Mr. Chairman. in times of serious stress the greatness of a people is often demonstrated. Conversely. the smallness of some people is exhibited and the tragic plight of 125.000 homeless refugees presents such an occasion. The bitterness expressed by some of my constituents against extending any humanitarian aid to these refugees confuses the victims of Communist aggression with its perpetrators. When America ceases to respond to the helpless and the homeless then we cease to be America. I was shocked to read the remarks of a wellknown Member of the other body who is currently urging warmer relations with Castros Cuba. This distinguished gentleman suggested that 90 percent of those refugees would be better off returning to Vietnam. I find it amazing that even a moderately informed person would conclude that living under Communist tyranny. which is to say living in a concentration camp. is preferable to living in America. Remarks have been made characterizing these refugees as political refugees. I can only say that these tragic people are victims of guns. cannons. mortar shells. bayonets. and hand grenades rather than politics. To equate their plight with our draft dodgers and deserters does not rise to the level of the ludicrous. We have welcomed and assimilated over 500.000 Cuban refugees. many Hungarians. Czechs. and other Europeans fleeing Communist tyranny. Surely this is what this country is all about. Mr. Chairman. this country was built by immigrants. They have brought diversity and strength to our Nation. Surely there is a place in this richest of nations for the most humble and dispossessed.
Keywords matched
immigrants refugees