Ellis Island?

President Trump has paused US entry from seven countries. The sun will come up tomorrow. Here is my commentary on the “end of the world” protesters. This Executive Order does not come close to our historical norms for border control. Allow me to give a few talking points to counter the hysterical propaganda that is being propagated (Hmm, that is an interesting word) by the media. Their incorrect points get way too much attention. Please feel free to share this rebuttal.

Emily Litella is Back! She was a Saturday Night Live character played by Gilda Radner in the 70’s. Her bit was that she would be all excited denouncing something on the news, but then find out she completely misunderstood. She would then conclude with the classic line: “Nevermind!” We now have thousands of Emily Litellas marching on airports. Here is why they should “nevermind.”

1. Not racism. Islam is not a race.
2. Not all Muslims. Only seven of the 57 Muslim nations.
3. Not only Muslims. All people from those countries.
4. Not permanent. Paused for 120 days.
5. Not unconstitutional. Perfectly legal action of the President.
6. Not new. Presidents Obama and Carter blocked Iraq and Iran, respectively.
7. Not unfair. Immigration is a privilege, not a right.
8. Not immoral. Unlimited, un-vetted access would be immoral and dangerous.

Ellis Island History

Senator Shumer said the Statue of Liberty was weeping. Does anybody remember Ellis Island?

Ellis Island was the principal federal immigration station in the United States from 1892 to 1954. More than 12 million immigrants were processed here. Over time, the immigration station spread over 3 connected islands with numerous structures including a hospital and contagious disease wards. It is estimated that over 40 percent of all citizens can trace their ancestry to those who came through Ellis Island. In its early years, when the greatest number of immigrants entered the country, Ellis Island mirrored the nation’s generous attitude and open door policy. After passage of immigration laws in the 1920s, it was used more for “assembly, detainment, and deporting aliens,” and symbolized a closing door. Immigrants were required to pass a series of medical and legal inspections before they could enter America. The actual experience of going through inspection or detainment on Ellis Island was often nerve wracking. Those who did not pass these inspections were returned to their country of origin on the boats that brought them here. Even though only 2 percent of those coming to America were turned away at Ellis Island, that translated to over 250,000 people whose hopes and dreams turned to tears. Ellis Island

Twelve million were admitted. 250,000 were not. That was a vetting process. Normal immigration standards. Why such scandal now? There is something very nefarious behind the rent-a-mobs. President Obama, having returned to his community organizer roots, is now fanning the flames of discontent. He has not even been out of office for two weeks. What a difference from the attitude of President Bush who chose not to criticize his successor.

What Would Jesus Say? I saw one sign that said Jesus would welcome them. We don’t have to guess, because He spoke directly on a similar question regarding taxes to Caesar. His answer?

Therefore, Jesus would counsel to abide by the law of the land. Is it okay to protest? Of course it is. This is an amazing country with precious liberty. But the way to effect change is through the ballot box, not rebellion from authority. Another election is less than two years away.

Pray for our President, our country and always for the peace of Jerusalem.

Les Lawrence, Voice of Christian Zionists        (Read more)

Here is an excellent summary from National Review: Trump’s Executive Order on Refugees — Separating Fact from Hysteria