Natalia Naman Temesgen: A little thought experiment

In light of the horrific, IS-led terror attacks in Paris, civilians, military personnel and politicians alike are debating how America should proceed with regard to Syrian refugees. It's a layered and complex issue, no doubt. But it seems nearly every opinion brought to the floor is rooted in an emotional reaction to the threat of terror.

That said, let's do a thought experiment.

You live in a big home in the suburbs. It isn't a gated community, but it's a secure area. In your home is your family -- a big one, full of opinionated and interesting people. You also have animals. The ones you bought live in the house, while a few adopted strays stay in the fenced-in backyard.

Things are usually safe in your house. Of course, your kids fight and bicker. And sometimes the animals bite, but only when you kick and ignore them. And there is occasional danger, like the time a grease fire tore through your kitchen, or when one of your kids pushed the other one off the bunk bed, sending him to the hospital for broken bones. But on the whole, it feels safe and secure on the inside.

You learn that a gang from a war-heavy neighborhood on the other side of town has recently entered another suburban neighborhood and done terrible things to its residents. This is not common at all. You're afraid and don't forget to put the alarm system on every night.

One chilly night a week later, someone knocks on your front door. You look through the peephole. A woman, beaten up and afraid, is crying for you to let her in. When you ask where she's from, she names the same area the gang is from. When you ask why she doesn't just go home and lock her doors, she says the gang has destroyed her home and is terrorizing her friends and family.

You think of your own family. If you let her in the house, will it be safe? There's more than enough room for her, but what if the gang is following her? Worse yet, what if she's actually part of the gang, but is trying to disguise herself? If you send her away, will she just end up joining the gang out of futility? You wish you were more educated about the gang and that part of town.

You hear crying and realize she has children with her. In a desperate voice, she tells you she can help you. That she will follow your rules and help you keep the house safe and thriving. You could always use more helpful hands, but you aren't sure. Wouldn't you be willing to say anything if you were in her situation?

Her poor kids look ravaged and worn out, but what if they come in and terrorize your kids? Then again, your kids terrorize each other as it is.

So. What to do? What do you wish someone would do if you were in her shoes? Think quickly. It's cold outside.

Natalia Naman Temesgen is an independent contractor. Contact her at nntemesgen@gmail.com

This story was originally published November 21, 2015 at 11:24 PM with the headline "Natalia Naman Temesgen: A little thought experiment ."