



Amid a growing chorus of Republican governors refusing to accept the settlement of Syrian refugees in their respective states—despite you know, the Constitution—Fox News‘ Shepard Smith made a rather surprising call for political extremists to reverse their stances and show some compassion to those escaping violence.

“It seems to me we the people have the responsibility now to protect what we hold dear,” Smith told viewers on Monday.

“We profess to stand as an example for all the world. Our unique experiment in freedom, tolerance, and equality is our gift to societies and peoples everywhere. Come join us. Enjoy a chance at the American dream. Today we mourn, but we cannot allow ourselves to become like those who want to destroy us.”

Smith’s heartfelt and measured exhortation was a welcome respite from much of the fear-mongering tactics some Republican politicians have been using in the wake of the deadly terrorist attacks in Paris last Friday. On Tuesday, Donald Trump went as far as to accuse President Obama of intentionally sending refugees only to Republican states, joining his fellow presidential candidate Mike Huckabee in suggesting “limousine liberals” of a NIMBY approach to taking in refugees.