Just the facts
By Patrick Kelley
Originally published 01:11 p.m., November 29, 2007
Updated 01:11 p.m., November 29, 2007
In Monday’s editorial, we said:
But what bothers Emporians most is what seems to be a complete lack of any effort by local, state or federal government or by Tyson Fresh Meats to prepare the community to receive the refugees. When the Somalis arrived, there were no organized support services prepared to receive them and no one with a clear idea of what would be required of the community.
Mike Fiehler, the manager of the Emporia Tyson plant, called to say that Tyson did its part in the resettlement preparations by holding four meetings with government and community agencies. He is correct, and we apologize.
Is the problem then that the community — in its government, agencies and organizations — was not prepared for the refugees, or that the people of the community were not prepared?
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dalelinn (anonymous) says...
I can't speak for anyone else, but what irks me about this refugee thing is that our federal government keeps right on spending us into the poor house. I don't believe for a second that Tyson is hiring the refugees out of the goodness of their heart (no subsidies anywhere). The corporate bosses are after the bottom line and to heck with America has proven to be their motto. The citizens of Emporia might or might not have voted to spend their money on people from other countries, but we'll never know. Our government is out of control with their programs and spending. Remember, the United States is the biggest debtor nation the world has ever seen and keeps adding to our debt at an alarming rate.
December 3, 2007 at 8:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
If what Mr. Fiehler says is correct, and I don't doubt that Mr. Fiehler is an honorable man, then why, pray tell Mr. Kelley, did the city commissioners say that the November 3rd Gazette article by Bobbi Mlynar caught them by surprise. Bobby Agler said at the first meeting of concerned citizens that reading that article was like being "punched in the gut." Jeff Longbine said something similar about being caught off guard as he read the newspaper the next day.
I'm confused here, Mr. Kelley. Can you explain? Were we not watching? Did he happen to tell you exactly what government and community agencies he met with? Did all that just fly over our heads because we were too busy watching "Dancing with the Stars?"
December 3, 2007 at 10:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )