Focus on issues, not personal attacks

I am saddened by the language used against me by Kal Leichtman in his commentary, “Criticism of Israel lobby group was off the mark” (Forum, Sunday). It is a shame that he calls my piece (“Pro-Israel lobby’s influence on U.S. policy goes too far,” Nov. 7) “trash filled, vitriolic and fanatical,” and “truly delusionary.”

I will leave it up to the readers of The Herald to judge the arguments I made in support of my position. Unfortunately, Mr. Leichtman, instead of challenging my position, goes off on a personal tirade against me and my citizenship.

Mr. Leichtman’s suggestion that I go back to where I came from smacks of a bigoted mind. As a member of the Jewish community that suffered Hitler’s holocaust, I am shocked that he would show his hatred for me, a Muslim American, in this manner.

I have respect for all the servicemen and women who have served this nation, but it does not give Mr. Leichtman the right to suggest that I “take the first flight from this country to Pakistan.” I am a citizen of the United States, Mr. Leichtman, and I have every right to speak my mind on issues of importance to this nation. I have a son who is presently a cadet at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He serves his country well and I am very proud of him and his service to this nation.

Let us get away from this atmosphere of hatred and work toward a world where all the people of the world feel welcome.

Shabbir Bala

Snohomish