LETTER: Commissioners wrong to try to block refugees

This letter is to express my disapproval of the action by the commissioners to approve a letter opposing any refugee settlement in Flathead County.    

My ancestors largely arrived in this country as a small part of the great wave of immigration from Ireland in the mid-1800s. It is estimated that about 1.5 million such people arrived in this country between 1840 to 1855.  Most of these folks arrived dirt poor, and, no doubt, such numbers put a severe strain on the government and social services of the time.  

Vetting the quality of the arrivals was not even a consideration. Some of my relatives would not have gotten a very high rating from the British government had vetting been available. As it turned out, this wave of immigrants helped build the railroads across the country, served in our military with distinction, took the work available and, for the most part, got themselves out of poverty. These folks helped build a stronger country, but they were often met with fear and prejudice at the time.

The county commissioners’ letter is driven by fear. Though a powerful emotion, fear is not the best basis for rationale action. I’m not much for writing letters to the editor, but since I could not attend Thursday’s meeting, I feel obligated to voice my opposition to what I view as a shallow reaction to a very complex issue.  

An issue that is closely tied to the fundamental values that established our nation. Commissioners, no thunderous applause from me.

— Steve Brady, Kalispell