[Vision2020] Syrian Refugees

Fri Nov 20 10:58:12 PST 2015

I rely on the good will and the opportunity to demonstrate compassion from everyone in Latah County.  We must rise above the racist and bigoted expressions of some (who, it is to be hoped will repent of their hateful rhetoric) and consider the example of love and good will toward all.   People without hope deserve more from us who in comparison have so much. Surely we can all contribute in different ways.  Don and I would be honored to share our home as I believe many others would be.  Everyone could help in their own way. Loving concern is more powerful than any bombs or political jackassery.  This could be a once in a lifetime opportunity to bring our core beliefs to life.

Rose

From: Tom Hansen [mailto:thansen at moscow.com] 
Sent: Friday, November 20, 2015 10:29 AM
To: Rose Huskey
Cc: Moscow Vision 2020
Subject: Re: [Vision2020] Syrian Refugees

I agree with you 999,999,999, . . .%, Rose.

Do you really expect our mayor and/or city council to make any public statement in support of the refugees, after Otter stated that Idaho is off-limits to those same refugees . . . refugees who ask daily . . . "Where are we going to live?" . . . "How are we going to live?" . . . "Are we going to live?"

Seeya 'round town, Moscow, because . . .

"Moscow Cares" (the most fun you can have with your pants on)

 <http://www.moscowcares.com/> http://www.MoscowCares.com

Tom Hansen

Moscow, Idaho

"There's room at the top they are telling you still.

But first you must learn how to smile as you kill,

If you want to be like the folks on the hill."

- John Lennon

On 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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