BY DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY

(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, WEDNESDAY OCT. 5, 2016) — One of the many unanswered questions on the decision by outside interests to locate 50 Syrian refugees in Pittsfield relates to vetting. How well do officials check out the backgrounds of those wanting to come to America, in this case your home town?

The Department of Homeland Security says applicants are interviewed and they fill out an application. Essentially, that’s it. Asking more gets the questioner into a legal gray area, since federal law can go after anyone who discriminates based on national origin.

Welcome to America, Pittsfield.

Hardly a Foolproof Process

THE PLANET doesn’t know what the interviews are like, but you’re dealing with people who will say anything to get passage here. As for the application, we are asked to take their word that the answers they furnish are truthful and complete. It hardly sounds like a foolproof process.

Syrian refugees also do not fit the profile of the typical refugee family, according to a report in Breitbart News: “Syrian refugees are young, single males, as opposed to family members.” In fact, at the propagandized “informational” meeting last week at the library, an alphabet soup of organizers and agencies from Springfield, who obviously know what Pittsfield needs more than Pittsfield does, admits that about 40% of the 50 people targeted for Shire City will fit that profile. The Mother Teresas from Springfield also admitted the process is uncertain and contains a genuine security risk. Tell us, what rational person take that wager?

Meanwhile, the FBI and Homeland Security have testified they do not have the resources to conduct proper background checks or properly screen Syrian refugees. ISIS has publicly stated it will try to infiltrate the refugee program, especially in small-town America. Cities such as Pittsfield and Rutland, Vt., do not have the security personnel, techniques, or equipment  found in larger population centers, let alone the FBI or Homeland Security. There’s every reason to believe the smaller locations will become secondary and tertiary targets as a response to increased security measures in big cities.

Perhaps a quote from congressman Lamar Smith (R-Tx) fits here: “The president’s insistence that we move forward with his refugee plans is irresponsible, tone-deaf to the reality of security threats and out-of-touch with the American people.” That’s wise direction.

In contrast, the refugee situation illustrates a shocking lack of leadership on the part of Pittsfield’s elected officials. THE PLANET asked mayor Linda Tyer if she supported the refugee program, yes or no and why.

“Thank you for asking about the Syrian refugee resettlement that is being proposed by the Jewish Family Services for Pittsfield,” Tyer told THE PLANET.  “First, I have a deep regard for the trauma experienced by the refugees and I am inclined towards humanitarian efforts to bring relief to the refugees who are desperately trying to flee the brutality of their leaders.  Second, time and again I have encouraged Jewish Family Services, other Pittsfield clergy, and immigration activists to fully engage with the community to answer questions and respond to concerns.  Resettlement will only work if citizens understand the impacts this may or may not have on our community.  Speculation thrives when our citizens are uninformed.  Indeed, we owe it to injured, starving, and inconsolable refugees to not further traumatize them if their arrival is not welcome.  Here is a link for the Jewish Family Services resettlement program.  I hope this helps your readers.  I encourage them to contact JFS directly with their questions or to share their thoughts.”

Here is the link referred to by the mayor:  http://www.jfswm.org/healing-world/refugee-services

Avoiding the Questions

The mayor’s statement doesn’t address our question. She didn’t come right out and say, “yes.” Instead, she shifted the responsibility to Jewish Family Services, an agency out of Springfield. It still isn’t clear how Pittsfield was selected as a destination, who decided that, where, why, and when? Tyer says JFS “proposed [it] for Pittsfield.” “For” is a telling word, confirming Pittsfield had no say. Right about now,

THE PLANET‘s wondering why not one Pittsfield politician is throwing a nutty over this blatant usurpation of local control asking the questions that need asking and demanding answers — before this goes any further.

Five hundred people, mostly seniors, don’t show up in a 200-seat auditorium for a poorly publicized meeting because they’re in favor.

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“I am a man who does not exist for others.” — Ayn Rand, from The Fountainhead

“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”

LOVE TO ALL.

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