by Mike Smith According to recent polls, I am in the minority in this country and probably in Vermont too when talking about allowing Syrian refugees into this country, and eventually into our state. I support the Syrian refugee resettlement program. I have an appreciation of, and affinity for, the refugee and resettlement programs in Vermont since my days as secretary of human services. But approximately two-thirds of Americans do not share this opinion. And although I don’t agree with their position I can certainly understand their concerns.
These concerns are driven primarily by the fact that it is likely that terrorists slipped into Europe posing as refugees. Fear of an attack happening in the United States is not unfounded.
ISIS (as well as others) has been very clear their intent is to target the United States for attack. So questions about safety are legitimate. After all, it is pointed out that even in Vermont an alleged war criminal was allowed to slip through the process and ended up living in this state as a refugee.
But instead of addressing safety concerns as legitimate issues some politicians and protestors in Vermont are quick to label those who express concerns as racists. Gov. Peter Shumlin himself said the concerns were being fueled by bigotry and hatred.
I don’t buy this argument; not for a second. It’s a total cop out; especially from an elected leader.
Vermonters with concerns about the program have not raised resettlement issues before. We have successfully brought in other new Americans into our state. The issue isn’t refugee resettlement. The issue is a question about safety. And a simple reassurance by Shumlin that the program is safe without producing a detailed explanation isn’t good enough.
Shumlin can’t say “trust me” because his trust reservoir has been drained by other assurances that have never panned out. For example, his abandonment of single payer after the last election; or the infamous statement that problems with Vermont Health Connect were a “nothingburger” when in fact the program was in shambles. The Vermonters who are raising questions are, for the most part, good people, and they want answers to their safety concerns. Instead of labeling them, a real leader would find ways to quell their fears.
Perhaps it is the intent to attach the racist label for political gain. If politics is indeed the motivation, it is apolitical mistake by Shumlin and others to venture down this road. Leadership is what is needed right now, not politics. Which goes to show you that even when Governor Shumlin has the right idea — sticking up for refugees — he somehow mucks it all up by dismissing, even attacking, Vermonters who have sincere concerns.
A levelheaded conversation about safety is what is needed. The story here isn’t as simple as whether you are “for” or “against” the resettlement program, although some are trying to cast it that way.
We have a rich history of welcoming those who are oppressed, fleeing for safety, or wanting a better life. I am in favor of the Syrian refugee and resettlement effort and I have taken a barrage of criticism for my position. But those that insult good, decent Vermonters who ask reasonable questions from their government about safety will only undermine a successful refugee and resettlement program in this state.
Mike Smith was the secretary of administration and secretary of human services under former Gov. Jim Douglas. He is the host of the radio program, “Open Mike with Mike Smith,” on WDEV. He is also a political analyst for WCAX-TV and WVMT radio and is a regular contributor to the Times Argus, Rutland Herald and Vermont Business Magazine.