A Plea for Tolerance

September 19, 2001

Friends,

Amid all the horror that the events of September 11 brought to our nation

are

news reports of attacks and threats against Arab Americans around the

country. In Arizona, a Sikh Indian man (a Hindu, not a Moslem) was just

murdered, most likely by someone who confused a darker skinned man in

traditional dress with someone of Arab descent. The attack was only the

worst example of an unfortunate vigilantism that seems to be popping up in a

number of places. It is an ugly way to honor the memory of the people of

many races, creeds and religions who died last Tuesday.

It is not only un-American to discriminate because of race, religion or

national origin; those who do so risk creating divisions within the United

States where none need exist, and cause the world to shake its head in

wonder

at how quickly the terrorists have succeeded in changing our country into

something it wasn't before their hideous deeds.

For those whose hearts are now hardening out of an understandable feeling of

fear and vulnerability, one should remember that the language skills and

overseas contacts of Arab Americans will likely prove to be invaluable in

defeating the terrorists. There is a historical precedent--after World War

II, the mobilization of the Italian-American community here in defense of

freedom was crucial in avoiding a communist takeover of Italy in the

post-war

period.

In the past few days our national political leadership has rightly pointed

to

the many contributions made by Arab Americans to our way of life, as

professionals, taxpayers, friends and neighbors. In the days and weeks

ahead, we should all be vocal in our condemnation of the voices of hate and

unreason. If you know someone of Arab descent, now is the time to be a

friend in deed; if you know of an Arab-American owned business in your area,

you may want to patronize it now with even greater frequency, as a sign to

those who would want us to live in terror--and those who would "defend" us

through hate--that their tactics didn't work.

Please send this message to as many people as you can.

God Bless America!

Mick Andersen

Churchton, Maryland

Maitreya · September 19, 2001

Here in Berkeley Ca. there are people from all over the world living in a way that is generally tolerant of each other.The one exception is the conservative white male, who people tend to criticize openly,but that is another topic.

I walk around the city a lot everyday and the Muslims here are extra on guard.You can see it in their eyes.It's palpable.

I always have a set of headphones on and stay aloof but I find myself giving a few reassuring smiles to these folks as we pass.You can feel a certain tension ease, if only for a moment.No one should live in fear but the guilty themselves.

In our country for sure there are more conspirators lurking but leave that to the FBI.Hopefully they have woken up and will do that job.

I heard of a Muslim women being attacked in Britain with a bat.This is barbaric.

Keep a cool head.Besides with a cool head one can better focus on killing the real culprits.

[This message has been edited by Maitreya (edited 09-19-2001).]

September 19, 2001

MC: Please go to Fred's Market and offer my dandavat pranams to Kamal and Nayeem. And tell that BB has them and their Palestinian families in my prayers.

Maitreya · September 19, 2001

Originally posted by rand0M aXiS:

MC: Please go to Fred's Market and offer my dandavat pranams to Kamal and Nayeem. And tell that BB has them and their Palestinian families in my prayers.

I would be happy to.Do they know you as Bhuta bhavana or some other name?

September 19, 2001

They know me as Bhuta-bhavana, but they call me BB. They are very dear friends, and I worry about them. But they are totally Americanised, so much so that I am ashamed I cannot be as patriotic.