My wife and I helped resettle a number of Vietnamese and Thai Dam refugees under Governor Ray’s progressive program. It was quite an undertaking by a small northwest Iowa church. The families usually arrived with a cardboard box containing their things. We helped them with clothing, a place to live, food, and a job. I remember a couple of men in particular who took jobs no one else wanted. One had been an accountant who went to work on the cutting room floor of a packing plant. Another was an English teacher who took a job as a janitor. There’s nothing wrong with those jobs and I’m thankful for those who do them, but was it an indication of grateful they were to be here.
My wife and I helped resettle a number of Vietnamese and Thai Dam refugees under Governor Ray’s progressive program. It was quite an undertaking by a small northwest Iowa church. The families usually arrived with a cardboard box containing their things. We helped them with clothing, a place to live, food, and a job. I remember a couple of men in particular who took jobs no one else wanted. One had been an accountant who went to work on the cutting room floor of a packing plant. Another was an English teacher who took a job as a janitor. There’s nothing wrong with those jobs and I’m thankful for those who do them, but was it an indication of grateful they were to be here.
Bob, I’m a backslider, too. And I get effing angry when people say they are OK with immigration if “they” do it the “right way” but then pull shit like this. They really don’t have any compassion. They are not Christian.
Senator Trone Garriott did more than file a bill or give a speech - she provided a masterclass in effective minority party leadership. By rising to speak through point of personal privilege about refugees, then immediately backing her words with concrete legislative action, she demonstrated how to transform moral conviction into political impact.
Her approach proves that minority party power exists when wielded strategically. While her amendments may face defeat in votes, each action forces majority members to publicly choose sides on humanitarian issues. She's creating a public record of who stands where on human decency toward refugees.
This stands in stark contrast to recent congressional Democratic leadership's initial surrender of leverage. Trone Garriott shows that the choice between speaking out and taking action is a false one - effective legislators must do both.
Whether in Des Moines or DC, her example demonstrates that minority party members can shape the moral and political narrative while using every procedural tool available to advance their cause.
So important Ralph. I hope that the Iowa Democratic Party and the national party listen to you. From what I see, leadership is happy sitting on the sidelines...
Excellent work both you you and the Senator! More people need to hear this message. Yes, Robert Ray was an excellent example of compassion across the aisle. "It's never the wrong time to do the right thing."
Talking points is a great idea, Diane. I asked chatGPT to come up with talking points from my post. Below is what the AI created. Let me know if this works. Thanks. Here they are: Here are some key talking points based on the essay:
Senator's Commitment to Refugees:
Iowa State Senator Sarah Trone Garriott introduced legislation to seek emergency state funding for refugee resettlement, aiming to support 891 refugees in Iowa, including 445 children.
The senator emphasizes the need to honor the U.S. commitment to provide 90 days of support for refugees, which was abruptly broken by a federal executive order under the Trump administration.
The Issue of Broken Promises:
The federal government has suspended all aid for refugees, leaving them without support during their critical 90-day resettlement period.
Senator Trone Garriott argues that, if the federal government fails to uphold its promise, Iowa should step in and provide support.
Impact of the Legislation:
The bill would allocate $2.5 million from the state’s general fund to support nonprofit agencies assisting in refugee resettlement.
Refugee resettlement agencies are struggling to cover basic needs and maintain staff due to the loss of federal funding.
The Humanitarian Crisis:
Refugees are legally vetted immigrants who arrive in the U.S. after a long process. However, their resettlement experience is incredibly difficult, often requiring assistance with language, education, and job training.
Many refugees are now in crisis, and the Senator believes this is a clear moral failure that Iowa should address.
Republican Response and Challenges:
While most Democrats are supportive of the bill, some Republicans are hesitant to sign onto a Democrat-sponsored bill due to partisan politics.
There are also misconceptions among some Republicans about refugees' legal status and the resettlement process, leading to a lack of support.
Economic and Social Benefits of Refugee Resettlement:
Refugees contribute significantly to Iowa's workforce, often taking jobs in industries like meat processing, manufacturing, and more.
Refugee resettlement programs help refugees become valuable members of the community, creating new businesses and contributing to the economy.
Call to Action:
Senator Trone Garriott encourages Iowans to contact their legislators, businesses, and the Governor to push for action on refugee support.
She urges businesses that have hired refugees to speak out and advocate for the state to step in and provide emergency funding for resettlement programs.
Public pressure can help bring this issue to the forefront of the legislative agenda.
Educating the Public:
It is crucial for Iowans to understand the difference between refugees and illegal immigrants, emphasizing that refugees undergo rigorous vetting and have legal status.
The Senator urges citizens to reach out to their legislators and share stories or experiences with refugees to help build support for the legislation.
These talking points highlight the ethical, humanitarian, and economic aspects of the issue, stressing the importance of supporting refugees and taking action to address the challenges they face.
Admittedly, I have a limited understanding of ChatGBT - do you access it here or on a separate app? Maybe you or Julie can help explain that sometime. I definitely do not want to use anything that supports the Musk enterprise empire.
Ahah. Had no idea that you were raised a Lutheran. I think I now know far about Lutheran history than I know about the history of the RCA, the church in which I was raised. Lutherans are a strange mixture of early beliefs mixed in with their desire to help everyone and I am proud to be one of them for decades although I can no longer be physically active in working for them. It would be interesting to find out how much today's political uncertainty is causing kind people everywhere to shield and help those DOGE is trying to destroy. Public information about the underground in WWII was not available to us for a very long time. We live in very different times but our ability and the fear to help those in danger is probably the same percentage. Keep writing.
Thank you, Mr. Leonard. You've said it all!! I will keep my tirade to myself.
My wife and I helped resettle a number of Vietnamese and Thai Dam refugees under Governor Ray’s progressive program. It was quite an undertaking by a small northwest Iowa church. The families usually arrived with a cardboard box containing their things. We helped them with clothing, a place to live, food, and a job. I remember a couple of men in particular who took jobs no one else wanted. One had been an accountant who went to work on the cutting room floor of a packing plant. Another was an English teacher who took a job as a janitor. There’s nothing wrong with those jobs and I’m thankful for those who do them, but was it an indication of grateful they were to be here.
Wonderful story, Cliff. Thanks for sharing.
Sorry for the double post, perhaps you can remove one of them.
no problem. happens
My wife and I helped resettle a number of Vietnamese and Thai Dam refugees under Governor Ray’s progressive program. It was quite an undertaking by a small northwest Iowa church. The families usually arrived with a cardboard box containing their things. We helped them with clothing, a place to live, food, and a job. I remember a couple of men in particular who took jobs no one else wanted. One had been an accountant who went to work on the cutting room floor of a packing plant. Another was an English teacher who took a job as a janitor. There’s nothing wrong with those jobs and I’m thankful for those who do them, but was it an indication of grateful they were to be here.
Is a Go Fund Me possible?
There is a donate button on the top of the page of the Lutheran Services in Iowa website, Mark. Thanks for asking. https://lsiowa.org/
Bob, I’m a backslider, too. And I get effing angry when people say they are OK with immigration if “they” do it the “right way” but then pull shit like this. They really don’t have any compassion. They are not Christian.
Agreed. That's why I call them "Christians."
Senator Trone Garriott did more than file a bill or give a speech - she provided a masterclass in effective minority party leadership. By rising to speak through point of personal privilege about refugees, then immediately backing her words with concrete legislative action, she demonstrated how to transform moral conviction into political impact.
Her approach proves that minority party power exists when wielded strategically. While her amendments may face defeat in votes, each action forces majority members to publicly choose sides on humanitarian issues. She's creating a public record of who stands where on human decency toward refugees.
This stands in stark contrast to recent congressional Democratic leadership's initial surrender of leverage. Trone Garriott shows that the choice between speaking out and taking action is a false one - effective legislators must do both.
Whether in Des Moines or DC, her example demonstrates that minority party members can shape the moral and political narrative while using every procedural tool available to advance their cause.
So important Ralph. I hope that the Iowa Democratic Party and the national party listen to you. From what I see, leadership is happy sitting on the sidelines...
For the record, I still make my phone calls to our federal delegation and write.
Thank you Bob. I will pass this information to our activist networks.
Love “stealth Lutheran”. Me too!-)
So, mentioning stealth Lutherans, please give this a listen. Fifteen years old already but exactly on point for today.
https://substack.com/@david248573/note/c-93258051?r=byj9w&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
Wow!
Thank you so much for doing this. I just contributed to LFS, cause it's the right thing to do.
Thanks, Jeff!
Excellent work both you you and the Senator! More people need to hear this message. Yes, Robert Ray was an excellent example of compassion across the aisle. "It's never the wrong time to do the right thing."
Excellent work as always Bob. The ghost of Bob Ray is seething in rage.
Oh my what are we going to do.
I very much want to reach out to the Governor and the Legislatures but feel a little intimidated.
Is there anyway someone could provide talking points to address with the person taking the calls.
Thank you
Talking points is a great idea, Diane. I asked chatGPT to come up with talking points from my post. Below is what the AI created. Let me know if this works. Thanks. Here they are: Here are some key talking points based on the essay:
Senator's Commitment to Refugees:
Iowa State Senator Sarah Trone Garriott introduced legislation to seek emergency state funding for refugee resettlement, aiming to support 891 refugees in Iowa, including 445 children.
The senator emphasizes the need to honor the U.S. commitment to provide 90 days of support for refugees, which was abruptly broken by a federal executive order under the Trump administration.
The Issue of Broken Promises:
The federal government has suspended all aid for refugees, leaving them without support during their critical 90-day resettlement period.
Senator Trone Garriott argues that, if the federal government fails to uphold its promise, Iowa should step in and provide support.
Impact of the Legislation:
The bill would allocate $2.5 million from the state’s general fund to support nonprofit agencies assisting in refugee resettlement.
Refugee resettlement agencies are struggling to cover basic needs and maintain staff due to the loss of federal funding.
The Humanitarian Crisis:
Refugees are legally vetted immigrants who arrive in the U.S. after a long process. However, their resettlement experience is incredibly difficult, often requiring assistance with language, education, and job training.
Many refugees are now in crisis, and the Senator believes this is a clear moral failure that Iowa should address.
Republican Response and Challenges:
While most Democrats are supportive of the bill, some Republicans are hesitant to sign onto a Democrat-sponsored bill due to partisan politics.
There are also misconceptions among some Republicans about refugees' legal status and the resettlement process, leading to a lack of support.
Economic and Social Benefits of Refugee Resettlement:
Refugees contribute significantly to Iowa's workforce, often taking jobs in industries like meat processing, manufacturing, and more.
Refugee resettlement programs help refugees become valuable members of the community, creating new businesses and contributing to the economy.
Call to Action:
Senator Trone Garriott encourages Iowans to contact their legislators, businesses, and the Governor to push for action on refugee support.
She urges businesses that have hired refugees to speak out and advocate for the state to step in and provide emergency funding for resettlement programs.
Public pressure can help bring this issue to the forefront of the legislative agenda.
Educating the Public:
It is crucial for Iowans to understand the difference between refugees and illegal immigrants, emphasizing that refugees undergo rigorous vetting and have legal status.
The Senator urges citizens to reach out to their legislators and share stories or experiences with refugees to help build support for the legislation.
These talking points highlight the ethical, humanitarian, and economic aspects of the issue, stressing the importance of supporting refugees and taking action to address the challenges they face.
Thank you, Bob, for this excellent article!
Admittedly, I have a limited understanding of ChatGBT - do you access it here or on a separate app? Maybe you or Julie can help explain that sometime. I definitely do not want to use anything that supports the Musk enterprise empire.
Thanks! Just go to the app and ask it your question. I don't think musk bought it. https://chatgpt.com/
Ahah. Had no idea that you were raised a Lutheran. I think I now know far about Lutheran history than I know about the history of the RCA, the church in which I was raised. Lutherans are a strange mixture of early beliefs mixed in with their desire to help everyone and I am proud to be one of them for decades although I can no longer be physically active in working for them. It would be interesting to find out how much today's political uncertainty is causing kind people everywhere to shield and help those DOGE is trying to destroy. Public information about the underground in WWII was not available to us for a very long time. We live in very different times but our ability and the fear to help those in danger is probably the same percentage. Keep writing.
They are legal so won't get deported. Groups like Lutheran Services in Iowa will have to increase support. Please consider a donation.