A Request For Tolerance

As we all know, the United States is in a war.  In all wars we need
many kinds of skills, and this one is no different.  So far we have
needed fire fighters, doctors, blood donors and police
investigators.  We will shortly have many more needs.

And many with those skills will come from our own Arab American
community.  Obviously they can serve in all of the ways that any
American can serve.  But only they can infiltrate terrorist cells.
Many of them can provide translation services for our intelligence
agencies.  Some can provide specialized training and background for
us.

For the most part this is a community of loyal citizens, thankful
for the opportunities that all Americans share.  The actions of a
few notwithstanding, these Americans believe in our country and,
like the rest of us, want nothing more than to help in any way they
can.  Yes, many of them may follow Islam.  But Osama Bin Laden's
terrorists no more represent them than Timothy McVeigh represents
Christianity.  Let us not repeat mistakes past and try to make
enemies out of loyal friends.

Yet racists in our midst are doing just that.  Wishing to do
something against Arabic enemies, they attack our Arabic friends.
This undermines both what we stand for as a nation, and our nation's
ability to respond effectively to the current threat.  America's
strength and promise lies in providing a common home and purpose to
people whose ancestors were divided.  We should not let terrorists
take this from us along with so much else.

This, my friends and fellow Americans, is not the time for our house
to be divided by racism, bigotry and hate.  Our diverse nation,
welcoming all, is the treasure we must preserve.  So when next you
see someone of another race, please smile.  Ask them who they are
and where they are from.  Welcome them as fellow dreamers of our
American dream.  And if you see anyone harming our nation by
attacking people we need in days to come, do not be passive.
Instead speak up and show why these States are proudly named
United.

And please pass on this message and others like to to friends and
family to remind them what we stand for and value.