In the days since the Sept. 11 attack, I have searched for ways to help those innocently and savagely drawn into this historical drama. I sit in my home with my safe family wanting to contribute. Recently, while observing the moment of silence, my mind turned to the many freedoms inherent to our American way of life often taken for granted.
I recently retired after teaching first grade at Hawthorne Elementary in Everett. Many of my students came from countries without these freedoms. Stories of how they came here could be books and movies. I have listened to parents relating personal stories and was humbled by their courage. Whatever their circumstances, they came from around the world with the dream of becoming Americans.
I have been saddened by harassment and threats aimed at Arabic people in our community. I wish people behind these actions could talk to Arabic parents I know. After three years of fighting to get his wife and son out of a camp, one man sadly told me, his son did not recognize him. I sent school worksheets home to a Mom who wanted to learn to read, write and speak “American.”
Arabic-Americans are standing behind President Bush unlike a recent letter writer, Mr. Al Thurmond, who chose to defame President Bush’s abilities to lead (“Terrorist attack: Can President Bush step up to challenge?” Sept. 14). Mr. Thurmond should be glad for the freedoms to write such letters and to vote in the next presidential election. But now is the time to support our present administration. (And I voted for Al Gore!)
So my personal contribution is to urge all to work together as Americans regardless of any personal beliefs about race, religions or politics. United we stand!
Mill Creek
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