It’s taken me a while to put my thoughts on paper again regarding the Syrian refugee crisis because at first I thought it was just the Republican candidates who were using the fear card to exploit the Paris bombing to their advantage in the polls. I thought who can take Donald Trump and Ben Carson seriously? They may be the two leading contenders for the Republican nomination but really. I mean Donald Trump wants to close mosques? Has he ever read the Constitution and in particular the First Amendment guaranteeing, among other basic freedoms, the freedom of religion? Maybe one of his aides could explain it to him, if he would actually listen to anyone else. And Ben Carson? He wants to close our borders to all Muslims. But how can anyone take a man seriously who believes the earth is only 6000 years old and the pyramids were built to store grain? And this is a man who claims Jesus Christ as his inspiration. Maybe he should revisit Christ’s life to see how he felt about denying help to the poor and the needy. Take a lesson from him, Ben.
But then there are those 27 governors and those Democrats in Congress siding with the Republicans to freeze any plans to allow Syrian refugees into the country. So it has gone beyond the Republican contenders to spread to the cities and states across the nation.
And what is all this about? FEAR. They think there might be a terrorist or two who can slip in with those refugees to do damage to the nation. Are you kidding me? There are already enough lunatics in the US who can do damage to the nation. There is on average at least a shooting every week where innocent people are killed by some madman with a gun. More people are killed by US citizens with guns than have died in Paris, on the Russian airliner, and in the bombing in Turkey these last few months. Get real, America! You already have fanatics in the country causing harm to your own citizens. Where is the outrage, the demand to ban gun sales and cripple the power of the NRA from Trump, Carson, and the rest? Why don’t those governors do something about all those guns in their states? Or is the Second Amendment more important, more precious, than the First Amendment in their eyes? Perhaps if Muslims started contributing to campaign funds like other special interest groups there would be less outcry against them.
After 9/11 there was a movement to ban foreign students, especially ones from Muslim countries, from coming into the country because those terrorists that flew planes into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and were on Flight 93 that went down in Pennsylvania came into the country on student visas. Well the procedures changed for issuing F-1 and J-1 visas and that doesn’t seem to be a threat anymore. Likewise, the vetting system proposed by the White House will ensure strict background checks on potential refugees. It could take up to two years of checks for anyone to be allowed in. That doesn’t seem unreasonable as far as guaranteeing any national security concerns. Have those people who want to bar refugees from Syria coming into the country actually read the vetting system already in place for people claiming refugee status in the US? It will be even harder for people from Syria. Certainly that should reduce fear.
And don’t you people realize how many foreign nationals are recruited by Daesh? People with valid passports from EU countries and the US. They are a far greater threat to national security than the Syrian refugees in question since many can come into the country without a visa or the very least a tourist visa without any problem.
But no, fear has taken hold of the American people and xenophobia toward Muslims has again taken center stage. And once again, I am ashamed to be an American, especially since I live in a Muslim country that has taken in over two million refugees, some of whom are Christian Syrians, I might add. And Jews were never turned away, either. They don’t question their religious beliefs at the border when they allow them in here. Regardless of my uneasiness about some of the things that happen here politically, Islam seems more generous when it comes to offering aid to the helpless, the poor, the suffering which is, of course, stressed in the Qur’an.
And yes, Turkey and Jordan, have taken in over four million refugees between them, and some countries like Germany in the EU are opening their borders to help ease the flow of those fleeing war, but not the US, that beacon of liberty and freedom from oppression. No, just for Christians, it seems, if anyone, and only a few Republicans are suggesting that, like, ironically, Jeb Bush whose brother when he was president did more to upset the stability of the region than anyone else in modern times.
For shame, America. For shame. Does the Statue of Liberty now wear a blindfold and hold an extinguished lamp into the air?
Leonard Durso 
A wonderfully perceptive post that puts a realistic and relative perspective on recent events. Living North of your borders, I am rather hoping that Justin Trudeau will make a decisive statement to the world.
Ben and Donald – the “world” really does include the USA. There is a time for a humane focus on world affairs…. and this is it. From my perspective, Canada will either inspire you, or shame you ………. and that is really your choice as it is totally dependent on your actions.
I think you have a really progressive leader now in Justin Trudeau and I applaud you. And thank you for your comment regarding my post.
Trouble is they thing USA is the World.
That is, they THINK USA is the World
I knew what you meant.
Yes, unfortunately. Probably because less than half of the population actually travels outside of it.
Brilliantly stated. I mean even France has announced they will take refugees from Syria. It’s time for America to dump the candidate clowns who have now become dangerous and have used this tragedy for political gain. I too am a bit frightened of how scary the world has become but I refuse to let hate and fear guide my actions. So well put and I agree.
Thank you. And yes, I was impressed when France said recently it would not give in to fear but continue to be an open society and accept refugees.
Those ‘candidate clowns’ has their supporters in America; a lot of supporters. They represent the people of America.
Which is how the world sees the people of America by the ones they choose to lead them.
Oh but not all the people! Not me anyway. Not anyone I know!
I don’t think it’s all the people. I know others like you who do not feel that way. But those that follow them certainly make a lot of noise.
They do and sometimes their noise is deafening. I understand.
Unfortunately it drowns out voices that are more reasonable.
Everyone has been caught in a frenzy.
Yes, but in times of crisis cool heads should prevail.
Not in politics….
Unfortunately politicians are rarely the best examples of human beings.
Have you noticed that one must first dehumanise oneself and the target to be successful warmongers?
It’s always easier that way.
I couldn’t agree more with everything you said! My heart aches for all Syrian families and especially children. I was a refugee at one point too and I speak from experience when I say the immigration process is complicated and lengthy. In the 90’s hundreds of thousands of Bosnian people immigrated to the US with a majority of them being Muslim and none of them turned to be a terrorist. But American people are so blinded by fear, even those who call them selves Christians are showing their true hearts now, which are not about compassion and love. Of course I do want safety for my children to, but I can not coldheartedly dismiss those in need. I have been just feeling awful that I am so powerless in this situation and offer my daily prayer for those who suffer and those who are blinded… Thank you again for this wonderful post! ❤
Thank you for your response. I worked with immigrants for over 20 years in NY and created an English Language Institute that served at one time over 1200 students from over 70 different countries, including Muslin nations. And I saw firsthand the difficulties Muslims especially faced after 9/11. The US is not as open and compassionate as its PR makes it out to be. Unfortunately. But refugees have never really been the problem. They are just an easy target for those wanting to capitalize on fear.
It is fortunate for you that you reside in Istanbul. No one should have to remain in a country that they are ashamed of. I on the other hand, though I recognize the many shortcomings and mistakes that have been made, feel the United States is the a remarkable country and am proud to be an American.
Well we all view America’s policies differently.
I didn’t say I agree with all of her policies. I am not ashamed to be an
American, that is what I am saying.
That’s okay. I am speaking for myself.
So am I!
No one said you shouldn’t be. I am speaking for myself. First Amendment right, you know.
Heartafire….I am not ashamed to be American either.
It is my home and my country.
In these difficult times, I pray for her.
Throughout history, every country has made it’s share of mistakes.
The fear and anxiety that is spreading all around the world cannot be cured by shame.
I agree wholeheartedly I spent a couple if years in Europe I adore it ‘s people and beauty , but when I flew home and caught sight if the Statue of Liberty in the. New York harbor I thought my heart would burst with pride and joy. This is my homeland I will defend her against all who would forget the good we have done and desire only to bring her down.
http://www.cnn.com/2015/11/20/africa/mali-shooting/index.html
Muslims were not killed, other’s were but that’s ok
Ah this comment. I’m not sure of your point.
Leonard, this post bothers me. I am an American and we work very hard over here not to promote divisiveness amongst the peoples of all religions.
Our charities spend enormous sums of money and time helping all over the world despite our own and foreign governments propaganda. The people are still the people, we are not the government. Evil exists everywhere just as greater good. It is not a battle between countries or religions, it is a battle between the higher and lower conscience of individuals. A vast majority of Americans have a lot to be proud of, not ashamed. I for one am not ashamed.
Okay but I am of the policies of the government. I live overseas and unfortunately the US isn’t as respected as it once was a few decades ago. It’s hard to be proud when one reads what one reads about the way the country is going. I mean what are we talking about? 10,000 refugees. Not even one percent of those displaced. And the vast majority are children, women, and the elderly. Yet look at how Congress, 27 governors, and Republican candidates are reacting. That is something to be proud of?
When i look at that figure of 10,000 and then compare it to the 25,000 by the end of January that our Canadian Prime Minister has committed to, plus realize that some sources feel the real numbers look like they’re going to be closer to 50,000 by the end of 2016, I do feel the USA could be trying a little harder. If you compare our countries on a per capita basis, then Canada is actually bringing in somewhere between 250,000-500,000 refugees in comparison to the American’s 10,000. You also need to consider the economic factors of bringing this many refugees into a country whose dollar is currently valued at 0.70 American. I spent 13 years of my early life working with a travelling carnival throughout North America, and whenever I was in Canada it seemed I found myself defending my American friends against stupid accusations of being war-mongers and all that normal kind of crap. I took more than one good punch for you guys and threw quite a few myself. To tell you the truth, it wasn’t a guy named Trump who finally make me wonder if it was worth it; it was a whole lot of people who thought the idiot was making some kind of sense.
I think Canada, especially under your newest Trudeau, has a lot it could teach the US about responsible leadership. Back when I was running my ELI in NY, I used to tell my assistant Ali Esmen, that I was going to leave for Canada. Now I am in Istanbul with him, but with this government, I am wistfully thinking once again of Canada.
I admire your post, especially the observations about the GOP. The Democrats are no better. In this day and age, there is no excuse for ignorance and that’s what this is really all about. I also think the radicals are the most ignorant group in the mix.
Thanks, Jim. I just saw this comment and agree that often there doesn’t appear to be too much difference between the parties. But on this issue, they have very different views regarding allowing Syrian refugees in. The numbers, though, are still mighty small and not exactly in the “spirit” of what the US should be standing for.
Where is my comment? Chicken shit
Are you talking to me? What comment?
I Am Proud To Be A Veteran for the USA !
I proudly served my country
I did all that I could do
To protect our land…and keep it free
Its causes great and true.
For freedom is a precious gift
That never can be lost
Worth living for…worth dying for
To protect at any cost.
And though I can no longer serve
You will always see in me
Someone proud to be a veteran
And someone thankful to be free.
By Judith Bulock Morse
Okay, but you must admit we didn’t bring freedom or democracy to Iraq. Just chaos and war. And that has spilled over to other countries like Syria. I admire the veterans of just wars. I feel sorry for those who served in wars that only served to profit oil companies and munitions dealers.
I am not an American, but I do live in the States. The opportunities I have been afforded here would not have existed in my country of birth and for that I am grateful.
Do I agree with the quality of politics here? No. But then again I don’t agree with those of my home country either.
Politics is dirty and as much as I try to be aware of the social and global matters at hand, I have to make a mental note to disengage for the ugliness of politics has a way of sucking one into a proverbial “black hole” of even more ugliness.
I totally understand why you would want to disassociate yourself from that ugliness but keep in mind the people are the ones giving ear to these positions which makes it even more disturbing.
Who do we turn to when the world seems to be going mad? There has to be more to this life, something better, someone else we can emulate to teach us how to live.
Those among us who understand that this is not how the Creator intended us to live are the ones with whom we should associate for there is still beauty amid the chaos. There is still good in the world and the fact that you are outraged is proof of that.
If we all keep seeking the source of the good, the world, our countries, our states, our cities and our existence in general would be one step closer to being a better place no matter where we choose to call home.
I respect your perspective. Hope you can find a bit of beauty amid the madness. Best wishes for a great day ☺.
I appreciate how you feel. But I see the US from the outside now and it isn’t a very pretty picture any longer. It breaks my heart to say this but there is something very wrong in the leadership in Congress, more than half the state governments, and the Republican Party. And one must judge a country by those that lead it, don’t you think? They are, after all, empowered by the people they govern.
Good point, indeed. I agree.
There is something very wrong with the fact that Donald Trump is a frontrunner in the polls.
How are things where you are in Turkey?
Well I’m not too crazy about the latest election results and think Erdoğan is much too powerful. He is a small-minded, petty man and only concerned with his half of the country (those that support him blindly) and invents enemies to divide the country. It is always easier to control a divided people than a united one. But since I am not a citizen and cannot vote, I accept the will of the people here. Turkish people have a need for a strong leader and there just isn’t anyone strong enough to oppose him.
Hmm, interesting. I too cannot vote here but find it hard to take any of the candidates, Republican or Democrat, seriously. There is so much corruption all across the board it’s quite sickening.
Politicians belong to a separate category of sub-human species.
Haha, yes. It’s funny because it’s true. How sad
Congratulations for daring to state the truth. I see you are getting comments from people who really dislike what you have said and that you are standing your ground. I wish you every strength in this. These days daring to express an opinion against mainstream right wing American politics seems to be regarded as a criminal offense. The world needs more people like you.
Thank you. I came of age as an adult during the turbulent 60s so am used to having to stand behind what I say. I feel sorry for President Obama who might be a flawed leader but in this case he is right. There has always been a strong undercurrent of xenophobia in the US. And at times like these it isn’t an undercurrent any longer.
Sounds like we are so of the same age group. Those old 60s values and ideas are coming in handy now. 🙂 Australia has similar xenophobic leanings.
Sorry to hear that about Australia.
A most excellent rant . . .
Thank you, Peter. I appreciate that.
Wonderfully said. I live in England and I look at my country with disgust, at its attitude to the people fleeing the Middle East, fleeing the destruction we have caused. And now they want another war, so another man can say he played with the big boys. Meanwhile Cameron tells us there is no money for police, so we cut their numbers; there’s no money for doctors, so they go on strike to get a decent wage; there’s no money to ease the suffering of the poor, the working class, who are forced into food banks – food banks, in 2015!!- because of ‘austerity measures’ that line the pockets of the rich. But we can afford to bomb yet another country, oh yes there is money for that. Money for a giant wrecking ball to swing across even more of the Middle East in search of men who don’t deserve to be called men, who have no religion, no country, no beginning, no end. And when we’ve killed enough of them to quench the thirst, we’ll take our exit, never mind the thousands of innocent people whose lives have been destroyed by what we’ve done. And you can guarantee that we’ll then be told there is no money left to rebuild infrastructures in those destroyed towns and cities. And no, how dare you try and leave your homeland and seek refuge in ours. Them and us, them and us, them and us. We’re writing IS’s dogma for them. Im sick of it. Because above all else, I refuse to change who I am to become what IS is. I am not cruel and vile and without decency, mercy, compassion. I do not want war and suffering. I am not what IS stands for. It is IS who should change in order to be part of a civilised world. Stop giving them what they want. Stop giving up what we stand for. Je suis l’humanité.
Well said yourself. Stay positive. That way they don’t win.
I apologise for the rant!! Needed to get that off my chest 🙂
No apology needed.
“No, just for Christians, it seems,”
–I think the word, ‘Christians’ doesn’t belongs here. Is it the Christians that are turning refugees away? Maybe there are some. I’m not sure. I’m not American. But I think it would be the Americans, right? In Lebanon, Christians are helping, supporting and loving the Syrian refugees that have fled from their country. They are not getting the support from their Lebanese Muslim ‘brothers and sisters’ as they had hoped. So I don’t think it’s an issue of religion (this acceptance or not of the refugees) but fear.
I totally agree with you that people/nations shouldn’t be closing their doors to the Syrians. It’s very sad indeed. But I don’t think it’s the Christians vs. Muslims for piety and all.
I only bring up Christians because people like Jeb Bush have. I don’t separate people by race, ethnic background, gender, or religion. We are all the same.
I didn’t know about Jeb Bush. What did he say? I only brought this part up because it just seemed like an attack on Christians in general. Like, as if Americans are Christians (or something like that). Nothing against you or the post 🙂
I couldn’t agree with you more. We are all the same. Thank you for clarifying that for me.
Jeb Bush said that America should only accept Syrian Christians. I do not think that it is American Christians versus Muslims.
I hope the world understands that we don’t all think this way.
We know you don’t all think that way but if you don’t you must be in the minority.
It’s not so much that they are a minority, but that the others are more vocal and certainly louder.
Maybe; but as Edmund Burke said “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” – are they still good men if they do nothing? No.
Sad but true
Unfortunately many in the Middle East think that way. Even here in Turkey there is disillusionment with America’s leaders and its foreign policy, but not with the American people.
It’s easier to react in fear than to recognize that Syrian refugees are also victims of terror, and have seen far worse violence than in the West… But then again xenophobia is a pretty much a national tradition– mick, wop, dago, police, nip… not to mention all the slurs that still hold venom. Small minds just need someone to blame, and no critical thinking. I like to think that most of these politicians, both Republican and Democrat, know better, but have such a low opinion of the electorate that they kowtow to not loose votes. Which in a way is even sadder…
(that “police” is supposed to be polack… my family heritage!)
I, of course, relate to the slur dago but also since I grew up with Chinese and Irish brothers as well as an occasional Spanish brother and a Mulatto brother I still grieve for, I tend to bristle at many slurs. And my work with inner city kids and then immigrants has made me acutely aware of prejudice in all its guises.
I spent a lot of last year working with refugees and always found we had far more in common than not. I think all these slurs are a way of dehumanizing others, because to accept that refugees are just like us is to accept the frightening possibility that the only reason some people have it relatively good and some people suffer horribly comes down to sheer luck. As if the Afghani woman half my age with multiple kids already and no education somehow deserved the life she got… smh.
“There but for the grace of God…” as the saying goes.
Your little substitution of “police” for “polack” truly made me laugh because it hit not only close to home, but right in the house. I too am a “polack”, and as a young man, when everyone else was wearing their hair long, I preferred to wear mine short. The nere-do-wells that I used to hang with (none of us among the brighter bunch) used to say to me, “Hey Paley, doesn’t it bother you to look so much like a cop?”, to which I would always answer, “Yeah, all my life I wanted to look like a criminal you idiots!”
Yes indeed. They always seem to pander to the lowest common denominator.
We have so much to offer, but choose to live in fear.
Same here, in Australia.
It’s easy to manipulate people when you play to their fears.
I love a good rant, Leonard, and especially the comments yours has generated.
Yes, some of the comments are better than my post.
I am a Canadian. 900 Syrian refugees are arriving daily until the end of the year in Toronto & Montreal.
Some will be settled in other areas of Canada.
I wish them all the best in their new life here in Canada. When their homeland is free again, and if…if any want to return & rebuild, I understand.
A hard heart, and ignorant mind will solve nothing.
That’s a great thing your country is doing.
I’m happy about it!
We have just elected a new Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau. He is young and idealistic… but not stupid. The refugee policy is his.
His father was one of our most glorious Prime Ministers, ever! Pierre Trudeau gave Canada our constitution. I could go on, nonetheless, if Justin is one quarter the leader his father was, we are again in the care of greatness!
I remember Pierre Trudeau & his wife Margaret. I also liked the diverse cabinet Justin picked. Canada has always seemed a bit more rational in many ways than the US. I traveled across your country by train once and spent time on separate occasions in your cities. You are indeed fortunate to live there.
TY!! You are awesome in that you know about the cabinet Justin chose! I am quite proud of him already.
He has the best idea to restore Canada’s traditional role in the world to that of a Peace Keeper. He wants to bring home the war planes that Harper dedicated to the coalition & focus on Peace Keeping.
I only hope we find some peace to keep.
Well, I do love my American friends, even if we are as different as tea & coffee.
Yes, I am fortunate to live here, and I hope you will have an opportunity to visit our rather large and sparsely populated country again!
Toronto is so gorgeous now… I’m sure you have seen that from the volumes of wonderful street art I find here!
Yes, there is much to hope for in Canada today. As for visiting it again, I will one day. But first I must return to the US to say hello/goodbye to my family/friends and finally arrange for shipping my things in storage here. I am, after all, settling in.
You must love it in Istanbul!
Well I have settled here. There are many cities I love but I want to be close to Europe and so this is the best choice for me for that.
BTW, I respect the conversation you have ignited here. Not being able/ not wanting to dialogue also solves nothing.
I knew it would generate dialogue when I chose to use the word ashamed. I just didn’t want to have a one-sided post.
Thank you for your sane words in these insane times.
Thank you for this supportive comment.
I worry that people actually believe what they are saying. I worry that I am seeing history repeat itself, when I hear that people actually want to create lists of those who disagree or are different. I worry when social media allows lunatics to form facebook pages and reinforce their fantasy. I worry that I am too accepting of those that are different. I worry that I am not accepting enough.
That fact that you worry about these things is good. We all need to worry about these things. And to call attention to that worry so positive change follows.
Well said and I have to say I agree wholeheartedly with your sentiments. Even though there’s so much that works with the US we always feel a sense of relief when we leave the country, its consumerism and devisive politics, nasty and abusive finger-pointing and stereotyping. And the idea that people think Donald Trump and Ben Carson are suitable to lead the US is totally U-N-B-E-L-I-E-V-A-B-L-E ! Anita
I keep thinking it’s a Saturday Night Live skit but unfortunately it is not.
so sad. People are really scared and they are talking stupidly out of fear. CNN’s 24 hour terror does not help. I heard my own daughter say we have to keep them out, but she listened when I explained why we did not. My Vietnamese refugee hairdresser said we can’t let them in. i said” But we let you in”. All countries have to help now – not just the United States. I believe we will do better when everyone calms down. Nicely written!
I hope so. Unfortunately people like Donald Trump and others just keep stoking the fires of fear.
How do we balance our Christian charity and obligation with helping a culture whose end game is to establish a world theocracy of Islam exterminating all other people and non Muslims ?
Whose culture are you speaking of? Are you equating ISIS with all of Islam? They are not representative of the Muslims I live among and know.
Do all Muslims believe to establish world caliphate eliminating all non Muslim people, places and things
? That’s scary whether ISIS driven or not. Complicated. Anyway, Turkey is on my “I wish I could visit someday” list. My personal interest would be Roman ruins. Aleppo in Syria too but I and sad to see much of that city rich in history has been destroyed.
The vast majority of Muslims do not believe what the fanatics in groups like ISIS believe. They are like people of other religions. They just want to be allowed to follow their faith and I have not ever met a Muslim who has tried to convert me or who has shunned me in any way because I do not follow their religion. As for Turkey and Turks, they are the kindest people one could hope to meet. and very generous. And there is much to see her regarding the Greek/Roman history. My interest in those times is one of the reasons why I am here.
Actually, I think the government is using fear to get control over people so they can do whatever they want. I think they just want us to live in a policed state (which has already begun big time) and they are using whatever they can to take our freedom away. The fact that the people running for president can even BE running for president, shows what this country has come to. I can’t believe anyone is afraid of something they have no control over. The ones we should be afraid of are our government officials.
Thank you for this comment. I totally agree.
I appreciate that. Thank you. Their lies and secret agendas are destroying our country.
well said! i thought you would like my quote today.
“We will not walk in fear, one of another. We will not be driven by fear into an age of unreason, if we dig deep in our history and our doctrine, and remember that we are not descended from fearful men — not from men who feared to write, to speak, to associate and to defend causes that were, for the moment, unpopular. This is no time for men who oppose Senator McCarthy’s methods to keep silent, or for those who approve. We can deny our heritage and our history, but we cannot escape responsibility for the result. There is no way for a citizen of a republic to abdicate his responsibilities. As a nation we have come into our full inheritance at a tender age. We proclaim ourselves, as indeed we are, the defenders of freedom, wherever it continues to exist in the world, but we cannot defend freedom abroad by deserting it at home. The actions of the junior Senator from Wisconsin have caused alarm and dismay amongst our allies abroad, and given considerable comfort to our enemies. And whose fault is that? Not really his. He didn’t create this situation of fear; he merely exploited it — and rather successfully. Cassius was right. “The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves.” Good night, and good luck’ . Edward R Morrow. the see it now broadcast 1954
Yes, wonderful quote. I have a few DVD sets of Murrow’s broadcasts including his stand against McCarthy. And, of course, there’s the famous documentary Point of Order and the f,lm Good Night, and Good Luck. Do you know the book Thirty Years of Treason edited by Eric Bentley? It’s a record of transcripts from those hearings. Perhaps I should look through that again and find some quotes. History has a way of constantly repeating itself with different actors taking up the same roles. McCarthy then, Trump now. But there are others just as dangerous. All those Republican contenders are a scary bunch.
All I can sadly say is ditto.
Thanks, John, though I’m sure we both wish it was different.
Yep, I’ve had that feeling of shame since I was about 25 years old. I had an Icelandic boyfriend who would tell me the things my country did and as a very sensitive, young woman, I would cry. For many years, I was “looking for a country.” In fact, if I ever write my memoir, perhaps that will be the title!
Thank you for reminding me that I am not alone!
Sherrie Miranda’s historically based, coming of age, Adventure novel “Secrets & Lies in El Salvador” is about an American girl in war-torn El Salvador:
http://tinyurl.com/klxbt4y
Her husband made a video for her novel. He wrote the song too:
Love your cover photo by the way! Is that somewhere in Eastern Europe?
Peace, love & justice for all,
Sherrie
That cover photo was taken in one of the municipalities of Salerno where my grandparents came from. I went back there one year to find the house my grandfather grew up in.
Thanks for sharing that, Sherrie. And no, we are not alone in how we feel.
“I have not ever met a Muslim who has tried to convert me or who has shunned me in any way because I do not follow their religion”. Radicalization is not happening then?
Of course is it happening in war torn areas and there are some uneducated, misguided Muslims, just like there are uneducated& misguided Christians & Jews, who have turned to that radical element in other countries including the US & UK. Is their thinking any different than fascism? But I personally, in all my dealings with people from over 70 countries while working with immigrants & foreign students, and in my life here in Turkey have not met one of them. Have I met some who have strong prejudices? Yes, just like many Americans I’ve met with strong prejudices. People are products of their environment, their families, their friends, their education or lack of it. But Americans, all of whom have their roots in other countries, should be the last ones to spew the hatred and fear that comes out of the mouths of the majority of those seeking public office and getting the support of voters. “Riot is the language of the unheard,” Martin Luther King said.And radicalism grows among those who are oppressed. And their anger/violence is turned toward those they see as their oppressors. We learn more from example than all the words in textbooks & speeches. What example are Americans showing the world now? Are they demonstrating their belief in the principles it supposedly stands for? That I grew up believing in? Worked my adult life trying to uphold? Sorry, but I think not. And for that reason I am ashamed of my country. And that is my right, whether you or anyone else agrees.
Be ashamed, I am not. I am educated, I recognize the blunders in my countries actions, I know what is going on, this is my country and I am not running out.
Okay. But who’s running out? And who’s suggesting you should?
you know where I’m coming from. Enough said.
Very good article. I think American cowardice regarding Muslims can mostly be explained by geography and cultural expectation.
People in Jordan and Turkey are used to being murdered by terrorists and recognize it’s not the end of the world. Americans are used to being murdered in mass shootings and realize it’s not the end of the world.
However, send the white, Marylin Manson loving shooters from Columbine to Jordan and I’ll bet people freak out.
I wrote an article on how bin Laden exploited fear and geography if you’re interested.
Geography has a lot to do with America’s fear of the other. And yes, I’d be interested in that article. Let me know how to find it.
http://bengarrido.com/osama-bin-laden-a-retrospective/
🙂
Thanks, Ben. I’ll read it today.
Reblogged this on Skadi Winter's thoughts about writing.
Thank you.
The best thing I have read, good for you Leonard.
Thanks, Bob.
All in all a great post my friend, with some really amazing comments to top it off. It’s a topic near and dear to my heart, and your handling of it was perfect. BTW, thanks for dropping by my site. My writing doesn’t have quite the same weight that yours does, so I certainly appreciate the “like” you left me. We’ll be seeing you again.
Thank you for your comments here. And yes, I think the comments left here are in some ways the best part of the post. I’ll also revisit your blog just as soon as I’ve had some breakfast and my second cup of coffee.
Reblogged this on The Political Think Tank and commented:
From my friend and avid follower on my award winning blog Totally Inspired Mind : Where Positive Minds Congregate comes this great article by Leonard Durso.
Paulette Le Pore Motzko
Thank you for reblogging this.
You’re so welcome Leonard. You’re a good hearted man.
That’s kind of you to say.
Why ashamed to be an American or French?dear.All reasons of bad event r mainly politicians or terrorism.normally public of all countries want only peace n good atmosphere.
Not all people, unfortunately. Look at the kind of people attending Trump rallies and there are people like that in every country unfortunately.
Dt is a fashion of stain.