8/21/2021

My Dear Friend & POTUS, JRB,

            Did you see Amanda Demmer’s piece in the WP today where she provides a brief history of the 823,000 refugees who ended up in the US as a result of the Vietnam War? Upon reading it, I looked up the Orderly Departure Program which lasted for 18 years & enabled a safe exodus for those who wanted to leave Southeast Asia. It was in response to the “boat people” many of whom had harrowing journeys in their desperate attempts to flee. We opened our doors then, let’s open our doors now.

            We have ample room to welcome refugees. One place that comes to my mind is the former Northland International Mission College (NIMC) in Dunbar, WI, a 1500-acre facility that could house 1000 refugees. It has land for growing food. The refugees could develop a cottage industry to bring in some income. It can get cold there in Jan, but I think the peace & quiet would be a welcome change for them.

            Speaking of NIMC, I just saw that they got $123,273 in loans from the SBA for the PPP program for their 3 employees. That place should not be getting federal $$. It shut down in 2015 & may have a guy who mows the lawn. Since they’ve been getting tax payers’ $$ they should be happy to receive some refugees. It would be a Win-Win. I suspect there are plenty of other similar facilities around the country, including liberal arts colleges, that could do the same.

Did you see the news that Japan accepted the asylum application of Myanmar soccer player, Ko Pyae Lyan Aung. He got lots of media attention at the World Cup qualifier in Oasaka for flashing the 3 finger-salute used by those protesting the junta. Japan hasn’t sanctioned the junta so it’s a big deal that his was one of only 47 asylum applications accepted by the Japanese this year. If they can accept him, certainly we can accept all those who fear for their lives because they stood up for their beliefs. Don’t we want that kind of person in our country?

            BYBS,

            RCA