Chronicle Editorial

 
H-D Homecoming changes a welcomed addition
     When the dust settled and the crowds dispersed after Homecoming last month, the community was left with a rather unfamiliar sight. There was no toilet paper hanging from trees, vandalism was kept at bay, and there were very few incidents to speak of at all. It was a good week for everyone and we hope it signals a break from the standard in the years ahead.
     The plight of Hampton-Dumont’s Homecoming festivities was well publicized over the past year. The annual celebration had spiraled into a rather dreadful event for the community as vandalism and other issues became the norm. It was clear changes were needed, and the community stepped up in a big way this year to see them through.
     Through the efforts of local businesses, school officials, the Chamber of Commerce and many other entities, this year’s Homecoming was flipped on its head. The list of events was impressive and the community’s support was fantastic. From the tailgate party to the Harlem Ambassadors game, it was an all-around effort that paid off in a big way for the entire H-D community.
     It was a welcomed sight to see our town in tact following this year’s celebration. The changes worked, and we hope these new additions blossom into an annual tradition for many years to come. You don’t need to trash the town to celebrate Homecoming, and it appears the H-D community figured that out this year.
 
Refugees bring opportunities, challenges
     The ongoing crisis in the Middle East has led federal officials to consider increasing the number of foreign refugees America accepts each year. Though polarizing opinions have defined discussion in Congress so far, a mix of compassion and strict oversight is needed if the nation’s refugee quota is boosted by federal lawmakers.
     A majority of attention has focused on Syrian refugees fleeing that country’s four-year civil war. The United States has sent more humanitarian aid to Syria than any other country since 2011, but it’s lagged behind Germany and other nations in accepting refugees. President Barack Obama and other leaders would like to see America admit 10,000 Syrians over the next year to address these perceived discrepancies.
     However, accepting refugees from a region wrought with war and terrorist activity doesn’t happen at the snap of a finger. Intense background checks and other security measures are needed before these refugees cross our borders. That type of oversight takes time, money and other resources, and it’s a necessity if America is to move forward by opening our doors to more Syrians. Our national security should not be compromised by a streak of unbridled compassion.
     If the proper amount of checks and balances are put in place, these refugees could contribute to America in more ways than one. Media reports have noted that many Syrians are educated and workforce-ready. Those types of individuals are a welcomed addition to our society, especially here in Iowa. Multiple job opportunities exist in the agriculture industry and manufacturing sector, which could benefit from an influx of new workers. Even Gov. Terry Branstad has said he would welcome Syrian refugees if the federal government implements proper safety controls.
     The crisis in the Middle East isn’t going away anytime soon. Though some believe we have an humanitarian obligation to assist displaced refugees, we also have an obligation to protect our national security. Strengthened background checks and other measures are a must if we open our borders to more Syrians. America has a history of accepting refugees and we must continue that legacy while adhering to 21st Century safety threats.