Editor’s Note: The following is an open letter to the editor of the Los Angeles Times, penned by our good friend and contributor, Edward J. Erler.
A Letter to the Los Angeles Times
To the Editors,
Security experts warn us that terrorism has become an “inevitable reality” of the modern world and that we must learn to accept it as the “new normal,” just one more annoying facet of urban life like traffic, crowds, the homeless, and unhealthy air. But terrorism demands something more than just acceptance—it demands our open and enthusiastic embrace! Our embrace of terrorism is a demonstration of our authentic commitment to diversity. It is an authentic commitment because it means we are willing to risk our lives—and the sovereignty of our country—to substantiate our commitment to diversity, not only to ourselves, but to the world. President Trump’s attempt to ban potential terrorists from seeking refuge in the United States would make the demonstration of that commitment much more difficult, and I am confident the High Court will see his Executive Order as merely a pretext to prevent the nation from expressing its highest aspiration—an aspiration that is validated by the progressive forces of history. Those who support freedom know that “freedom is not free,” as those who support diversity equally understand that “diversity is not free.” Both freedom and diversity require sacrifice. It is time that the nation confronted this explosive reality head on.
Edward J. Erler
Claremont, California
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