Totally OT - Looks can be deceiving.

[Luv to Cook]

FYI - Just wanted to pass this around...I know we are all scared and frustrated right now...but we must stand united.

Like many Americans, Jagatjit Singh Katial reacted to the horror of the terrorist attacks on New York and the Pentagon with a desire to help by donating blood.

But as he was getting ready to join the lines of fellow Houstonians moved by compassion to give of themselves, his mother begged him not to leave the house, he said. She was worried that he would be harassed.

"We are afraid to go out," said the software engineer, a 23-year-old native Houstonian. "People want to give blood, but we're staying away."

The reason for his fear is, in a way, superficial: It's the way he looks.

In keeping with the teachings of his Sikh faith, Katial does not cut his hair but wears it in a turban and grows a beard.

And that means he and other Sikhs throughout the United States look a lot like the pictures of alleged terrorists flashing on television screens in living rooms nationwide.

"They see that on TV, especially with this bin Laden character," Katial said, referring to exiled Saudi Osama bin Laden, a suspect in Tuesday's attacks.

"I'm not afraid someone is going to do something, but I want to avoid confrontation," he added.

Katial's concerns, and his mother's, are not unfounded.

She remembers that during the hostage crisis of 1979-81, Sikh men resembled Iranian clerics, Katial said. It was a time when many of her generation knew men who were beaten or verbally assaulted for wearing turbans and beards, even though they were followers of a religion founded in India and distinct from Islam.

"I think people have things burned in their minds since then," Katial said. "Just from the sheer magnitude of what has happened here, they see what happened in 1980 recurring."

The terrorists responsible for the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon have not yet been determined, and many authorities are urging caution in assigning blame. Houston's Muslim community has called the terrorism abhorrent. But just as Muslim Americans worry about being unjustly blamed for the attacks, members of the Sikh community also are concerned about backlash.

Bobby Singh's wife, who is nine months pregnant, did not want him to drive her across Houston to her scheduled doctor's appointment Wednesday because of his turban. But Singh, who has lived in the United States since 1981, insisted. On the return trip, a pickup truck pulled next to them at a red light and the driver pointed his finger in a threatening manner, Singh said.

"It is very hurtful," said Singh, the owner of a software consulting company. "We feel that we are as American as anybody else."

Dr. Harmeet Kaur, an assistant professor of radiology, worries about her father. She asked him not to go out Wednesday.

"If you look at my dad and you look at a picture of Osama bin Laden, you'd say these were the same people," Kaur said. "I understand people's anger. I'm angry, too. But I don't want my dad getting beat up."

Kaur also wants people to understand that Sikhs have no relationship to terrorists who wage holy wars in the name of religion.

"We may look like bin Laden, but we are not Muslim and we are not from Afghanistan," she said, referring to the country that has harbored the terrorist.

Sikhism is a monotheistic religion founded in 15th-century India. It is based on the teachings of 10 gurus whose writings are gathered in the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib. In reaction to the caste system that pervaded India, Sikh teachings emphasize human and gender equality and the importance of charity and standing against injustice. The majority of the world's 18 million Sikhs live in the Punjab region of India.

Houston-area Sikhs were to gather Wednesday evening at The Sikh Center of the Gulf Coast Area to pray for the souls of those killed in the attacks and their families.

[Missi]

Thank you so much for posting this. I think about what happened to Japanese Americans after Pearl Harbor and worry that we haven't grown enough as a country not to let it happen again.

By the way, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Luv to Cook!

[sneezles]

Luv to Cook,
It's really a shame that people now live in fear because of Tuesday's events. It follows the saying though that "ignorance breeds contempt", speculation and conjecture on everyone's part only feed this ignorance. I, too, hope that we remember the Japanese-Americans that were treated so horribly and not repeat the same mistake!

[lisas3575]

I'm really angered by the reports of retaliation against Arab-Americans. Here's an excerpt from an editorial I thought was important. Peace be with us all. --Lisa

"We are not a nation that is only white or only Christian. We're a people of rainbow hues and multiple faiths.

If that heritage has taught us nothing else by now, it should have taught us this: It's ignorant to think you can judge a man's soul by looking at his face. Yes, I saw Arabs cheering our pain in the West Bank. I also saw them issuing condemnations in Washington.

Take it as a reminder: The enemy is not Arab people or the Muslim religion. The enemy is fanaticism, extremism, intolerance, hate. The madmen who commandeered those planes don't represent the followers of Islam any more than the madmen who blow up abortion clinics represent the followers of Christ."


the entire text can be found here: http://www.miami.com/herald/content/features/columnists/pitts/digdocs/079697.htm

[hlao23]

In our town (in a predominately white state), a restaurant owner who is from the middle east (but has lived in the U.S. forever) has been receiving bomb threats at his place of business.

DH and I decided to eat there last p.m. The owner was there as always and the restaurant was in the process of getting crowded. We were very happy to see so many people there on a week night and overheard staff talking about the many reservations for large parties of people who were coming to show their support of this man and his family. Some good things are happening to counter some of the bad.

I am also worried about our local Mosque and it's community of believers. My friend, who is Moslem (but Indian) told me that the Mosque had been threatened as well. Probably just idle threats, but still a little scary.

[KValley]

I listened to reports on NPR this morning of various acts of retaliation that have already been perpetrated against Arab-Americans, Islamic centers and Islamic places of worship. For the first time since Tuesday, I have felt rage; before only sorrow and disbelief. I just want to madness to stop. Those who turn against their fellow citizens in anger and stupidity are worthy only of our contempt. We must join together in compassion, humility, and faith- regardless of our chosen God.

In peace,

Julie

[Laura]

An Indian family here had the words "terrorists" sprayed on their car and home. The father has been in the US for 28 years, the wife for 12 and their kids are American. We lower ourselves to the level of the terrorists when we condemn someone based on their looks or their faith. Hopefully, this day of prayer will bring us together as a nation, regardless of faith or race. Isn't that what makes this nation so great?

[Zinnia]

Being in absolute shock and anger over the recent attacks in the U.S.- it is also shocking that at this time, things like looks can be deceiving, & people in the U.S.A. have lashed out at innocent people. How sad.
I have heard so many incidents of this in the last 24 hours, and I feel sad that people have condemned others because of their looks. It's 8:49 a.m. here in Ak. and I have been watching NBC, & their coverage of The National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.
I may sound silly, but while watching this service my chest is full of pride, and tears are a-flowing! I wish the best to everyone at this difficult time. I am hopeful and thankful for each & everyone who is helping the U.S. at this time.
The most important thing, is to be there to support eachother and everyone/anyone who is in pain. Zinnia

[beejayw1]

The day after the bombing, I phoned some old (meaning elderly as well as long-time) friends of mine to tell them that I would not be visiting since my travel for work had been called off.

Naturally, the talk turned to the bombing, and she, beside herself with shock and outrage, started saying that this, at last, shows that we should not tolerate Muslims.

At that point I said, "No. You are wrong if you think that these terrorists are true followers of Islam. They aren't, any more than those northern and southern Irish who are busy throwing bombs and shooting people up were good examples of followers of Christ. I watched an interview with an Imam who spoke of what the Koran urges as far as the treatment of others not of the Muslim faith, and they are against this sort of action. The terrorists are in the lunatic fringe of society."

It calmed her down and actually convinced her. So that's one less person to feel hate toward our Islamic neighbors, coworkers, brothers and sisters.

[DmOrtega]

Here is an interesting article posted to MSN Slate :

http://slate.msn.com/Assessment/01-09-13/Assessment.asp

We must not judge a nation because of a handfull of terrorists. We must however beware of thier power to convince others to join their cause because of their religous beliefs. Isn't this how Hitler became in power?

[SusieO]

Thank you so much for posting this, Anita. And happy birthday!

I think it's important to remember that few of us in this country are native to this country; we all came from somewhere else. All American citizens, regardless of their country of origin and regardless of what they look like, are horrified and saddened by Tuesday's events. Now is not the time to single out for hatred members of our communities who look a little different.

My husband is a nurse on a cardiac floor. He said that when a doctor from India or Pakistan came onto the floor last night, the mood became very tense. This makes me sad.

[LGBurns]

Originally posted by DmOrtega
Here is an interesting article posted to MSN Slate :

http://slate.msn.com/Assessment/01-09-13/Assessment.asp

We must not judge a nation because of a handfull of terrorists. We must however beware of thier power to convince others to join their cause because of their religous beliefs. Isn't this how Hitler became in power?

No this is not how Hitler came to power. It had nothing to do with religious beliefs. I don't have the time or energy to give a history lesson here but I felt compelled to clarify this.

I think we have far more to fear from the disintegration of the civil liberties and internal freedoms of ALL AMERICANS (no matter their religious beliefs or nation of origin)--this would be the end of America. We are not a nation based on ethnic commonality, not even truly on borders. We are a nation based on laws and values--values that include freedom to worship. Please, please do not let ignorance and fear allow us to go down the road to oppression and domination.

Fanatics will warp any religion to their own psychopathic ends. It has nothing to do with the religion itself. In fact, an important Islamic tenant is: "He who kills one man, kills all mankind. He who saves one man, saves all mankind."

Live in peace.

[Luv to Cook]

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the bday wishes. I hope to get out tonite and enjoy a nice dinner.

You guys are a great bunch...the comments you have set forth have been amazing. You have touched my life in so many ways.

Well don't forget to light a candle at 7:00.

You all are the best....


Anita

[kwormann]

ALtho-I-feel-a-certain-pride-in-being-an-AMerican,-I-feelshame-to-be-associated-with-people-like-that!

[DmOrtega]

Originally posted by LGBurns


... I think we have far more to fear from the disintegration of the civil liberties and internal freedoms of ALL AMERICANS (no matter their religious beliefs or nation of origin)--this would be the end of America. We are not a nation based on ethnic commonality, not even truly on borders. We are a nation based on laws and values--values that include freedom to worship. Please, please do not let ignorance and fear allow us to go down the road to oppression and domination.

Fanatics will warp any religion to their own psychopathic ends. It has nothing to do with the religion itself. In fact, an important Islamic tenant is: "He who kills one man, kills all mankind. He who saves one man, saves all mankind."

Live in peace.

Very well put. Thanks.

[elnant]

I have heard from so many people this week who say the US should close the border, and not let any more immigrants in.
Well, I should tell you my father immigrated to this country.
He's not from the Mideast --he's a white man, and if you looked at him, you'd probably never even know he wasn't from this country, until you heard him speak.
It just makes me sad, because so many people come to this country because they want freedom. That's what makes the USA so great. And now, these terrorists, and this horrible act has made so many Americans question that value.
I don't know what the answer is. I just know that the reason I am here today, is because my father was able to come to the U.S. and find a new life with freedoms he didn't have in his country.
On another note -- I am so happy to see the display of patriotism from everyone following this tragedy. I've seen patriotic message on billboards outside businesses, and American flags hanging everywhere in my community. It just makes me proud to be an American. I know we can overcome this --- good WILL prevail over evil.
Peace to you all.

[Little Bit]

Originally posted by kwormann
I-feelshame-to-be-associated-with-people-like-that!

Hi Kim,

Could you clarify what you meant by your use of the phrase 'people like that' ? I'm not certain WHAT your post is meaning to imply, (or about whom) and though I strongly doubt you mean some of the possibilities that have occurred to me, I think a bit of clarification might be a good thing. :)

Something tells me that the people (yes, they were people) who hijacked those jets had no trouble doing what they did at least in part because they let themselves believe their victims were 'people like that.'

[Ed]

Originally posted by elnant
I have heard from so many people this week who say the US should close the border, and not let any more immigrants in.
Well, I should tell you my father immigrated to this country.

It just makes me sad, because so many people come to this country because they want freedom. That's what makes the USA so great. And now, these terrorists, and this horrible act has made so many Americans question that value.

I don't know what the answer is. I just know that the reason I am here today, is because my father was able to come to the U.S. and find a new life with freedoms he didn't have in his country.

Hi,

You can tell the greatness of a country by the number of people who want to get in.

Elnant, I'm glad you Father Immagrated, and I'm glad you're here.

I too come from a family that had it's roots elsewhere, and became immagrants in the United States. I'm very thankful they left the "Old Country."

Ed

[LaraW]

I just read something that seems to fit well in this thread on another website:

"American Muslims are ready to fight for America too. Don't make the fear of terrorism doubt your neighbors. If you do that, you let terrorism win."

I thought it was very well put.

[lisas3575]

Let's remember too that, unless you're Native American, all of us have gotten here through immigration.

[Alisa]

Little Bit,
I'm sure that when Kim said "people like that" she was referring to those who make rash judgements about people based on their skin colour, religious beliefs etc...it's just that her keyboard has the hic-ups right now :)

[Beth]

One of the first things I heard this morning was a news story on the radio that a fire of suspicious nature in Houston was being investigated by the FBI. The owner of the Goodyear tire store is of middle eastern decent. This is so sad.

I was listening to a talk show on the radio as we drove home from our supper club last night. The woman who called in was questioning the fact that several of the reported hijackers had arrests for drunken driving, were reported to be drinking at a bar the night before the attacks (and running up a large tab they refused to pay), etc., and the fact that Muslims do not drink. Her point was these were probably not true (or at least not very good) Muslims, but fanatics with more of a political statement than a religious one. Let us all remember that too.

[Luv to Cook]

Well, it started happening to people I know. My mother called to let me know that some family friends have been told to "go back to their own F------g country." My uncle was walking with his son and grandson in the park were confronted by two people who stated "well, we now have to watch out for the f-----g Indians.

I am sad because I love America just as much as the next person, but I am afraid of being judged based on my skin color (I am an Indian American, born and raised here).

Thanks for the amazing show of support. We must stand together to fight terrorism.

Anita

[Little Bit]

I feel absolutely certain that kwormann meant nothing the least bit untoward by her statement above, ;) but I'm hoping she'll take a moment to clarify, cantankerous keyboard notwithstanding. :) :)

[Ed]

Hi,

Anita, I'm truly sorry for what your Uncle, his Son, and his Grandsons had to face when harrased by some people who are quick to attampt to bully someone who they have decided to attack. This type of activity is a Hate Crime in my book.

On one of the listservers I am a member of I recieved an e-mail about the U.S. Senate passing "Joint Resolution 23" you can read about it at: http://www.islam-online.net/English/News/2001-09/16/article4.shtml

I have copied the text and will reproduce it below.

My very Best Wishes to each and every one of you fine folks.

Ed

Senate and Congress Condemn Muslim and Arab Discrimination
By Neveen A. Salem

WASHINGTON, Sept 15 (IslamOnline) -The U.S. Senate unanimously voted Friday to pass Senate Joint Resolution 23, introduced by Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA), Orrin Hatch R-UT), Russell Feingold (D-WI), and Patrick Leahy (D-VT), reported the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC).

It states that "the civil rights and civil liberties of all Americans,
including Arab Americans and Muslim Americans, should be protected," and "condemn[s] any acts of violence or discrimination against any Americans, including Arab Americans and Muslim Americans."

After a meeting with Arab Americans, Attorney General John Ashcroft also reiterated condemnation of attacks, hate crimes and discrimination of Muslims and people of Arab descent saying, "We must not descend to the level of those who perpetrated Tuesday's violence by targeting individuals based on race, religion, or national origin," according to ADC.

Senators Ted Kennedy (D-MA), John McCain (R-AZ), John Edwards (D-NC), and Feingold have also issued messages of official support. Representatives Jim Moran (R-VA) and David Bonior (D-MI) have also stood strongly by American Muslims and Arabs.

In a press release issued by his office, Senator Tom Daschle (D-SD) defended the civil rights and civil liberties of all Americans, including Arab Americans and Muslims, saying they should be protected, relayed the American Muslim Council (AMC):

From the firebomb attack on a mosque in Denton, Texas, to the persecution of a man of Arab descent who was attacked and called a terrorist as he walked down the streets of Manhattan, history has taught us that bigotry will not bring back what we have lost, and serves only to divide us. In the wake of this week's tragic events, we must not repeat the mistakes made
following the attack on Pearl Harbor, when innocent Americans were persecuted simply because of their ancestry.

Just as Americans are united against the terrorists and their
co-conspirators who carried out the attacks on our nation, we must also be united against acts of hate against innocent Arab Americans and Muslim Americans. Tolerance and diversity have always been at the heart of our strength as a nation. We are one nation, one people, with one destiny.

The Concurrent Congressional Resolution reads as follows:

To express the sense of Congress that the civil rights of Arab-Americans, South Asians and American Muslims should be protected at all times, and particularly during this time of domestic and international turmoil in the wake of the recent terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, and for other purposes.

Whereas Arab-Americans, South Asians and American Muslims have joined their fellow Americans in condemning the horrific terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, and are engaged in the rescue and support efforts throughout the nation;

Whereas approximately Arab-Americans, South Asians and American Muslims are integral members of our neighborhoods, schools and communities, with sons and daughters who have fought and died for our nation's freedom as members of the United States armed forces;

Whereas acts of bigotry, harassment and violence against Arab-Americans, South Asians and American Muslims have been reported nationwide following the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, forcing the closure of places of worship, community centers and businesses;

Whereas the federal Bureau of Investigations is responsible for protecting civil rights and civil liberties of all citizens;

Whereas the violation of an individual's civil rights based on ethnicity, national origin or religion is repugnant and clearly violates the Constitution and laws of the United States: Now, therefore, be it;

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That it is the sense of the Congress that -

1) all Members condemn any acts of bigotry, violence or discrimination against Arab-Americans, South Asians and American Muslims and calls upon Americans of every faith and heritage to stand together in this time of national crisis;

2) all government agencies should avoid activities that encroach upon the civil rights and civil liberties of citizens or legal residents of the United States;

3) the civil rights and civil liberties of all Americans, including
Arab-Americans and Muslims, should be protected at all times, particularly during times of domestic and international turmoil;

4) the Federal Bureau of Investigations should investigate hate crimes against all Americans, including Arab-Americans, South Asians and American Muslims; and

5) the Federal Bureau of Investigations should work with federal, State and local government agencies and community leaders to prevent, investigate and report hate crimes and related crimes against Arab-Americans, South Asians and American Muslims and other minorities.

[hlao23]

My father and I decided to wear new ribbons today in place of the red, white and blue ones. Our new colours are "red and yellow, black and white (all are precious in his sight)." From a Xian song, I know, but I don't think anyone will mind. I thought I also had an eagle to pin them on with, but it seems I've lost him.

[Luv to Cook]

Thank You Ed!!!! It does make me feel better to read that actions will be taken regarding this type of behavior.

I am truly trying not to let my fear take over my life. I have not been wanting to leave the house to much because I am scared that something will happen to me. I know things will get worse before they get better, but I pray that we can overcome this kind of hate based on color, religion, etc.

Thanks again Ed.

Anita

[LGBurns]

I feel very sad about what's going on. Two women in one of my teaching classes weren't in class on Thursday. They are both Islamic and on our campus women who wore veils were attacked, their veils were ripped off and they had epithets thrown at them. So these girls parents didn't want them to come to school because they feared for their safety.

I too am proud to be a citizen of the United States--but US citizens who do things like that make me ashamed.

BTW, the hijackers were not here as immigrants (meaning they weren't seeking citizenship or the opportunity to live in the U.S.) they were here on travel visas. So I see no reason to change our immigration laws. However, we may, unfortunately, have to re-evaluate our travel visa policies.

[mightyh]

Wanted to share this letter to the Villanova community as it is a wonderful explanation of some tenets of Islam.... I got it via email from a friend.

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff of Villanova University:
Hopefully by today the tension which has gripped us all during the past few days has eased, if only slightly.

The Muslim Students Association of Villanova University unequivocally condemns the terrorist attacks of Tuesday September 11, 2001. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of the victims of the attacks, as well as their families and friends. It is our sincere hope that the perpetrators of Tuesday's attacks, as well as those of all such attacks, may be brought swiftly to justice.

If the terrorists who have committed these acts claim to represent Islam, they are sorely mistaken. We reassure the Villanova community that there is no aspect of Islamic theology that condones such attacks. Islam prohibits the killing or injuring civilians. This concept is clear and fixed, not subject to personal interpretation. There may be fears that Islam might condone such attacks as part of 'holy war' or 'jihad'. Even in 'jihad' however, Islam maintains the prohibition against harming civilians. Let us also clarify the meaning of the term 'jihad'. Contrary to popular perception, 'jihad' does not explicitly mean 'holy war', but
rather 'a struggle in the name of God'. This struggle can be on many different levels in one's life. Islam reminds us that the first and greatest 'jihad' is that of the self: perfecting one's own character and becoming the best person possible. Until this is achieved, all other forms of 'jihad' are unacceptable. There may also be some concerns about the concepts of suicide and martyrdom in Islam. All forms of suicide are prohibited in Islam. Islam honors the courage of its adherents who have
fallen in battle against a military enemy by rewarding them with Paradise. Clearly, the victims of Tuesday's attacks were neither
military nor an enemy by any rational standard. Nor were the attacks on them courageous. Islam is a rational faith, and therefore cannot provide an explanation for the acts of irrational beings. Islam is, above all, a faith of kindness and tolerance, not of hatred and intolerance. The Holy Q'uran reminds us that God created different races, ethnicities and religions on the earth so that we may all live in harmony, with an awareness of our differences but with the realization of our common humanity.

We would also like to stress that, if the perpetrators of these attacks claim to represent Muslims, they, again, are gravely mistaken. The overwhelming majority of the world's 1.2 billion Muslims (20% of the world's population), that is, 99.9%, share neither their cause nor their perverted justification for carrying out such attacks. It is true, that upon news of the attacks reaching the Middle East, there were isolated, small groups of Palestinians, mostly youth, who appeared to be celebrating the catastrophe. While this behavior is as outrageous as it is inexcusable, one must wonder if people living outside the United
States can really have the same comprehension of the sense catastrophe that we, here in America, feel. We would also like to add that this behavior was not widespread, as may have been conjectured, but rather isolated and sporadic and immature (in terms of the age groups involved).

In the United States today, there are 7 million American Muslims who are apprehensive about going to work, school or even leaving their homes. This is because they fear harm to their persons and property; harm inflicted on them by none other than their fellow American citizens, for no other reasons than that they share the same ethnic background of the alleged terrorists, or that they adhere to the faith that the terrorists claim to represent. They are law-abiding, patriotic citizens of this country, most of whom know no other nation than America, as their home.

Across the nation, mosques have been vandalized. A mosque in Texas was firebombed. Worshippers at another mosque arrived to find 6 bullet holes in the building's window. Blood was poured at the entrance to an Islamic center in San Francisco. The phone systems of Islamic centers and mosques all over the country have received thousands of threats and messages of hate. There have been numerous physical attacks on Muslims. It is deeply regrettable, but it has been reported that there were
verbal attacks made against students in the Villanova Community.

What must be a partial justification for the people who have perpetrated such attacks on the American Muslim community, is the false assumption that American Muslims are somehow beyond the scope of this tragedy, or are unaffected. Of course, nothing could be further than the truth. What happened in New York and Washington on Tuesday affected all Americans,
including those of the Muslim faith. Many of the workers at the World Trade Center, who are now missing in the rubble, were Muslims. At least some of the firefighters and police officers who rushed to the scene of the World Trade Center attack, and who are now missing, were Muslim. Even some of the FBI and CIA agents now scrambling to bring the alleged
terrorists to justice, are Muslims. The 7 million Muslims in the United States grieve collectively with their fellow citizens about the tragedy. Let us not forget that for many of them too, the grieving is very personal, as it is for the many thousands of Non-Muslim Americans who lost friends or loved ones in the attacks.

Let us not disgrace the memory of those lost through injustice of our own. Let us remember that the coming struggle that we will all have to face is against terrorism, and not any single ethnic group or religious faith.

We, the Villanova Community, must stand united against hate, bigotry and any forms of intimidation based on such characteristics as race, religion, gender or ethnic background.

The Muslim Students Association

[BlueMoose]

mightyh...thanks for posting that letter.

Anita,
I don't know what to say. These terrorists have not only harmed the United States with their actions, but Muslims as well. I can't imagine how you must be feeling right now. :(

BTW, I'm pretty sure by Kim saying she wouldn't want to be associated with "people like that", she meant ignorant people who retaliate against Muslims.

Chrisi

[sneezles]

mightyh,
Thanks for sharing that email. It would help if this could reach many more beyond this BB. It's difficult for me to understand a mentality that attacks people simply because of race, religion or nationality (and this is exactly what bin Laden and his followers are doing to Americans)!
I hope that we as a People, Americans, will take the time to educate each other, especially our children! I have printed your post so that my sons might share it with their peers and teachers.

[Luv to Cook]

Chrisi,

Thanks for your words...I am actually not even Muslim (not that it matters), but I am an Indian American and my religion is Hinduism. I am sad because this is affecting my Muslim and non-Muslim friends alike, including my Indian Christian friends, just based upon the color of our skin.

Mightyh, that was great...thank you. I am forwarding it to my friends. Isn't it funny though...here I am going to forward it to my friends, who don't even need to see it because they already know. It's those that I cannot reach that need to see it.

Anyways...thanks everyone. I wish this would just go away, but I am hoping some good will come out of this.

Peace.
Anita

[BlueMoose]

Anita,

Sorry for my ignorance! :o

Mentally Mushy,
Chrisi ;)

[Luv to Cook]

No Problem Chrisi!!!!

Anita

[hlao23]

Thought some might be interested in this link.

http://www.globalexchange.org/september11/images/unjust.gif