Readers' corner
McCain and Arabs
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
Michigan
USA
No vote
Sir-- I have refused to vote since the stolen 2000 US presidential elections due to rigged vote counting, and my refusal to participate in any election whatsoever where known war criminals are running either as incumbents or challengers. This category includes everyone nominated to run for president since 2000 and whatever Congressional races I can vote in. My congress people are Duncan Hunter, Barbara Boxer and Barbara Feinstein, who are all well known to be blatant war criminals since the criminal invasion of Iraq. As mass murderers in war crime, unequivocally, they all need to be given the same medicine, period.
Tom Lowe
California
USA
Powerful few
Sir-- It is definitely encouraging for us to see that writers outside of the country are able to evaluate the real happenings in our Canadian political life and to express their commentary without censure by the media ('What's with the apathy?' Al-Ahram Weekly 23-29 October). Let's just hope that enough people will get to read it and consider it prior to future elections. But even here in Canada the influence of certain groups is clearly evident and, in the end, it does not really matter who wins the election. Whatever party may win, the fate of the government is in the hands of a few powerful people who will direct the decisions of the elected prime minister, so that things will be happening their way. But, at least, your writing provides the glimmer of hope that perhaps some day things may change.
Henry Kopel
Pennsylvania
USA
Fictional rule
Sir-- Re 'What's with the apathy?' ( Al-Ahram Weekly 23- 29 October), people are seeing through the fraud called elections and don't want anything to do with it. They are so disenfranchised in controlling the policies of the government that it will take a large concerted effort to bring about the kind of government we all want, transparent and fair. For the most part the politicians are merely trained seals getting $4 for every dollar they put into their pension funds and sit on lots of committees that do basically next to nothing as the PMO runs the show. In truth it is rule by fiction and within fiction there can be no truth or justice. This is the underlying problem and way in which we are all being enslaved. Zionism is only a reflection of a deeper problem that is embedded in the nature of this reality we find ourselves in. The world is wrapped in an illusion of fiction, which lulls most into a false sense of security that all is well. Meanwhile, we have genocide happening in various countries right before our eyes and nothing is done. They keep us busy with inflated tax structures and victimless laws. It is truly a mass assault on humanity done covertly.
Rob Hay
Florida
USA
Al-Ahram Weekly reserves the right to edit letters submitted to Readers' Corner for brevity and clarity. Readers are advised to limit their letters to a maximum of 300 words.
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