Readers React: Is the U.S. once again becoming isolationist?

To the editor: Andrew Lam’s Op-Ed piece is timely. (“Refugees haven’t changed. What has changed is the heart of the free world,” Op-Ed, Nov. 8)

Global generosity is certainly dwindling, and the U.S. leads the way. We appear to be transforming into an isolationist country.

The title of Lam’s article was discouraging. I’m certain that many did not read the entire article and assumed the title said it all and was the opinion of the author.

Yes, too many citizens now believe refugees are trespassers and should remain in their own country. But fleeing from war-torn countries with children, not knowing when your next meal or the next bomb is coming, is hardly a choice.

Let’s have more compassion, America.

Margaret Lucas Niccum, Trabuco Canyon

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To the editor: Lam states that the unwillingness of rich countries to openly accept today’s migrants is because the “heart” of the free world has changed. Maybe so.

But read the editorial on the opposite page by Steven Strauss suggesting that millions more jobs will be lost to yet another technological breakthrough (autonomous cars).

Maybe another explanation for the free world’s resistance to accept millions more people is well-founded doubts about its ability to absorb them. Maybe what’s changed is not “hearts” but circumstances.

Michael Gitter, Pacific Palisades

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