We are all horrified by the terrorist attacks in Paris, Beirut, and other parts of the world, and mourn the loss of innocent lives. But an increasing number of reactionary governors across the U.S. have used these tragedies to announce that they will stop all acceptance of Syrian refugees. We stand against this collective and cruel punishment of refugees. These individuals are escaping the very same terrorism that the world has witnessed in Paris and Beirut. Syrians have been killed by the thousands, millions have been displaced, and their entire livelihoods destroyed by the likes of ISIS and the Assad regime. The United States must be steadfast in its commitment to remain a sanctuary for refugees fleeing political and religious persecution—from all across the world. We demand these governors stop using their hatred and xenophobia to shut out Syrian refugees who are in dire need of normalcy and safety. We call on these governors to refrain from making decisions rooted in misinformation and fear. Let us remember the words etched on the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of a long tradition of welcoming immigrants, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

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I tried to take my 4-month-old son into the restroom to change his soiled diaper, but to my surprise, the changing station was in the women's restroom. Disappointed, I said to my also disappointed wife, "Sorry, looks like it's your turn again." Not only is it unfair that father's aren't expected (socially) to change an infant's diaper, but it is unfair to put the burden on the mother 100% of the time away from home. This needs to change.

This week, at least 29 republican governors have said they oppose letting Syrian immigrants into their state following the tragic attacks in Paris. Unlike Europe, which has been overwhelmed by the crisis, the U.S. has a thorough vetting process for every refugee who is allowed to enter the United States. The typical process takes between 18 and 24 months. Furthermore, under the U.S. Constitution, governors can’t deny any group of people entry to their state, nor can they determine our federal refugee policy, which is set by the president. Statements attacking Syrian refugees make no one safer and create an environment where racist attacks are more prevalent. We can be a strong, secure country and a welcoming, moral one at the same time.

Syrians should not be forced to die by violence, for lack of shelter, or because we believe we are not called to extend mercy and care. We are called, and we must listen.

Because I care.

We cannot let fear keep us from doing what is right. These refugees need our help. There has to be a better way then a total halt on accepting refugees, such as stricter restrictions or a more thorough approval processes--instead of a blanket "no." These people, these humans, are not our enemy.

Following the horrific series of attacks in Paris and Beirut last week, some U.S. governors have turned against the refugees who are seeking to escape the same forces behind these terrible acts of violence. If we close our doors to these families, we're not only turning our backs on people in need, and abandoning our own moral responsibility as global citizens. We're creating the conditions that will lead to more suffering and fuel this continued humanitarian crisis.

Blaming the victims will not bring back those who have died nor will it make us safer. Blaming the victims will create more of the desperation that violent fanatics feed on. Blaming the victims limits our capacity to take thoughtful strategic action to address the real danger.

FIGHT IGNORANT RACISM!!!

I lost my son on November 3, 2015, to a heroin overdose. He was 31 years old with 2 children ages 2 and 3 1/2. He detoxed two weeks prior to his death and was on a waiting list for a bed but overdosed prior to getting one.

UPDATE: Governor Fallin has released a statement urging President Obama to suspend the resettlement of Syrian refugees in the U.S. She has not made a clear statement about whether she will join other governors in attempting to deny all refugee entry into Oklahoma. Legally, governors are not allowed to make this decision but that does not mean they won't try. Keep spreading this petition and let her know that Oklahomans want to welcome the suffering with open arms and help them in the best way that we can. Syrian refugees are fleeing for their lives and the lives of their children. This country is a symbol of freedom and hope to those who are suffering, and refusing those who need protection is signing their death warrant. Rather than refuse to accept refugees, Governor Fallin and other state governors should be working with the federal government to create efficient and effective screening processes so that our state can welcome those who are suffering. The protection of ALL human life should be our top priority.