President Obama slams those playing politics with Syrian refugee crisis
President Obama did not pull any punches when he went after governors and fearmongering GOP candidates playing politics with the Syrian refugee crisis. Before he went into his dignified tongue lashing he explained the situation. If we had a real mainstream media, enough people would hear the message to inoculate them from the buffoonery of the Right.
The President first explained why it is understandable that Americans would be affected by the events in Paris. He said the similarities of Paris and the life within is similar to what we live. He said it is important that Americans remain vigilant and understand that we cannot be complacent. The President alluded to the creation of the Department of Homeland Security as one of the proactive tools to keep Americans safe.
President Obama then explains why the grandstanding and bigotry effected by the GOP candidates is counterproductive. “We are not well served when in response to a terrorist attack we descend into fear and panic,” Obama said. “We don’t make good decisions if it is based on hysteria or an exaggeration of risk. I think the refugee debate is an example of us not being well served by some of the commentary that’s been taken place by officials back home and in the media.”
The President then explained that under current law the extensive background check process can take 18 to 24 months. He said he was all ears for anyone who believed they have a better process. He then castigates the GOP candidates.
“When candidates say we don’t want to admit three year old orphans,” Obama said. “That’s political posturing. When individuals say that we should have a religious test, and that only Christians, proven Christians, should be admitted, that is offensive and contrary to Americans values. I cannot think of a more potent recruitment tool for ISIL than some of the rhetoric that’s been coming out of here during the course of this debate. ISIL seeks to exploit the idea that their is a war between Islam and the West. And when you start seeing individuals in positions of responsibility, suggesting that Christians are more worthy of protection than Muslims are in a war torn land, that feeds the ISIL narrative. It is counterproductive.”
The President then went into full mocking mode similar to what he did a few days ago on grandstanding politicians. He said the Republican candidates are tough with their rhetoric yet scared of debate moderators and orphan children as they believed they had the fortitude to stare down Putin.
President Obama said the behavior of the obstructionists is irresponsible. “They have been playing on fear in order to try to score political points or to advance their campaigns. And it is irresponsible. It is contrary to who we are. And it needs to stop because the world is watching.