Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM
established in 1875
30 October - 5 November 2008
Issue No. 920
Readers' corner
Sir-- As a proud American of Arab decent,
I take strong exception to Senator John McCain's
suggestion that somehow, to be decent, to be a good
American, you can't be an Arab as well. Arab
Americans have been loyal citizens of this nation
for over 150 years and have served in every war this
country had to fight. They have been loyal citizens
serving with exceptional commitments in all areas of
human endeavour whether it is in the arts, sciences,
commerce, space and the continual enrichment of the
spiritual and moral foundations of America. We pride
ourselves on nurturing strong and wholesome families
who are driven to excellence in education,
self-reliance and good citizenship.
Our loyalty must never be doubted and our
patriotism questioned. And we refuse to be as
utterly denigrated as a people of a pound heritage
and accomplished civilisation. Collectively, we
stand side by side with our fellow Americans in our
opposition and denunciation of all acts of terrorism
and acts of hatred against any one and by anyone.
Our love for this country and what it is and what
it can be is absolute and transcends any political
differences. In fact, the over 20,000 so-called
"voluntary interviews" conducted by the FBI after
the infamous 9/11 attacks, not a single Arab
American was found guilty of linkage to terrorism.
The vast and indiscriminate profiling programme of
Arab and Muslim Americans continues to supersede all
legitimate discussion about counter-terrorism. Fear
politics is being called upon to sway xenophobic
attitudes in our society.
Sadly, Sen McCain is desperately stooping low to
racist and bigoted traits unfit of a great American
hero and a dedicated public servant. For the over
two million American of Arab origin, an apology is
most needed if McCain is to expect their vote let
alone their respect. On 4 November my choice for
president will be not only between the lesser of two
evils but between one with a vision, and another a
nightmare.
Aref Assaf
as usual, excellent and well stated sentiment by
Dr. Aref Assaf of the American Arab Forum,
www.aafusa.org . The vote tonight has more than
vindicated our view of McCain. It remains the duty
of all Arab and Muslim American to champion their
causes and continue to organize. While our community
was the subject of denigration almost at will, more
than ever before, it is poised to take matters onto
its own hands. If Barack can do, an Arab is
assuredly next or soon after. America's polity is
less about morality and a lot more about power and
access.
Yes, I quite agree- an excellent and well stated
sentiment by Dr. Aref Assaf of the American Arab
Forum!
And yes- America is what we will make of it...one
can choose to grumble and be angry and rude and
divisive- a defeatist getting no where, or one can
figure out how to use positive energy and efforts to
really help let freedom ring!
The autumn/winter edition of
Banipal Magazine is dedicated to the
memory of Palestinian poet Mahmoud
Darwish.
Click here for more... 
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