More than half of the nation’s governors now say they oppose allowing Syrian refugees to settle in their states. As of early Wednesday, the number stood at 31. That number reveals a growing discord between states and the federal government over President Obama’s plan to allow 10,000 Syrian refugees into the country next year.
Opposition to the plan mounted after authorities revealed that at least one of the suspected terrorists in Paris entered Europe along with Syrian refugees.
Georgia Governor Nathan Deal is among those opposed to the plan. He issued an executive order on Monday “directing state agency heads to prevent the resettlement of Syrian refugees in Georgia.” News of Deal’s action was met with huge response on social media. Now Habersham posed the following question on our Facebook page on Monday, November 16:
“Do you agree with Gov. Deal’s decision to bar Syrian refugees from Georgia. Why or why not?”
The overwhelming majority of people who commented support Gov. Deal’s decision. Still, among the hundreds of responses we received there were a variety of voices and opinions.
READ: Facebook responses to ‘Question of the Day’
For some it’s a matter of common sense:
“Yes, refugees are a Trojan Horse for terrorists. We simply can’t take the risk.” ~ Jason Browning
“I have a son who likes snakes. But he doesn’t know how to tell which ones are venomous and which ones are not. Do you see where I’m going with this?” ~ James Johnston
“yes i fully agree with him because there is no way to know who they are or their intentions.” ~ Betty Jones
For others it’s a matter of faith:
“No, as a member of the international community and leader of the free world, we have a responsibility to take our share of Syrian refugees. This responsibility should be shared proportionally among the states. As a Christian I feel doubly responsible for these poor souls. These refugees are fleeing the same terrorists who committed the atrocities in France, I don’t see how in clear conscience we can turn our backs on them. Once again Governor Deal has made me ashamed to be Georgian.” ~ Brian Crawford
“No. It’s awful. God help anyone who needs refuge because of a few bad seeds. Fear is not the answer. This is not “Christian like”.” ~ Allison Cook
“No. As a Christians we cannot, CANNOT turn away children from our shores.” ~ Jinx Hailey
Others say it’s UnAmerican:
“No, this is another fear based reaction from the right which makes us look weak and ignorant.” ~ Jack Etheridge
“…These people are going through a strict vetting process prior to being accepted. This is unAmerican. This is Anti-Christian. And just plain stupid fear mongering.” ~ Linda Veltheim
While others say it’s about time:
“Enough. Tighten up our borders. Check everyone planning to enter. We don’t need to invite more trouble being we can’t handle what’s already going on. Tell Mr O to move them into the WhiteHouse with him and his family.” ~ Anna Reen
