The now-perpetual war that has torn Syria, Iraq and other parts of the Middle East apart has forced millions of men, women, and children to become refugees, robbing them of their homes, communities and the lives of their closest friends and loved ones. Now our president is trying to shut the door to all refugees and carefully vetted immigrants from muslim countries, some of which helped us in our "war on terror" as translators and collaborators with US-led coalition forces. It is the height of injustice to treat the victims of terrorism as terrorists. 

It's unlikely any refugees would be placed in mostly rural Douglas, Chelan and other eastern Washington counties, but we demand our leaders stand up in solidarity with Washington state Governor Jay Inslee and other national leaders. Please sign this petition and tell congressman Reichert, congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, senators Murray and Cantwell, Wenatchee mayor Mayor Kuntz, East Wenatchee Mayor Lacy, Sen. Brad Hawkins, Rep. Mike Steele and Rep. Cary Condotta that we in North Central Washington want to do our part to help refugees fleeing war zones. 

Even if we pledged to take a single family and help them get back on their feet, we would be helping to address the crisis. Unfortunately there's little we as average citizens can do, but I am unwilling to sit idly by and watch as we turn people away when we should be offering a helping hand. 

Let's do the moral thing, the Christian thing, and help those who cannot help themselves. Please sign my petition and in some small way send a message of welcome to refugee families.