To the editor:

America is on the verge of adding another dark blemish to our history. To the history of slaughtering Native Americans and then relocating them on reservations, brutal enslavement of African-Americans and then subjecting them to segregation and prejudice, the internment of American Japanese, we are about to add slamming our door on refugees from Syria.

I am fortunate that my parents did not instill in me the values behind these acts, but instead, acceptance, compassion, integrity, and courage. After serving my country in Vietnam and Iraq (two tours), I will not allow politicians to instill fear in me in their attempt to manipulate me. No governor, politician, law enforcement agency, or military can guarantee my safety and security.

God is the Rock of my soul and in control of my life and my destiny. I believe in loving my neighbor.  I do not limit myself to the people next door, to when it is convenient and safe, when there are no risks, etc.  I believe that it is the right thing to do and what I hope someone would do for me if I was in their situation.

Native Americans were unable to slam the door on the people invading their country and, as a result, they and America paid a horrific price. Syrians are pleading with us, not invading America, and they live in fear for their lives. I hope that if you, with your family running for your lives, knocked on my front door that I would open the door.