‘Arab’ letter writer not based on truths

Letter to the Editor

To the Editor,

     The Express published a Letter to the Editor on Sept. I that apparently seeks to sow fear of Afghan refugees settling in the United States. The writer gives his opinion, but not many truths.

     He’s concerned with bringing thousands of Arabs to our country. Afghans are not Arabs. Afghans are from Afghanistan. Arabs are from the Arabian Peninsula. Perhaps he is peddling fear of Muslims?

     He states that “they aren’t being vetted, or at best, poorly vetted.” It takes very little research to discover that the vetting process is lengthy and rigorous.

     He mentions a Congresswoman from Minnesota calling her an Arab. Representative Omar was born in Somalia, a country on the Horn of Africa. She is not Arab. Check your facts. He also says that she was “elected by Arab groups, concentrated in her election district.” According to the 2019 United States Census Bureau report, Minneapolis, her district, is 63.6 percent white. Ms. Omar was elected by white people. Twice. (Source: www.census.gov/quickfacts/minneapoliscityminnesota.)

     He writes that Great Britain, France, and Germany are not allowing “Arabs” to migrate to their countries. Wrong. According to the Newsweek article, Aug. 26, 2021, the UK will accept 5,000 Afghan refugees, and Canada has also committed to accepting 20,000 Afghan refugees. (Source: www.newsweek.com/which-countries-taking-afghan-refugees-which-arent-1623182)

     Anyone can express their opinion but, an opinion is only as good as the information that feeds it. I wonder if it is simply ignorance, or intentional; deceit and bigotry that fuel comments like these.

Bob Gertsen

Oxford Junction, Iowa

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