I don't often post to this but I do read the postings faithfully. One thing to consider in the case of immigrants entering the US - not just Omar but many of them - is the state of mind when they are entering our country. Many come from places where the police and military wield the power of life and death and are terrified of our police/military/administrative officials. Many are not capable at that point of answering all of the questions they are asked, whether because of fear of these officials, long-term trauma, fear that if they tell everything they will not be allowed in, fear that their families back in their own country will suffer retribution, fatigue and malnutrition that cloud the minds and senses, and a huge variety of other reasons. Many of the immigrants and refugees I know have been accused of lying on their papers at some point - and in the strictest sense of the law they may have done that. But details are left out, dates may be changed, and things may be presented in the best light possible in hopes that they will receive a chance to stay here and make a better life. The same person who may be scrupulous about truth-telling any other time can be given advice that it is not in their best interests to be completely honest. And that person takes advice from someone they see as an expert (which has happened with several people in my congregation) and are not fully truthful. Please don't judge without knowing all the facts.
Linda Koelman, Webber-Camden [EMAIL PROTECTED] REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[email protected] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
