Refugees should be vetted

Our great nation has been accepting immigrants for more than 200 years. When they first started becoming part of the United States, it was to help build railroads, factories and businesses that would allow us to grow and prosper.

After World War II, Korea and Vietnam, we started accepting large numbers of people as refugees to the point that we had ballots printed in over 300 dialects for our last two elections.

We should remember that we are living in a time when the vast majority of the world’s population is not our friend. Therefore, all of the people we accept should be vetted to see who has been radicalized. We do not have a good record of doing this well. Therefore, how can we justify accepting these people?

Do you wonder, as I do, about the fact that Syria has oil-rich neighbors-Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and United Arab Emirates who have accepted zero refugees? Many believe, as I do, that these countries have a moral responsibility to open their borders to fellow Muslims. President Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry do not agree, unfortunately.

Gerald Ray

Spokane

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