Loathe as I am to generalize from as small a data-set as we have, judging by the general commentary that has risen to the top in this community over the past few weeks, I gloomily have to agree with you. I find the general lack of empathy and downright hostility to these vulnerable people to be simply shocking. No, I am not saying that Europe must be forced to bear the brunt of the refugee crisis, nor that I have any panacea to this grim issue.

However, whatever your opinion may be of the proper European response or of the specific refugee quotas any state should take in, do not lose sight of the simple fact that the migrants are people, and they are people who have oftentimes endured incredible personal suffering and loss. Some have fled from brutal totalitarian regimes like Eritrea, others from scorched battlefields in Africa and the Middle East, many of them have been the victims of violence and oppression and have lost loved ones to such ordeals.

While virtually all of you may enjoy a relatively comfortable living in Europe, free from the threat of starvation or war, and these tragedies may seem like alien occurrences, do not lose sight of the fact that such horrors are still happening to real people today. Moreover, even in the case of Europe these shadows are not locked up as far in the past as many would choose to pretend. As recently as two decades ago, scenes such as these haunted Europe's formerly peaceful hinterlands and war is still ongoing in Ukraine today. Moreover within the last century, well within living memory for some, the continent underwent two of the bloodiest fratricidal wars in history, and was the theater of unspeakable genocides.

I guess the point of this rant is to try to get the point across that whatever the practical realities of the refugee crisis may be as they pertain to Europe, the vast majority of the migrants are unfortunate victims of the events they have been caught up in. Even if you oppose a more permissive set of immigration and asylum policies, never lose sight of the fact that the migrants are real people who are suffering real pain. They are willing to risk their very lives to reach Europe with its promise of liberty, prosperity, and safety. As you are fortunate enough to enjoy these boons, do not lessen your humanity by dehumanizing those who strive for the same rights...