Glen and I are going to a Holiday dinner this evening so I won’t be here when this posts. I owe kibitzers an apology because I am so rarely able to attend to KTK. I just have a few minutes to write this - I have to put on nice clothes and make sure Glen looks presentable too. It’s an undertaking but it has to be done.
I’m unconnected to social media while I’m using my daughter’s lap top. A search of Facebook brought up an article about the post Humans of New York. They’ve been doing interviews with refugees in Jordon and Turkey who have recieved approval to move to the US.
“I have no life, no respect, and my children aren’t going to school,” the refugee, who was being interview in Istanbul, said. “I have a PhD but I’m not allowed to work without a residence permit. There is a university here that is teaching with a book I wrote, but still won’t give me a job.”
Welcome Home, Sir.
“I still think I have a chance to make a difference in the world. I have several inventions that I’m hoping to patent once I get to America. One of my inventions is being used right now on the Istanbul metro to generate electricity from the movement of the train. I have sketches for a plane that can fly for 48 hours without fuel. I’ve been thinking about a device that can predict earthquakes weeks before they happen. I just want a place to do my research. I learned today that I’m going to Troy, Michigan. I know nothing about it. I just hope that it’s safe and that it’s a place where they respect science. I just want to get back to work. I want to be a person again. I don’t want the world to think I’m over. I’m still here.”
This gentleman and scientist is moving to Troy, MIchigan. I wish I lived there to greet him. Perhaps I’ll have an opportunity to welcome refugees to the Bay Area. In the mean time, President Obama responded from his personal account to welcome him.
“As a husband and a father, I cannot even begin to imagine the loss you’ve endured. You and your family are an inspiration. I know that the great people of Michigan will embrace you with the compassion and support you deserve. Yes, you can still make a difference in the world, and we’re proud that you’ll pursue your dreams here. Welcome to your new home. You’re part of what makes America great.”
President Obama reminds readers that America is already great. Another reason I love our president.
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Kitchen Table Kibitzing is a community series for those who wish to share part of the evening around a virtual kitchen table with kossacks who are caring and supportive of one another. So bring your stories, jokes, photos, funny pics, music, and interesting videos, as well as links—including quotations—to diaries, news stories, and books that you think this community would appreciate. Readers may notice that most who post diaries and comments in this series already know one another to some degree, but newcomers should not feel excluded. We welcome guests at our kitchen table, and hope to make some new friends as well.
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