[Vision2020] Syrian Refugees

[Ron Force]

Oliver Willis @owillis <https://twitter.com/owillis>

if only we had a seasonally appropriate story about middle eastern people
seeking refuge being turned away by the heartless
12:03 PM - 16 Nov 2015
<https://twitter.com/owillis/status/666345924013252609>

Ron Force
Moscow Idaho USA

On Fri, Nov 20, 2015 at 10:12 AM, Rose Huskey <rosejhuskey at gmail.com> wrote:

> This morning I sent the letter below to city council members and Latah
> County Commissioners.  If you share my concern please contact members of
> the Council and Board of Commissioners to offer to help.  Recent comments
> on V2020 and from various political groups across Idaho and the country
> need to be counter with human decency and compassion.  ‘
>
> Thank you.
>
> Rose Huskey
>
>
>
> >>>>>>>>>>
>
>
>
> 'rwalser at latah.id.us'; 'tlamar at latah.id.us'; 'Dave McGraw'; '
> abettge at ci.moscow.id.us'; 'jboland at ci.moscow.id.us'; '
> dcarscallen at ci.moscow.id.us'; 'wkrauss at ci.moscow.id.u'; '
> wmsteed at ci.moscow.id.us'; 'jweber at ci.moscow.id.us'; 'ktbonzo at yahoo.com'
>
>
>
>
>
> Good Morning Mayor Lambert, City Council Members Art Bettge, Jon Boland,
> Dan Carscallen, Wayne Krauss, Walter Steed, John Weber, Council woman elect
> Kathryn Bonzo and
>  Latah County Commissioners Richard Walser, Tom Lamar, and Dave McGraw,
>
>
>
> We have all watched with concern the horrendous plight of Syrian refugees
> trying to escape their war torn country.  As winter approaches their living
> conditions become immeasurably worse.  While we enjoy relatively
> comfortable lives in northern Idaho distraught Syrian parents are gathering
> what goods they can carry and with their children begin a journey that only
> desperation could persuade them to attempt it.  Who among us would risk the
> lives of our family members in an overcrowded rubber dingy on Spring Valley
> Reservoir for six or eight hours in a wind storm, let alone days on a
> turbulent ocean? I don’t believe any of us would begin a journey on foot in
> the cold and rain to walk to Boise with a three year old and an infant in
> arms.  If somehow we survived the long and miserable trek, how would we
> cope with the sickening knowledge that when we arrived few Boise residents
> would welcome us or our babies? Thousands of people are struggling to
> survive a much longer and far more perilous journey this very day on
> courage and hope alone. How can we turn our backs on them?
>
> I propose that the City of Moscow and Latah County declare this county and
> town a sanctuary for Syrian refugees.  Can we invite at least ten families
> (more would be better) to share our homes, to live with peace and security
> while they begin a new life with our support and encouragement?
>
>
>
> I acknowledge there are many challenges in choosing this path. But, we are
> fortunate in having resources that few small communities enjoy.  Moscow is
> a university town with a student body rich in cultural diversity.  Members
> of the Muslim student organization at the University of Idaho and the local
> Islamic Center might be willing to assist in acclimating recent Syrian
> arrivals to Northern Idaho.  The same students or community members may be
> willing to educate us in culture and language so that that we would be
> prepared to respectfully help our guests in their transition.  Many of our
> public school teachers have experience in teaching international students.
>
>
>
> Other cities in Idaho, notably Boise and Twin Falls, are developing
> programs that will welcome Syrian refugees.  I ask you, as elected leaders
> of the city and county to appoint (or select volunteer) citizens of Latah
> county and members of city and county government to form an exploratory
> committee and  learn what Moscow needs to do to prepare to host Syrian
> families. Could you report back to community and county residents in early
> January so that we can support and bring to fruition this much needed
> program?
>
>
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Rose Huskey
> 1738 Genesee Troy Road
> Moscow, Idaho 83843
> rosejhuskey at gmail.com
>
>
>
>
>
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>
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