We call upon the president to rescind it, and we urge the public to speak out against it in every way possible.
To those individuals and organizations taking action to oppose this order by demanding that the administration uphold the letter and the spirit of the U.S. Constitution, we give thanks. To all others: We express our fear that your silence may be perceived as not only indifference but antagonism to the needs of over 1.6 billion Muslims around the world. The unintended consequences of the order that are already being felt — social unrest and U.S. isolation from the world community — will increase in intensity, making the world a more dangerous place for all of us.
We urge people to become educated about the extraordinary, years-long process that is already in place to prevent terrorists from entering our country. No one is foolish enough to believe that this or any plan will result in 100 percent impenetrability to those who would do us harm. But its success, diplomatically, and in terms of our security, is proof that it is a moral and effective program that should be allowed to continue even as it is evaluated and, if necessary, adjusted.
At the same time, voice opposition to the current executive order to representatives in Washington. Finally, support for the many local organizations that work on behalf of refugees, including Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, Della Lamb Community Services, Jewish Vocational Services, Crescent Peace Society, Kansas Interfaith Action, The Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council, and KC for Refugees.
We write as private individuals and not in affiliation with any group or organization.
Jill and Jim Maidhof
Overland Park, Kansas
