As the Democratic primaries are showing with increasing insistence, it matters where you campaign money comes from. Large corporations do not give millions of dollars without expecting something in exchange. We have also learned that corporate interests are at extreme variance with citizens' interests. There is no time during this cycle to clean up the campaign contributions system, so the candidates must demonstrate their integrity by refusing corporate money.

Chicago is better than the fear and anti-refugee platform Illinois' governor is taking. We will not close the door in the face of people seeking safety no matter what Gov. Rauner says. Welcoming refugees fleeing from violence is the best response to violence, and Mayor Emanuel has the responsibility of distinguishing our city policy from the governor's declaration.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott equates terrorism with Syrian refugees and is refusing to allow Syrian refugees into the State of Texas. Let him know you do not support this racist view and stand with the rights and safety of Syrian refugees by signing this petition against Governor Abbott's stance. Let him know he does not speak for Texas.

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.