17 November 2015

-6° F.

Another nippy morning, but the humidity is much lower. The frost wasn't bad, and didn't require any scraping. What little was on my windshield wasn't enough to obscure my view, so I just got in (after a little pre-heating) and drove to work.

* * * * *

Our governor, bless his darling heart and empty liberal head, has announced that banning Syrian refugees "is not something he's considered." The safety and welfare of the residents of the State aren't worth his time, you see; he's too busy worrying about the budget, or the natural gas pipeline ... or something.

However, it seems there's more to the story than the headline would indicate.

Unlike most states, the refugee state coordinator in Alaska does not work in the state government, said Robin Bronen, executive director for the Alaska Institute for Justice a former refugee coordinator. Here, Catholic Social Services works with national groups to place refugees, she said. A spokesman for Catholic Social Services issued this statement today in response to questions about potential Syrian refugees in Alaska:

"The U.S. refugee resettlement and asylum programs are lifesaving programs that provide a second chance in life to those in desperate need of safety. Welcoming those fleeing persecution is an American tradition and part of our values that have defined this country. These individuals, given the chance to reconstruct their lives here, eagerly contribute to the nation’s economic, political, and cultural strength. “

Security measures are intrinsic to the integrity of the refugee and asylum programs and we support strong, just, and secure programs. We support steps taken by the U.S. government to ensure a secure, effective, just, and humanitarian rescue of refugees and asylees. Refugees undergo thorough and rigorous security screenings prior to arriving to the United States. Asylum seekers also undergo rigorous background checks."

Never mind that Syria doesn't really exist as a political entity; not anymore. So there are no records on the refugees. The U.S. State Department has already said it can't conduct screenings on the refugees, because there are no backgrounds available.

Good thing we're relying on those, then.

We're so hosed.

11 comments:

Vicki said...

Your Catholic Charities and my governor must be using the same playbook. Right after his announcement that my state will welcome refugees with open arms, the Mall of America, better known as a terrorist target, announced that it will not add more security in the aftermath of the Paris massacre. So here we are. Roll out the red carpet and hang a "Welcome ISIS" sign on the front door. We are so doomed.

Rev. Paul said...

Vicki, our governor's refusal to take a stand is an abdication of duty. Catholic Charities isn't much better. Yes, the Bible tells us to take in the alien and the refugee, but it doesn't say to take in criminals and murderers, and give them free reign of your communities.

Rob said...

I'm with Vicki, our Liberal Gov., and two US Senators share the same view. Our state has a surplus of money, why?? Because they raised all the fees, not due to more folks paying taxes. Last night the BLACK LIVES MATTER group walked on to I-94 and closed the interstate for 2 hours, because rumor has it the cops shot and killed a handcuffed black man, laying on the ground. When ISIS starts taking them out they will understand that their lives don't matter at all as does everyone's.

Rev. Paul said...

Rob - absolutely correct. "No Lives Matter to ISIS" may become a thing, if the US doesn't change its policies post-haste.

Anonymous said...

Walker needs to be reminded that once they're taken in, and misbehavior starts, he's going to have to find the funds to deal with the consequences. That probably won't get his attention, but it should.

I can't tell if he still thinks he has friends in DC or not, after the cancellation of the leases in the Chukchi Sea. Everyone else saw that one coming, and yet he still seemed surprised?

ProudHillbilly said...

A bunch of charities, many of them Catholic, are getting funds for this. Which is why my donations to certain groups have been stopped. I have no Christian duty to commit suicide.

Rev. Paul said...

airphoria, I used to like Walker, but the last few years have changed my opinion. Like you said, if he thinks he can let the refugees in & not deal with consequences, then he's farther from reality than any of us want to admit.

PH, the Social Services crowd here is just ... out there. I agree with your conclusion.

Guffaw in AZ said...

At least most of you folks are armed!
Unlike the French...

gfa

Chickenmom said...

There is supposed to be separation of Church and State. Where are these churches getting all this money to fund these so-called refugees?

Rev. Paul said...

Guffaw, I guarantee - no matter how non-PC this may be - if an Islamic jihadist attempts an attack here, he (or she) will think the wrath of God & an ammo factory fell on them.

Rev. Paul said...

Chickenmom, the Catholic Social Services here collects lots of donations, and holds fund-raisers. I don't know how much of their budget comes from that, but I'll bet it's a LOT.