In the Nov. 22 OBSERVER, there was an article that stated U.S. religious leaders make forceful appeal to admit refugees. This was a rare agreement across faith and ideological lines.

American religious groups have condemned proposed bans on Syrian refugees, contending a legitimate debate over security has been overtaken by irrational fear and prejudice. These religious groups are comparing the Syrians to other refugees. The only problem with that way of thinking is that the Syrians are coming from a country that is the home of those who are terrorists and want the destruction of the West and the United States.

These terrorists want to murder Americans. The problem is this country has no problems with those who want freedom. The other problem is this will allow those who want to infiltrate this country to kill Americans.

Our leaders who are concerned are not falling into any trap in stopping the flow of Syrians. They are not against these refugees, but those who are leaders of this country only want the American public to be safe. Why does any organization in favor of Syrian refugees soon forget what occurred in Paris and other countries in the past few weeks? How can anyone forget those murders?

As far as doing any checks or vetting goes, how can that be accomplished when they have no identification? It is really impossible to ascertain who is good and who is bad. So our religious leaders must take all of that into consideration before any remarks will be made by any organization. So please, religious leaders, use common sense in those decisions. No American wants to die by the hands of those who hate us.

I do appreciate those in the religious groups who are concerned for the Syrians, but you must remember this country is in a war with terrorists. Yes, a war – even if Washington does not accept it as a war, but when people are killed, you must call it as it is. If these radicals get the bomb, it is all over.

Then you must pray, but it will be too late.

God bless America.

Richard Makuch is a Dunkirk resident. Send comments to editorial@observertoday.com