Published: 2/12/2017 3:06:32 PM
On June 17, 1885, The Statue of Liberty sailed into New York Harbor as a symbol of friendship between France and America and to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of our freedom of oppression after the Revolutionary War. Since then, she has stood as a symbol of welcome to those from war-torn countries and countries where religious freedom is banned and violence reigns.
As she stands ready to receive those refugees, her words are welcoming — “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me. I lift up my lamp beside the golden door.” This is what America is about. Not refusing people entry because of their religious beliefs or where they live or the color of their skin. We are better than that.
We are free and should be thankful for it. We should share it with the world. Shame on you Donald Trump for being a bigoted, self-serving, know-nothing bore.
Maribeth Oakes
Greenfield