©2015 by Raymond Alexander Kukkee      

The Refugee Impasse: A Lack of Humanity

  The lack of humanity in the Syrian refugee impasse  is failing not only the refugees, but all of civilizaton.   The  appalling clash of circumstance the global community has allowed to fester is unacceptable to any reasonable observer.  Let's be frank and very, very clear about that, being a kind and long-time observer of humanity  I do not like or accept what is taking place—nor should anyone like or accept  the status quo of the refugee impasse.  

"Stories emerging and images of the growing refugee impasse, incidents of abuse of helpless families and individuals  are disturbing, disgusting and inhumane."

   

A futile Escape —to Another Prison?

Syrian refugees are desperately attempting to escape civil war, bombs,  death,  ISIS fanatics, and the resulting impossible living and economic  circumstance.  Thousands are risking their lives crossing the sea toward Europe--and walking hundreds of kilometers —in a desperate, futile bid for life. They have no support, no food, or water. No shelter from inclement conditions whether they are man, woman, child or infant. They are being blocked, delayed, and abused and sometimes fed like animals by uncaring officials,  border guards, police, and upset, scared  populations, jurisdictions both unable and afraid to shoulder the incredible  cultural responsibility and cost  of taking them in —or even  allowing them to simply pass across their territory northward into Europe. This unprecedented  refugee impasse grows worse by the day.  Hungary closed, flee to Croatia, closed,  then on to other escape routes that may end up in buses or trains —deviously scheduled to go back to Hungary. We must ask if  these innocent people  are caught in a futile escape trap,and will end up hauled to a different sort of prison.. A seemingly forever refugee camp. Somewhere.  If they are lucky to survive dangerous water crossings and other challenges. The news and images of the growing refugee impasse, incidents of abuse of helpless families and individuals  are disturbing, disgusting and inhumane.  

What is the Real Problem?

Europeans are overwhelmed by the prospect of such a huge commitment and are building fences of fear. Economic refugee overload has  taken place so rapidly, borders have now  been  tightened to choke off the influx of desperate Syrians. The unknown.  People of a different culture and religion.  Which is the weightier  problem, inhumane fences of razor wire, pepper spray and riot control-equipped police battling an influx of the poor, or the global perception of Islam?   Brutal incidents have flooded the media, flashing around the world in shocked airwaves. The body of a young child tragically found drowned  on a beach both enraged and  temporarily touched collective hearts. For a few days.     Doors and travel corridors are now being slammed shut.  European Union countries are embattled in disagreements for quotas of refugees.  North America is reluctant to accept more than a dribble of refugees, citing security issues.  Rich Arab countries are reportedly not accepting refugees.  If not rich Arab nations, who? And why?  Questions must be asked. Uncomfortable questions.       Is it the immediate cost involved, the long-term obligation required, racism,  ignorance, apathy,  or is the worrisome shadow of Islam a root problem?  You get to decide.  In fact, we all get to decide,  and if nations fail to act, we  all get to  hang our heads in shame.  

The Time is Now

Regardless of individual and collective opinions, allegations of racism, or political convenience,  civilization must do more.  Human decency demands immediate solutions. Food, shelter and security is required for these people now,  not tomorrow, not after big important meetings  next week, not next month, or next year.  There can be no excuses.  Think about it.  

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    Is that Incoming I hear?