FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News from Progress Michigan
November 16, 2015
Contact: Sam Inglot, 616-916-0574, sam@progressmichigan.org
Snyder’s Rhetoric on Refugees is Cowardly and Hypocritical
LANSING — Today, Progress Michigan lambasted Gov. Rick Snyder for his cowardly reversal on accepting Syrian refugees into Michigan. Previously, Snyder had said Michigan would roll out the welcome mat for those fleeing violence and terrorism abroad.
In reversing his position on accepting refugees, Snyder said, “Michigan is a welcoming state and we are proud of our rich history of immigration…But our first priority is protecting the safety of our residents.”
Snyder’s acquiescence to anti-refugee sentiment drew harsh criticism from Progress Michigan.
“Apparently, Snyder means safety from people who look differently than he does, not safety from his own administration as they allowed the poisoning of the people of Flint with their drinking water,” said Lonnie Scott, executive director of Progress Michigan. “This type of behavior is the exact cowardice and capitulation that the terrorists seek to force out of our elected leaders. Instead of stoking the fear that drives his party to a frenzy, Gov. Snyder should do the right thing and show Michiganders that we’re a state that will accept responsibility as global citizens to do our part to help people in crisis and that we can do that in a way that is both safe and responsible.”
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