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A sad day for our community
December 14, 2015
December 14, 2015

To the Editor:

It was a sad day for our community and our state when our Boundary County Commissioners caved in to an element of bigotry and prejudice in our community by passing a resolution that was directed toward the resettlement in Boundary County and Idaho of Syrian refugees and, more precisely, toward people of the Muslim culture and Islamic faith. Boundary County has not been considered for resettlement and would not be because of its lack of urban amenities.

The commissioners attempted to disguise their own biases by referring to the lack of available economic factors in the community. They did not refer to data that shows that refugee placements have boosted the economy in the areas where they have been located. The people supporting the presented resolution displayed their fear, paranoia, and lack of understanding of other cultures and religions. +
There are many people in our community who were unable to attend the hearing, because of the time it was set, who disagree with this resolution. There are those who represent the community as the “friendliest” in Idaho and who practice tolerance, understanding and compassion for those who have lost their homes and risk their lives to escape war and persecution. They believe in the Universal Human Rights that says we have the right to live in safety.

Instead of being leaders in the community to bring unity and understanding of other cultures, the Commissioners have caused divisiveness and abetted in creating fear. Let us not mar living in our beautiful county by having a reputation of intolerance and discrimination.

Elsie Hollenbeck
 
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