. But under the present circumstances — and with no concrete way to properly vet the refugees — how do we provide sanctuary to them and still protect our own citizens?
Before you all want to hang me — let us not forget about the Tsarnaev brothers, Dzhokhar and Tamerlan. They immigrated for political asylum and America welcomed them with open arms — they were given sanctuary and provided an education — they repaid it by bombing innocents. They were not Syrian, but they were political refugees.
My wish for all on this Thanksgiving week — no matter where you emigrated from — is this:
• May you always have the ability to laugh at yourself and have your tongue firmly planted in your cheek.
• May you always have the time you need, the time to appreciate the small things, and the time to live through the big things.
• May you never lose hope that you’ve run out of time.
• May your turkey be juicy, your gravy not lumpy, your sides plentiful (and only split with laughter), and most importantly, may you always have the time to savor those pies.
Many thanks to all who read my words. Whether you agree or not doesn’t matter, because without you, there wouldn’t be a “Not for Nuthin™.”
Not for Nuthin™, I’m not against aiding refugees and letting in those huddled masses yearning to be free — but I am against letting in those that wish to harm us. Until we can verify their status, I say it’s time to close the shores.
Follow me on Twitter @JDelBuono.
