Plea for tolerance

Email | 09/18/01 | Mick Andersen

[Jim Robinson]

Just received the following plea via email:

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

I think this is good advice. I'm asking for the rhetoric on Free Republic to be toned down. We were attacked by a vicious terrorist group. These terrorists are being supported by a relatively small segment of the Muslim community. Please do not condemn all members of a race or religion for the barbaric acts of a few. We are at war against the terrorist groups and the rogue government regimes that harbor them. With few exceptions, the rest of the world is allied with us against these groups, but we are not at war with an entire people or race or religion. We must rid the world of the scourge of terrorism, while continuing to respect and defend the rights and lives of the innocent.

Thanks,

Jim Robinson

[Jack Black]

Deport Afghans? Maybe but all of the bombers were either Saudis or from UAE as far as I've seen.

[Alexandre]

I can never remember who I am supposed to hate.

Are you supposed to hate anyone at all? To hate accordingly to what - government order, party guide, will of God, tribal code?

Pick one...

[HAL9000]

"if Mr. Robinson sends me packing because I express a dissenting view then the name of this site becomes an oxymoron and others will leave as soon too."

Jim has had to "clean out the barn" here occasionally - but Free Republic just keeps growing in strength and numbers.

[Darth Reagan]

Raise you maturity level a bit and stop throwing around childless little epithets.

I'm sure that JimRob can defend himself, but why should he concern himself with your whining drivel and complaints that he's being "PC"? Suggesting that JimRob's quashing of bigoted posts is merely being "PC" shows a lack of connection to reality. Besides, the rules have been in effect for quite a while: "NO racist or violence posts". Now, I don't know if yours was racist, but the point of this thread is that you don't single people out based on skin color, and Free Republic has always stood against that.

Call that brown-nosing if you like, what do I care. And if you don't want the world to see and comment on your questions (complaints) to JimRob, then Freepmail him, don't put it in an open forum.

[Pericles]

I am a guest here. As a guest I observe my host's rules.

[Nuke'm Glowing]

Agreed. I do not want Americans of any creed attacked. Period.

[nsmart]

I have an idea that kills two birds with one stone. Send Congress and the Senate home to telecommute. No more big target in DC.. No more travel concerns for those on the West Coast. No more temptation to lead a "Condit like" double life. No more Lobbyist receptions every afternoon. In fact, "K" street might just dry up.

Start the drum-beat. Send them HOME! Imagine if they heard what their constituents were saying over coffee instead of the "insiders".

COME ON FREEPERS -- JUST DO IT!

[MHGinTN]

Grow up. You remind me of the little five year old that throws himself on the floor and tantrums, but pauses occasionally to check and see if anyone is paying attention.

[CommiesOut]

Damn, enother funny thread and noone pinged me. Shame.

[TKEman]

Thanks for this post. I agree entirely. I have a lot of Indian friends, and they are just as pissed about this as we are. India lost a lot of nationals in the World Trade Center.

[AppyPappy]

It hasn't been growing because this is a "LIBERAL" Politically Correct message board.

IMAGINE!! Well, if I were you, I wouldn't stay another minute.

[Int]

Thank you!

[FITZ]

I think if we must be politically correct, it's time they edit certain portions in the Koran. I understand it's their right to worship whatever book they wish, but if they want to live in the US, it's time they obey the same political correctness rules, time to erase some of that "kill all the Christians and Jews whereever they find them" raw hatred stuff.

[Don Myers]

"I can never remember who I am supposed to hate. "

Don't worry. You will be reminded. Big Brother will give you your period of hate periodically. We will tell you who to hate.

[dighton]

Well, if I were you, I wouldn't stay another minute.

Not before posting an OPUS.

[Lent]

BTTT