Greece ejects refugees: Your Say
As part of an agreement with the European Union to address the refugee crisis, Greece started deporting migrants Monday from Lesbos to Turkey. Letter to the editor:
I am happy the article “Greek isle profited from migrant influx, but that may soon end” was written, because I have been following the crisis in Lesbos closely. I have an aunt who lives on the island during the summer months.
However, I do wish the article also had mentioned the altruistic, humanitarian efforts the people of Lesbos made, rather than focusing strictly on the economic impact that refugees have on the island. The Guardian article, “Lesbos: a Greek island in limbo over tourism, refugees — and its future,” explains how people on the island show empathy to these refugees, which could be a direct result of the fact that about 60% of the 90,000 residents of Lesbos are descended from refugees of a separate crisis in the 1920s.
Another thing to consider is the idea that the warmth and hospitality shown by the people of Lesbos could be attractive for tourists in the future.
Jackie Zerbe; Bloomington, Ind.
Comments from Facebook are edited for clarity and grammar:
The country should have the right to refuse or allow migrants/refugees into the country without the scrutiny of the international community. Its leaders must do what is right to protect their people and their rights.
Greece is in the middle of its own economic troubles.
— Umack Jang
I think most of these people are looking for a welfare meal ticket. The problem is there are way too many who think they should get a free ride.
— John Chambard
The people fleeing are escaping fighting in Syria. I agree a system needs to be in place to process them, but people are idiotic for blindly hating people for being Muslim.
— Rob Culp