In proof that not everyone in power in South Dakota is full of horsehockey and hate, both the Sioux Falls City Council and the Minnehaha County Commission voted unanimously yesterday to continue welcoming refugees.
“No refugee wants to be a refugee,” Councilor Rick Kiley said just before the vote. “I can only imagine what it would be like if the shoe were on the other foot. How would I want somebody else to treat me?” [“Sioux Falls and Minnehaha County Commission Say ‘Yes’ to Refugee Resettlement,” KELO Radio, 2020.01.15].
Ah, sweet empathy. Thank you, Councilor Kiley, for displaying that core value.
Commissioner Cindy Heiberger says immigration is part of the nation’s history.
“We are a nation of resettling people. We all at one time immigrated to this country” [KELO Radio, 2020.01.15].
And thank you, Commissioner Heiberger, for understanding our heritage and the moral obligation up to which our history obliges us to live.
Commissioner Jeff Barth shares Commissioner Heiberger’s patriotic vision:
“A few minutes ago we said the pledge of allegiance, with liberty and justice for all, for all, liberty and justice for all, I’m going to support this because it’s the American thing to do,” commissioner Jeff Barth said [Sarah McDonald, “Refugee Resettlement Unanimously Approved by Minnehaha County Commission,” KELO-TV, 2020.01.14].
As I’ve reported, if we want to keep growing, South Dakota can’t afford to turn anyone away. Commissioner Gerald Beninga recognizes that practical side to welcoming new people to our communities:
“I’ve talked to employers who think the people we have as refugees become some of the better employees that they have,” commissioner, Gerald Beninga said [McDonald, 2020.01.14].
Fringe wingnut Neal Tapio showed up to swear at the Sioux Falls City Council, happily to no avail against the several sensible voices, including refugees, who spoke in support of common-sense American values. Ignore the fringe, and celebrate a local victory for true, practical patriotism and humanity in South Dakota.
Well, that’s one thing about Mr. Tapio – he never disappoints. If there’s a chance to express virulent hatred for “others”, he’ll be there. Meanwhile, proud of the Sioux Falls City Council and the Minnehaha County Commission.
Refugees are an easy way to get growth of your city and tax base, once you disabuse the enemy that refugees are once and perpetual welfare leeches that refuse to assimilate and are all criminals.
They become the kind of upstanding citizens wingnuts can only aspire to be.
“refugees, who spoke in support of common-sense American values.”
Yeah. That’s pretty much what they do and live.
I was at both meetings and have more to add to this.
Dave Baumeister, please share.
This is one of those times when the pride of being American swells in my heart. Let’s have more!