TOW #10- Syrian Refugees

        Americans are constantly being swayed by their own fears. These fears are often at times over-exaggerated, in order for the country to shield themselves from any potential harm. Recently in America, Barack Obama has declared the acceptance of Syrian refugees fleeing from the Islamic States (ISIS), sparking the frantic and conflicting opinions of many. In Jay Inslee's article, Why My State Won't Close Its Door to Syrian Refugees, the Washington governor exposes that America's foundation as a beacon of hope for others in time of need is being threatened by probable terror. He achieves this through usage of historical allusions, expository language, and anecdotes.
        In order to show how the change of heart of many Americans is unjustified, Inslee provides several examples of instances in which America has opened their arms to struggling people in the past. "Today we welcome refugees from Afghanistan, Iraq, and Somalia. In 2014, more than 2,800 refugees from countless countries arrived in Washington, and no one demanded we send them back to where they came from" (par 9). For many years, allowing others to find safety in this country has been an honorable ability, and has provided positive outcomes, but now all of a sudden there are growing concerns among the public.
        Inslee addresses these concerns with expository language that appeals to pathos. "It is disheartening to see how easily people turn their backs on human suffering- even more so when the ones turning their backs are those who were chosen to lead" (10). This statement uncovers the negative and unprecedented actions of those who immediately turn against helping others, and causes the audience to feel anger towards these leaders and sorrow towards those who are suffering. The arousal of these emotions persuades citizens to take note of how rapidly this controversy is growing, and desire to prevent those that are against accepting the refugees. 
       Personal anecdotes also establish Inslee's credibility as a writer, making his claims against these recent behaviors even stronger. "My home is on Bainbridge Island...the first place in the nation where Japanese-Americans were subjected to President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Civilian Exclusion Orders. These Washingtonians were marched to the docks by soldiers and sent to internment camps" (11). Clearly he holds a specific experience close to heart, which successfully expresses why he feels as though American citizens must not turn away.
        Americans look back on certain moments of their past and feel regret. This is why Inslee believes it is critical for the country to continue to be welcoming to all, and not jump to conclusions and shut the door on them without reason. Through the incorporation of historical allusions, expository language, and anecdotes, he reveals the disloyalty that is being expressed towards the iconic label as a "Land of Opportunity". "The blame for those acts should be with the radicals who committed them, not any religion, race or country of origin" (16). America must step away from these common assumptions and reconsider who the real threats are.

Inslee, Jay. "Why My State Won’t Close Its Doors to Syrian Refugees." The New York Times. The New York Times, 20 Nov. 2015. Web. 22 Nov. 2015.