A certain population has been decimated in Syria as they flee violence, abductions and enslavement at the hands of terrorist groups from within their own country. We have watched with dismay as the media and several public figures have played on the fear which they assume has swept over the United States (and what about reporting on Beirut?). In particular, a recent news release from the Trump campaign has called for "a total and complete shutdown of all Muslims entering the United States." We should reject in the strongest possible terms both this specific call, and all speech and actions which would encourage hate and persecution against any group of people.

There is no doubt that this hateful rhetoric encourages those who may be inclined to violence to act out this violence. To single out people of an entire group because of the senseless and horrific actions of terrorists actually assists the terrorists by reinforcing the divisions and fear which they wish to spread. And yet, on the other side of the coin, Donald Trump seems to have American's best interest in his focus over Israeli policy. This writer will watch closely the issues of the Presidential candidates as the election for President gets closer. As the old saying goes, sometimes we choose the lesser of the two evils. 

In closing, we should urge the civil authorities of the U.S. to use every effort to root out any threat of terror by LEGAL and NOBLE means.