19 February

Loving America, Helping Refugees: The Whistling Pumpkin Teapot – $12.08

by Jon Katz
Two young refugees thank you for your generosity. Keeping the torch lit.

My donation today: A red Pumpkin shaped Whistling Teapot, $12.08. Something the newly-arrived rescue families could use.

John Adams wrote that it does not take a majority to prevail, rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men.

The Amazon Gift Page, created by the U.S. Committee on Refugees And Immigration,  is such a brushfire, and it is burning brightly. You are lighting the sparks, the Army Of Good. The page was set up to welcome the new refugees arriving in upstate New York – they are still coming, at least for now. They need everything, from prayer rugs to teapots.

And I can’t think of a more fitting gift for them, many are Muslims, and they pray towards Mecca five times a day. We practice freedom of worship here.  The prayer rugs range from $2 to $4. I have been buying one a day. It is easy to send these gifts to a warehouse in Albany, N.Y via Amazon.,  they are inexpensive.

Every morning, I chose a different gift and send it to the refugees, these two young women overcame their discomfort and fear about being photographed because they wanted to thank people for the gifts they are receiving. We have filled the warehouse more than once.

Power always thinks it is doing God’s service, wrote Adams, “when it is violating all  his laws.” He was a wise man, devoted to the idea of his government as a compassionate and just one.

Every time I sent a gift, I feel good and I feel like a patriot, standing up for my idea of America. There is a lot going on in my life right now, and in all of our lives, but this has become a sacrament for me, my daily prayer, my way to avoid arguing and to do good and feel good. I wouldn’t care to miss a day.

This is my vote for America, and for liberty. I want the newly arriving refugees to see the true heart and soul of America.

Adams wrote that facts and truth are essential to governance, and I can tell you that these refugees, mostly women and children, are not a threat to you, your family, or America. They are here legally, they have been thoroughly investigated, they have suffered horribly.

They are my fellow citizens, my brothers and sisters in the American idea. You can help them here, and thanks.

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