In light of the actions of over half of the governors of the United States in calling for the rejection of Syrian refugees and the virulent anti-immigrant sentiments of a large percentage of the general populace, it is hypocritical that the Statue of Liberty has on its base a plaque containing a poem, “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus, which purports to convey the entirely fictional idea that this country offers an open welcome to immigrants and refugees, to the “tired, … poor, … huddled masses yearning to breathe free…”
In its place we should leave only the rusty holes to which the plaque was affixed or perhaps a new sign reading “Go away, we are a fearful people.” We could offering corporate naming rights on the sign to raise more money for weapons and oil company subsidies.