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

[Mister_Speaker]

as professionals, taxpayers, friends and neighbors

Unfortunately, as more and more evidence comes forth, it seems as if several of these "professionals,taxpayers,friends and neighbors" were involved with these terrorist cells. These people attended community events, neighborhood barbecues, and even frequented our strip joints. Over the weekend a five year resident in radiology was detained, and said to be involved with the Sept 11 massacre. It is expected that there will be suspicion of anyone with an Arab or Muslim appearance. I agree , violence against these people can not and should not be condoned, however suspicion could mean survival.

[Pericles]

Why was I bumped? Find me one post of mine where I show intolerance to any American of the Muslim faith?

By the way, when the wind blows just right below 14th street here in my New York City you can smell the 5,000 plus corpses. Near ground zero people are dabbing their noses with vicks vapo rub.

[Ratatoskr]

...and attacking a Hindu for the crimes of SOME Muslims, who represent a small percentage of the whole of Islam, is even more wrong.

And calling a Sikh a Hindu is the most wrong yet.

[AppyPappy]

Thank you for providing the example that Jim was talking about.

[2ndMostConservativeBrdMember]

Thank you! The FBI is calling for these very people to help them in translating for their investigation. Some of these people will turn out to be HEROS in this war! We must not propogate hate, but stand UNITED against the common enemy.

Thank you Jim Robinson for your posts of information and understanding. Thank you for FreeRepublic!

[Cyber Liberty]

"And calling a Sikh a Hindu is the most wrong yet."

My thoughts, exactly when I read the email to Jim.

Hindu, indeed!

[MrBambaLaMamba]

Thanks for the bump,

"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."

I agree.

[Darth Reagan]

I apologize for the implication of the bump. I crossed you up with others. No, you haven't indicted the whole faith. Apologies again.

[Logophile]

Excellent advice, Mr. Robinson.

[Pericles]

No problem, the message is still valid.

[Boondocks of Bama]

Duly noted. "Whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad." Euripides

[Mr. Bungle]

Kudos, Jim. Good post.

[boris]

"What I am turning over in my mind, is: Should we deport Afghans in our country who are not citizens, as a precaution?"

We must deport every citizen of arabic/islamic nations NOW. We will not. And we will pay a terrible price for "tolerance."

--Boris

[Darth Reagan]

Jim's server, Jim's software, Jim's bandwidth, Jim's rules. Don't like it? Be gone.