The Real Roanoke

The last time we met, we had just come through a crisis. Our fine city weathered the storm of two of your fine young journalists being brutally murdered. You can read more about that at http://www.thedailymeal.com/eat/why-roanoke-virginia-example-our-nation. But, here we are again. Roanoke is on the news. And, well, I wanted to address a few things.

Our Mayor, David Bowers, stood up and stated very pointedly that we do not wish to allow Syrian refugee's in our fair city, until its determined by higher authorities that they are vetted and safe. Or until this current crisis is over. And I am ok with that.

Our citizens are comprised of more than 100 nations. Here in our town, we honor and welcome many from other walks of life. We bring them in, help them establish business and help them integrate into our society. We certainly benefit from that, as we get the worldly views that are sometimes different than our own. And, we get their delicious food. There is no shortage of multi-culture here.

David Bowers made it clear, for now, we are not willing to accept more refugee's from a very specific part of the world. You see, I'm not sure if you heard, but there is a war going on. A war from, for and about terror. Recently, you likely didnt see this, but Paris, France was attacked. People died. Their citizens were ripped apart from their families and their futures halted. Nearly 200 people died in those attacks. Not long before that, a plane was destroyed. Over 200 souls were aboard. 200 souls that will never touch ground again. Never feel the sun. Never hug their loved ones. Never pet their dogs. Not to mention that constant attacks going on around the world. So, its nothing personal. We love people from other nations. But, for now, we are just going to look out for our own. And I'm ok with that.

Don't judge Roanoke by the specific comments of one person due to one event. Apparently, a "celebrity" did that. Yea, this guy was in a few episodes of a space series. Trek something. A long, long, long time ago. Now he's famous for internet meme's. It's easy to judge when you attend the finest gala's, live behind a gate in an already gated community. But, here in the real world, where real peoples lives are at stake, its ok to stop for a minute and look out for your own. But rest assured, here in Roanoke, we LOVE other cultures. The warm and inviting Mexican, the country first, hearty and stout Russian, the hand speaking, historical and vibrant Italian, the eloquent and colorful French, the boisterous and proud German. We have them all. And many more. And oh boy, do we have their food. Roanoke has more restaurants per capita than any other city in Va., mostly foods from other nations, as well as cooks from those respectable countries. They are worried too. And, if you don't mind, we're gonna protect them first. Just for a minute. Ok?

Our gorgeous mountains are still our backdrop and the heartbeat of our city. Our (only one in the world) Mill Mountain Star still watches over us. We still trout fish. We will still hike the Appalachian Trail. And we'll still drink the beer and eat the food Roanoke is becoming so well known for. We've been through a lot together. And if we need to, we'll get through a lot more together. But, we'll do it as a community. And as always, we'll do what's best for our residents first. But, you have my word, as soon as these events are over, we'll continue to invite them into our homes. We'll continue to guide them when they get here, with directions, or a hot plate, or just a great conversation. You have my word. Hell, I will sign up to be the very first to accept a refugee. That's a promise. But, until then, let us do us. You do you. And don't judge based on such little information. Imagine a world where religion didn't kill people in the name of peace. Yea. I'm ok with that too.
#realroanoke