Below is the text of a letter sent by Senator Dick Black (R-13) to Governor McAuliffe calling on him to join other governors across the U.S. in opposition to bringing potentially dangerous Syrian refugees into Virginia. (Note – Sen. Black is my father-in-law.)
Dear Governor McAuliffe:
I ask you to join the Governors of Michigan and Alabama in rejecting federal settlements of Syrian refugees within the Commonwealth of Virginia. French President Hollande disregarded a multitude of warnings, and admitted large numbers of Syrian refugees into his country. Almost immediately, one of them became a suicide bomber, implicated in the murder of 122 Frenchmen. I believe it would be irresponsible for us to repeat his tragic blunder.
The Paris massacre is the latest in a string of murders committed by Islamic radicals. Ever since the 9/11 hijackers flew suicide jets into the Twin Towers and Pentagon, Islamic terrorists have committed random killings across the globe with increased frequency.
American policy in the Middle East remains on a suicidal course that has inflamed the Islamic World. Many Syrian refugees were radicalized by American actions designed to topple the Syrian government. By arming and training Jihadists, the U.S, France, and Britain have created a boiling cauldron of religious hatred that is spilling across international borders.
I believe the United States should immediately suspend shipment of weapons to Syrian rebels, however, only the President can make that decision. Meanwhile, it is incumbent on us to establish barriers to the entry of radicalized Jihadists into our state.
I ask that you publically announce Virginia’s opposition to the settlement of refugees from Syria. We cannot keep the federal government from doing what harm it will, but we can refuse to assist them in any respect. I hope you will join other Governors in taking the prudent steps to protect the lives of people in the Commonwealth.
Sincerely,
Richard H. Black
Senator of Virginia, 13th District
