Letter: Trump’s executive orders demand response

I am deeply grieved by the president's blocking all refugees, immigrants and visa holders from several mainly Muslim countries, from entry to the United States. This act of cruelty and blatant bigotry brings shame on our nation. It constitutes an attack on the dignity of American Muslims, who have contributed much to Cedar Rapids and the U.S. It does not make us safer in any way. When I consider the question, 'What should we do?” I do not know all the answers, but I know it begins with stating those facts out loud.

We must not let this kind of policy pass for normal. We must not accept such an affront to our neighbors and fellow Americans. We must not excuse such a refusal of aid to desperate refugees. Good first steps are letters to press and public officials, conversations with friends and neighbors, lawn signs, lapel pins, anything that communicates the message.

We may feel powerless, but we are not. We simply must keep looking for all the ways each of us, in our own way and sphere, can actively oppose this action and similar moves.

Aileen Chang-Matus

Cedar Rapids