Can we learn from mankind’s history of overreacting to fears? How do we feel about McCarthy-era persecution of liberals that was produced by exaggerated fears of communists infiltrating our government in the 1950s? Does detaining of innocent Japanese U.S. citizens during World War II stand the test of time? How deeply as a society do we regret discrimination of African-Americans caused by fear of different skin color. How far has Germany gone to distance itself from the horror of that nation’s systematic extermination of Jews?
Isn’t our ability to balance fears with realism part of what makes us rational beings? There is a growing risk of terrorism, but barring all Muslims from entry to the country is an acute overreaction conflicting with our nation’s values. Our nation was founded by immigrants who helped build this country. Are we prepared to reduce the principle of due process — the right to be treated fairly by our government — to ad hoc application? If so, who will stand up for us when it is our turn?
It is possible, we believe, to acknowledge our fears, but respond reasonably and true to our nation’s values. Politics which appeal to base fears without balance is not leadership but a manipulative tool. These manipulative tactics will divide us, and that division is our weakness.
We hope we all respond united with intelligence, compassion and strength, and, as Abraham Lincoln hoped, with “the better angels of our nature.”
