While 129 people are being buried and many others are suffering from wounds, President Barack Obama dithers away. He had a few words of condolence before assuring all that he still plans to bring Syrians to this country to start a new life.

He ignores the fact that many of those fleeing Syria are young males — prime possibilities for terrorists. He ignores news reports that at least one of the terrorists in France had been among those supposedly fleeing Syria.

When challenged as to the wisdom of inflicting this safety risk on American families, he turned on those who questioned bringing thousands here and accused them of racial and religious prejudice. He implied that they were simply widows and children.

Then he turned to the real things that worry him — global climate change and rising sea levels.

When he is not focused on gun control and accusing law enforcement of all sorts of evils, he always returns to climate change.

It seems he believes that the serious issues of our times will just disappear if he changes the subject. Clearly with supportive news media, it has worked with some people.

Now, however, after seven years they may be starting to figure it out. Many in the media are starting to wonder why he has decided to move forward with bringing Syrians to the United States with the risks involved.

Even those in his own party are questioning this action. Only the most loyal are with him.

Regrettably, our own governor is one of those. As dozens of governors are telling the President that the risks are too great, Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that they would be welcome in Virginia.

As the chief executive of the state, the Governor has the responsibility to protect the citizens of the state.

He has authority over the Virginia National Guard and the State Police.

There is only one explanation for such a reckless decision. The governor’s overwhelming interest is to return to Washington to again be a mover and shaker on the national level.

The only way that he will reconsider his position is if Hillary Clinton turns on the president or if you call, email or write the governor with your concerns.

If enough contact his office, he might understand that politically it makes no sense to follow this president on this issue.

This week also marks the fortieth anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. This brings back memories that many of us often try to forget.

I entered the army as the war was winding down and never went over. I did have two friends from high school that died there.

Those who returned were often treated as the enemy upon returning home. Enemies of our country for following orders? This made no sense to me.

When I wore my uniform in public, I felt the cold looks of those around me.

Those who returned had to endure a public that did not care about them or did not respect them for their service to our nation.

This was a far cry from the parades for returning World War veterans. Thankfully, things have again changed for the men and women who have served in the Middle East.

Let us all turn to those forgotten soldiers of that era. Give them the thanks that is way overdue.

Frank Ruff, a Republican, represents Lunenburg County in the Virginia State Senate. His email address is Sen.Ruff@verizon.net.