LETTERS

Do we lead with fear, or with courage and compassion?

Posted 12/9/15

To the Editor:

I attended a Cranston City Council meeting on November 23. As I pulled open the double doors to the Council Chambers, I was surprised to see two rows of Cub Scouts seated in the …

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LETTERS

Do we lead with fear, or with courage and compassion?

Posted

To the Editor:

I attended a Cranston City Council meeting on November 23. As I pulled open the double doors to the Council Chambers, I was surprised to see two rows of Cub Scouts seated in the back benches. They wore tan uniforms with red berets neatly tucked in shoulder loops, and their open faces echoed the ethnic diversity of grandparents and parents who had, at one time or another, come to the United States from abroad. The boys squirmed restlessly in their seats, yet under the active watch of their scout leaders, the strained attentively to hear the council members.

It was inspiring to see young people observing the democratic process. My heart dropped, however, as I watched Councilman Botts, who represents this troop’s ward, defending a city resolution offered by Councilman Favicchio to deny Syrian refugees the opportunity to resettle in Rhode Island. (Never mind that immigration is a federal, not a municipal or state matter). The counterbalance to the council member’s ugly, poorly informed statements were the tear-inspiring personal stories of other council members who honored the immigrants who made, and still make, our country great, proud and free. Councilmembers Aceto, Stycos and Lanni spoke of immigrant relatives who built the businesses we depend on, and the nation we stand by.

What those Cub Scouts were witnessing, at a basic level, was a choice. Do we lead by fear, making senseless resolutions that target some of our planet’s most vulnerable people? Or, do we lead with courage and compassion, offering a hand to our fellow humans?

I would like to make a suggestion to my neighbors, regardless of where you stand on this issue. Visit the Cranston city website to identify your ward and council member. Before you go to the polls next election, sit in on just one City Council meeting, as the Cub Scouts did. The meetings are open to the public. When you observe your city council in action, you will know who you are voting for, and what they stand for.

Heather Thibodeau

Cranston

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