To: Governor Bill Lee
Welcome Refugees in Memphis
We, the undersigned, request that Governor Bill Haslam reverse his announced position denying entry into the state of Tennessee to Syrian refugees. His statement reveals a lack of compassion that is inconsistent with the values of the United States and its people.
Why is this important?
"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-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Nearly every school-age child in America has been taught these words and what they stand for. We are told glorious stories of escape from religious persecution and intolerance. We are shown images of those who have traveled long and arduous roads to reach our shores. We are taught these words and we should stand behind them.
Let us demonstrate to the world that we not only know these words, but that we believe in them. Let us lead the world not in defense spending but in humanitarian effort.
And let us prove to the rest of the world that we are indeed a part of it.
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Nearly every school-age child in America has been taught these words and what they stand for. We are told glorious stories of escape from religious persecution and intolerance. We are shown images of those who have traveled long and arduous roads to reach our shores. We are taught these words and we should stand behind them.
Let us demonstrate to the world that we not only know these words, but that we believe in them. Let us lead the world not in defense spending but in humanitarian effort.
And let us prove to the rest of the world that we are indeed a part of it.