A Birthday reflection on Refugees

I was born in a small town in eastern Canada on this day in the year of 1957. (Yes, it sounds a long time ago to me as well) A descendant of refugees from Ireland in 1892

What is surprisingly unchanged after all these years is Canada is poised once again, 58 years on, to bring into our care a disenfranchised group of refugees.

In 1957 it was the Soviets who invaded Hungary and forced mass evacuations similar to the scourge of ISIS today. The fall of organized government had created an untenable situation and birthed many of the militia groups that directly caused the removal of many citizens into camps. Many of those Hungarians, destined for Canada were suspected of being revolutionaries in the guerrilla war against the invaders.

Ironically, in 1957 many Canadians were really upset with their government of the day. They felt screening was not being done properly and was being rushed as people here suspected criminals were among the refugees and potentially terroristic young Roma males, who would come to Canada and cause danger to our citizenry. Yes the parallels are similar and just as unfounded.

Of course history does have a way of repeating itself, and usually does deliver a similar experience. While a few coming this time could cause issues (as seen with every round of refugees) they will be marginalized and found through solid policing. In 1957, the mass of Hungarians who arrived became an important part of our culture and history.

So I thank all for their birthday wishes, mine this year is for Canadians to step up, conquer fears proffered by those who cannot see sense in humanistic immigration and be accepting of these Syrians needing our help. The cries of "take care of our own first" is the same as in 1957, and yet it is a separate issue. One that voting helps to conquer by getting the right party into power to take care of domestic issues. Domestic homelessness is a crisis that also deserve fiscal support by governments.

So rather than look for reasons to say no, become part of yes, and extend assistance when it is needed and help your fellow humans to realize a better life. We in Canada (and the USA) have so much to offer and more than enough space.

I hope 58 years from now citizenry of the world doesn't have to vacate their homelands due to the stupidity of wars or conflict, but as I said.. History does tend to repeat......