National security is a concern

To the editor:

In dealing with the Syrian refugee crisis, our nation's security should be our No. 1 concern. President Barack Obama has suggested they are mostly widows and orphans. Videos at the borders show that is not the case. The FBI director and homeland security say it is not possible to properly vet all the refugees. It would be totally irresponsible to take them in if they can't be vetted. To suggest this would not be compassionate is utter nonsense. We have always been a generous and giving nation.

In rare bipartisan support, 47 Democrats joined GOP House members and 31 governors in opposing bringing them in. I applaud them for doing what they and 52 percent of the public feel is the right thing, despite pressure from the Obama administration.

A recent survey shows that only 6 percent of the refugees want to leave the region. Let's cooperate with our wealthy Arab allies and create a safe zone where they can be properly cared for. Being in their own region should be less disruptive for them and not create a potential security risk to our country.

Lastly, we need President Obama to take the ISIS threat as seriously as he does climate change. If he doesn't, we are in for a bumpy ride.

Mark Thurm

Marion