Bring Us Your Tired Masses

At a time when terrorist attacks both abroad and at home have rattled anyone who is paying attention, it is perhaps understandable that loud nativist voices have dominated the conversation. Measures of support for Donald Trump’s presidential bid were not negatively affected after he called for blocking Muslims from entering the United States. Several recent polls have shown considerable Republican approval of Mr. Trump’s idea, as un-American as it might be. 

Impractical, perhaps, given the shortage of realistically priced year-round housing on the South Fork, but it would be a statement against bigotry if our elected officials opened our communities’ doors, helping find rentals for refugees, including those from the hell that Syria has become. The best way to combat hate is to work from the neighborhood level out. In a small town, one gets to know people as people — and that’s what counts.

The East Hampton Town Board and other municipalities could have an impact by issuing an invitation to some of the displaced millions now fleeing conflicts around the world. Doing so might encourage others to follow their lead in defiance of those who would have us live in fear.