Sir, - I am heartened by the letters published in your paper on June 3rd. As an immigrant living here for 30 years, I was not surprised that this topic became an election issue. What really saddens me is the speed with which some Irish people have forgotten their own past the immediate and the distant!
It occurs to me that somehow people who have been dominated, oppressed, suppressed, depressed, or underwent enormous hardships through poverty, unemployment etc., and had to emigrate in search of better lives, emerge as the very people who wish to inflict pain or humiliate or dominate another group of unfortunate people when all is well for them, be it in their own native land or elsewhere.
Racial/ethnic problems are universal, but as a Christian nation we do not have to surrender our human values or forget our past simply because we have "arrived". I have opted out of this "new" Irish society because I find it difficult to cope with the infectious "me syndrome". It is that very selfish attitude which is giving rise to ugly words being used without care, caution and compassion against refugees by irresponsible people in our society. Of course we have to be responsible and ensure that the officials in the respective Government Departments deal with all those seeking asylum in a fair and just way.
Despite the fact that I have lived here for three decades, and contributed effectively to my adopted land, I did not seek asylum for my elderly mother whose home was bombed out of existence in the land of my birth. I am glad another nation became home to all my family and they, the young and not so young, just like the Irish of yesteryear, are contributing positively to their adopted land. Yet, deep down all immigrants (including myself), displaced people or refugees live with the eternal pain of rootlessness.
I ask for compassion and consideration. Please do not humiliate them. Remember what Mahatma Gandhi said: "How can one human being take pleasure in humiliating another?" Not all refugees are thieves, beggars or criminals. Please do not judge them all by a few and such few exist everywhere.
Many a nation was built on the blood and sweat of many Irish emigrants and I am so proud to be part of Ireland and contribute to its growth and development. I want to believe that our President's words and humanitarian deeds will always remind us to do our very best for the not so fortunate people - be they foreigners or natives, immigrants or emigrants, poor or rich, able or disabled. I appeal to our politicians to set good examples and never forget what Edmund Burke said: "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is that good men shall do nothing." I do not want to live with the fear that my child born in Dublin will never belong here. That would be very tragic. - Yours, etc.,
Kill Lane,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.