Readers React: Should the Christmas story inspire us to accept more refugees?

To the editor: Randall Balmer writes eloquently of the current refugee predicament by comparing the situation today to Jesus’ birth in a stable to itinerant parents. However, the case for humane treatment of refugees is more than a religious issue. (“The story of Christmas makes it clear: Welcome the refugee,” Opinion, Dec. 18)

The initiative and willingness of new arrivals to build a new world for themselves and their children are key historical factors in our strength and identity as a nation, perhaps best summarized by the inscription E pluribus unum.

Perhaps we should be asking, “Why only 10,000?”

Tom Wilcox, Los Angeles

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To the editor: I have traveled enough to know we are blessed to live in this country and understand the draw. However, we have a right to secure our borders to protect our citizens.

Comparing Christ to a refugee today to imply that we should take in all refugees is a cheap shot — different place, different time and different risks. What about taking care of the more than 500,000 homeless “refugees” living on the streets in our country who need jobs, food, a safe place to stay and medical help?

In addition, the United States is already home to about 11 million illegal immigrants.

Let’s put a hold on the influx of refugees and take care of our own people first. Once our people are in good shape, then we can open our borders to those who want to assimilate.

The whole word can’t live here, and we need to be prudent before it is too late.

Jan MacMichael, South Pasadena

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To the editor: In the Nativity scene, Mary wears a head covering, or hijab, which displays her elevated status in purity and dignity.

Like many Americans, U.S. Muslims also go around with their families looking at Christmas lights in their neighborhoods or participate by putting lights on their own homes. They clearly see this as ironic, since some Americans have accepted the hijab on Mary the mother of Jesus, but not for Muslim women today, some of whom remain fearful of wearing it in public.

Could improving our reactions to women who wear the hijab be a New Year’s resolution?

Murtadha A. Khakoo, Fullerton

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To the editor: A baby born in a manger? What a loser. The parents are losers too.

So, in our own best interest, let’s be certain that these types are very closely vetted. Better yet, in everybody’s interest, just don’t let them in.

Robert Canning, Los Angeles

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