A War Has Been Waged.....

[Shy Hawk]

......against more than Bin Laden.

I urge you all to talk to your children and teach them (gasp) tolerance. As an Arab American I have been put down, called out, yelled at, stared at, made to feel inferior.....just today. :( I am exceedingly sorry that I even have to post this...but it's nessessary.

I am a prisoner in my own community. I go to the store and the lady at the counter stares at me...then leaves me to bag my own goods...when everyone else is helped.

People come up to me and yell about things I have no part in. Things I don't condone, things I abhore. I spent most of my young life in NY. I can't even imagine recent tragedies...but no one asks how I feel about it.

I go to the movies, and the people waiting in line all stop talking to look at me some more.

I go to the book store and get stared at...while the register attendants try and avoid serving me.....:wah:

It's NOT RIGHT, It's NOT FAIR.:scream:

I hate to whine, but I am 17 years old...I've never killed anyone, or wished harm on anyone. I wept Tuesday morning. How different am I really?

Whether or not my sisters (or I) wear a scarf upon our heads...we have feelings, we care, we cry, we mourn....yes, we mourned.

If not for myself, or my younger brother (14), this post is for my nephews and nieces. I have three in mind in particular, though I have 10 total. Wesam (12), Tara (5), and Yazen (3). All school aged, and all suffering. We are all suffering...but they are too young to understand why.

I'm not speaking to anyone in particular...but maybe if some of you know me and respect me...you'll remember me when you talk to your children tonight. Please remember me...this is truly important. Remember to tell them that no one likes to be made fun of, or hurt. That we all have feelings. And, specifically in this situation,....Arabs/Muslims are not the enemy, the people who did this are the enemy.

Thank you all for reading this..sorry it's long.
~Shy

[Kaylara]

Shy... I am sorry that people are doing these horrible things to you. I have made it a point since Tuesday to be nice to everyone I see. No matter what they look like. Until the Arab American people that I know are implicated in this, I absolutely refuse to act in a way that would make them feel inferior or at fault. I know that the Arab-American community is just as devastated as the rest of us are.

I would like to remind all of the "white" people out there who are hurting "those foreign people" that we are all foreign here. We invaded this country and did unspeakable things to the native people here. We cannot lash out at people who have nothing to do with this tragedy.

If we hurt people who are of Arab descent, we are no better than those people who flew the planes into those buildings. We must react now not with revulsion towards our brothers and sisters. We must embrace every single american, no matter what color or religion they are.

And I promise you Shy, if I even see anyone abusing or harassing Arab-Americans, I will step in and defend them. I personally will not allow people to do this. They will have to get through me if they want to hurt anyone, and I will not go down without a fight.

Blessings to you Shy, and everyone. I wish that people would focus their energy not on hurting people, but on helping to assist in the healing of this nation and the world.

Kaylara

[MistOfTheSea86]

I have had enough of this SHIT!!!!!!1 YEs i said SHITTTT!!!!!!BEcause that is what it is.... Why is it that everyone knows so much damn intolerance and cannot think past the looks? They may look the same on the outside, but they are in no one the same on the in. WTF is wrong with everyone??? It seems they need to have a scapegoat to mad at something... Then why not Bin laden????????????? he did it, and the Islam GOvernment even said this is a perversion of our beliefs and is not something we would ever do. Ben Ladin works on his own grounds, he has no support. I know this was really confusing BUT IT REALLY PISSES ME OFF!!!!!!!1

Why do people judge the crowd when one or two make a bad example????

[Kaylara]

You answered your own question. Whether or not it is correct, they feel that they need to have a scapegoat. Unfortunately, they are directing their anger and pain towards people who are just as hurt and upset as everyone else. That is why I say, if you see people harassing someone else, or treating them in a way that is bigoted, get in their way. Tell them what you think about what they are doing, and do not allow them to hurt others. I will personally put myself in between those people who try to hurt anyone. Period. I don't care if they hurt me, but the Arab-Americans do not deserve this, and I will not let it stand.

Kaylara

[MistOfTheSea86]

Sorry for my harsh language.... YOu hit the nail on the head KAylara

[Milly]

It isn't right that you shy or anyone else getted discrimmiated (sp) against. But the truth of the matter is everyone is hurt. The events that hit America hit the world. Its so true. In my own country people are acting against others because they are hurt. They has fire bombed a Muslim place of worship because they are hurt. But its not just coming towards Muslims . Some people , haven't proven to be Muslim, have grafftied of walls with comments like Death to Chirstians and Jews, and that makes me hurt. These awful events are hurting everyone and its leading to hate crimes against different religions. The fact of the matter is you get awful people like Bin Laden who use their wealth and power and such things happen. Its shouldn't have happened.
Their is no excuse for murdering thousands of people and for that they should be punished. I am not a fan of "an eye for an eye" and even if they do that i don't think i would be satisfied.
I am not justifing whats happening to you because no it in its self is just as worse...
Well thats my two cents
My thoughts are with you,
Milly

[loopy]

:( Shy, I'm so sorry you've had to go through this. Any act of discrimination, especially in America, where all rights are supposed to be equal, and especially now, when we need to band together more than ever, is disgusting.

People should take all the hurting, angry, fearful energy that they direct towards scapegoats and put it towards the healing of our country and our Earth.

[Twig]

Dear Shy,
NO ,it's neither right NOR fair! I pray for you and all others who have and will be persecuted because of this. Please do not let the events that are happening, or to come, taint your soul.

For every person that cannot see past the nose on their face, there are one million who have risen above the bigotry and idiotcy that these sort of events will bring about. The things that are happening to you are all to familiar in situations like this and leave a very,very bitter taste in my mouth. :evilway: My best advice to you is try to keep a low profile. ;) The Jews and Asians suffered before then during World War 2 due to their religon or race and unfortunately you and yours have been thrust into a similar position by fate but, it will eventually end.Don't cave into the fear and irrational anger that it brings about because that is one of the main goals of a terrorist attack.

"History teaches us we learn nothing from history". ( Samual Clemens/Mark Twain) Sorry Mark but that quote don't fly this time!!!

Thanks for being in my little lesson. When times get tough, meditate with the rock you choose. Maybe it will help......I hope. And when you take the rock in hand know I am thinking of you, and smile. :) :) :D

Peace,
Twig
:elf:

[Shy Hawk]

(blushes)

I'd like to thank y'all for the response..I never thought I would get this type of reaction..I just didn't want to hold it in. My way of venting I guess...

I'm touched you guys..I really am. And I thank your many kind words. I just didn't know where else to say it. I'm glad I have a home here.:heartthro You guys are great...thanks for the support.....

Shoot, I'm getting all misty eyed...

In Peace With Hopes For A Better Tommorow
~Shy

[Persephone]

To my mind, when individuals in our country respond to the attack by treating others in such a manner, they are thinking along the same lines as the terrorists they hate.

When I was a child, I had friends of different races, and to my parents credit it was many years before I understood that they were different from me. I was raised that people are just people - different shapes and sizes, colors and practices, but all just people like me.

Maybe someday I'll see that world again.

Meanwhile, Shy - know that the people who treat you poorly will probably look back, know they were wrong, and feel sorry that they behaved that way.

[gunner]

"Arabs/Muslims are not the enemy, the people who did this are the enemy."

some of you may not be entirely comfortable with me as a "gunman", a shooter, (though none of you has ever been less than courteous), but there is a lesson i learned long ago from that way of life. "be certain of your target before you fire" and that applies here and now. our target is usama bin laden and his minions and those who think like him. not the guy who speaks with an accent that bought the motel down the road and has his entire family working their tails off to pay the mortgage, not the guy with a slightly different accent who runs the gas station and c-store over on canal st. and is behind the counter 14 hours a day. and most certainly not the woman wearing a head scarf because that is her modesty in the belief she lives by. these are our people, they came here to share our dream and work hard to gain their share of that dream. no mistake, given the chance i would gun down bin laden in a heartbeat, coldly and without thought, mercy or regret, but my innocent muslim/arab neighbor will get the same courtesty and respect he or she is entitled to as always. and personally, if i come upon someone mistreating an innocent person i will defend with ALL necessary force no matter what the victim's race or religion or whatever and i do possess and carry the means and have the skills to do it.

[Faery-Wings]

((((((HUGS))))))) Shy Hawk- I have been worried about you. I am so sorry that you are feeling this. It is very wrong. I live in North Jersey- a very highly multi-cultural area. It is hard to not be fearful with the number of bin ladin followers possibly still in the US. However, it is up to us to get past the fears and to look at each person as a person of equality. And it is hard for us in this time to remember, innocent until proven guilty, but we need to do that too. Sorry this is so jumbly- my thoughts have been pretty scattered for the last few days, I guess......

Love to you!

Chris

[Tigerwallah]

I'm so sorry Shy. Please be safe. There are so many bigotted, pig headed jerks in this world, and unfortunately, they are never above making a bad situation much worse. Stay strong sweetie.

I would write a letter to the editor of my local paper and maybe contact your local t.v. news. This issue needs to be addressed, and fast, before any innocent people are harmed by these weak minded fools.

Unfortunately, Twig, Mark Twain was commenting on the sad state of humanity. I'v always found his words to ring all too true. He didn't mean that history had nothing to teach, but that we are too stupid to learn. In the 40's Japanese Americans were rounded up and essentially put in prison camps. It was deplorable, but from the actions of many Americans today, it's pretty obvious that no one learned from the mistake of 60 years ago.

[Andromeda]

I'm sorry that you have to go through this, its definatly not fair :( I agree with Tigerwallah, maybe writing a letter to a newspaper, or t.v station will help. Because this issue does need to be addressed.

Stay strong hun.

Blessings
Andromeda

[Myst]

Shy, in my meditations and prayers tonight I will try to send more loving energy that people can unite and peace can be found. Goddess knows NO ONE deserves what you or your family has gone through. Brightest blessings to you.

[maythen]

It is terrible but true that hurt begets hurt and all too often, people became what they hate.

These are confusing and frightening times. The main message we must try to communicate is objectivity, rationality, love & peace.

The average Arab-American poses no more of a threat than anybody else. We must remember this.

I know I'm preaching to the choir, so to speak. But, the sentiments of hate that I have overheard lately are incredibly disconcerting. And, it feels as if you express disagreement with their hatred, you are viewed as being un-American.

We must remember and remind those around us that all blood runs red, and we are all human beings.

Not every German was a Nazi, nor did every Asian support the bombing of Pearl Harbor, nor was every white person a slave owner, nor did they support the attempted genocide of Native Americans. Nor is every person of Arab descent a terroist or supporter af terroistic activity!!!!!!!

Hang in there, ShyHawk. Many positive thoughts are being sent your way.

[Danustouch]

((((((((((((((((SHY)))))))))))))))))) I am soooooo sorry for all that you are enduring. My energies will go out to you and yours this day, and in the weeks to come.

Last night, at the Town Vigil, one of the speakers, a town councilman...made a speech, saying that racism, and predjudice have NO place in American Society. And that Bigotry of ANY sort, is just as evil as the Terrorists who attacked us on Tuesday. That EVIL (if there is such a thing..i would call it ignorance), is in the HEART of MAN, and that that is where the change needs to come. His words deeply moved me. He was so right. We must be the change that we seek (I think ghandi said this). So when I see the news reports of people saying.."Foreighners don't belong here"...and spreading other hate speech about arab/musilim peoples, I get very angry at the hypocrisy of it all. If we seek to annihilate terrorism, we must annihalate the thing which fuels it. And that, is hatred and ignorance, and fear. We must destroy these emotions, and foster love, and tolerance. Unfortunately, there were a couple of people in town, who did not agree. I heard a few hisses from the audience (not many, but enough to disturb me), and was deeply hurt by them.

Shy, I will promise you, along with all the others who have spoken on this subject....that if I see bigotry, or hatred, against people of arab or muslim descent, or ANY other race/religion, for that matter..I WILL SPEAK OUT AGAINST IT. I would Never allow the things which are being done to you, to be done in MY presence. NOT IN MY AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!! THIS is not what America is about! We are NOT a country of Fear and Hate! We are a country which openly embraces all peoples who wish to prosper. That is what Lady Liberty stands for!!!!!! So these people, who are harming you and yours, are hypocrites of the worst kind. And if I see it, I will be VERY quick to point that out!

Just last night, after the vigil, hubby and I went to a pub, to get something to eat, and I mentioned the fact that many muslims are feeling very unsafe right now. Some Drunk guy said.."GOOD!!! I hope they all come back where they came from"! I was shocked and appalled. Against my husbands wishes (he doesn't quite like me to tangle with drunk guys for obvios reasons). I said.."THAT IS NOT RIGHT!!!! It's a DISGUSTING way to think. I can't believe that you could be such a pig". Of course, that was pretty much the end of our evening..we paid the tab, and left. John was pretty worried..but it was the RIGHT thing to say. I couldn't let this guy get away with that.

Anyway..I just want you to know..you have our support, hon!!!!!!

[Twig]

Unfortunately, Twig, Mark Twain was commenting on the sad state of humanity. I'v always found his words to ring all too true. He didn't mean that history had nothing to teach, but that we are too stupid to learn. In the 40's Japanese Americans were rounded up and essentially put in prison camps. It was deplorable, but from the actions of many Americans today, it's pretty obvious that no one learned from the mistake of 60 years ago.

Exactly what I was meaning Chris. ;) :D All too often,man doesn't learn and I was saying that I for one,have in this case.

With Peace to All,
Twig
:elf:

[Swanspirit]

I am so sorry you are going through this........mindless rage hurts everyone.... and the idiots that see targets are no better than the perpetrators because in my mind THERE IS NO EXCUSE............
as has been said please stay SAFE!!!! and know we love you and I am personally sending protection to you, if you wish to accept it ........... if you want to talk on PAltalk I am there for you !!!!!!!!!!! my tolerance for idiots is at ground zero........and these people are idiots in my estimation, but idiots hat cannot be tolerated .
Also the police are aware of this problem , you need to contact them and let them know of any serious threats
HUGS
Swannie

[Amora]

I feared Muslim Americans would have to endure this and I've been seeing it on the news it's come true.. I'm sorry Shy Hawk, that you have to live like this because the barbarians who did this happened to be of the same skin color as you. It can not be justified but it is all fear... And it's not right that these psychos caused a nation to fear their own...

My mother works for a doctor who is Muslim and his son is and airline pilot for a major carrier here in the US... He is scared he will be the first to lose his job due to his skin color... I can't even find words for this...just wanted to say for lack of anything intelligent..it just sucks and I'm sorry..

Blessings to you and your family Shy Hawk

[MammaStar]

Shyhawk, I'm sorry this is happening to you. I know in a lot of my posts I am angry, but not at my neighbors or friends who believe in Allah (sp???). Be safe my young friend. I worry too, about 2 of my co-workers who are Muslim. I've worried since the moment that this happened that harm would come to them. So far, they've been safe, even one of the gentlemen had a son (who is safe) who was in the WTC at the time of the attack. We are all suffering. We are all hurt. I too will stop any violence or discrimination going on in front of me. It's not right, nor fair. Just how ignorant people deal with things, I'm afraid.

Blessings to you Shy, and your family. Be well and stay safe. :heartthro :heartthro :heartthro :heartthro :heartthro

[Wiccan Maeve]

Shy thank you for sharing your experiences with us. I for one do not approve of at all what some Americans have been doing since this tragedy happened. Each time I hear about the things like this that have been going on I become so very angry. These people, these ignorant people are hypocrits. I pray that they will come to change their narrow-mind thinking. I also pray for you, for strength and courage to deal with these people.

Love & light,
HoneyDreads

[Illuminatus]

Originally posted by Shy Hawk
......against more than Bin Laden.

I urge you all to talk to your children and teach them (gasp) tolerance. As an Arab American I have been put down, called out, yelled at, stared at, made to feel inferior.....just today. :( I am exceedingly sorry that I even have to post this...but it's nessessary.



Sorry to hear that kid.

Just lay low for a week or so, it'll blow over. Hell I didn't leave my house for 2 days when I heard, and you can subsist on pizza and 2-liters indefinitely.

Do you dress like normal people? Just asking, it's not meant to offend. My spirit-animal is the mighty Chameleon. There's something to be said for blending in, it's a good skill to have, and might make your life easier for the time being.

- Ill

[Wyrdsister]

:wah: :wah: :wah: :scream: :scream: :blushake: :shaker: :meanhead: :scream: :wah: :wah: :wah:

ShyHawk, I cried when I read your post, and I still am. I am COMPLETELY SICKENED AND DISGUSTED by the way you have been treated!! :meanface: I too don't understand how people can hate. Don't they understand that RACISM allowed a tragedy like last Tuesday to happen?!?! It's the FEAR AND HATRED OF THE "OTHER" that underlies all hate crimes, terrorism, unfair hiring practices, racist jokes, etc. It's all a part of the same thing, just different degrees of severity!!

Since last Tuesday, I have been walking the streets JUST WAITING for someone to say or do something negative to people from the Middle East or Southern Asia. I feel so on guard: I'm so angry and upset about all of this that I know I'm just going to lit into ANYONE who says anything negative to or about Muslims or Arabs. I have made a point of SMILING :) :) at anyone who might come from that area of the world. I want them to know that not everyone fears them or is out to get them. I want Arab peoples, now more than ever, to feel AT HOME in Canada and to feel that they belong here, because they do!!!!

I am sooooo sorry ShyHawk. I am praying for you and your family and for all the Goddesses' children as a whole as we are entering into a dark time. And anyone who gives you trouble? You send them to ME, honey, and I'LL show them what's what!!! :smash: :smash: :smash: :flamer:

May the Goddess Bless you and your family,

Wyrdsister
:flamer: flaming MAD

[Illuminatus]

A lot of people have been taking this very badly.

I play in this Vampire: The Masquerade game, and about a year ago we had a HELL of a war with the Sabbat. The sabbat characters used every terrorist tactic in the book to bring down our characters' power structure, INCLUDING (this a re-fu@%#ing markable coincidence)... flying a private plane full of explosive fertilizer into Allentown's PP&L building, destroying it and knocking out power in the game world and throwing the city into chaos.

Granted, the game had a LOT of bombings, dozens of other attacks that were far-and-away unrelated to anything ever seen in the real world, and a lot of the attacks had a supernatural spin to them, but this one similarity really sticks out.

When I pointed out this remarkable coincidence (I didn't even make a joke about it), some kid who is new to the game just goes off on me, cursing his head off at me and using a LOT of words I can't repeat here. Basicly comparing me to the taliban and saying he's going to kill all Arabs and other inane crap liek that.

Now, I haven't been in a fight since the 4th grade, but this guy is seriously off base. After a lot of cooling off time, I took the advice of some friends and asked him to apologise politely, (as did some of my friends) but I'm kind of hoping he doesn't, so I can beat the living crap out of him come Saturday. I figure I haven't had a real fight in a decade or so (I am a peaceful happy guy), so I'm overdue. Heh he is small and I can take him since I am big and bad from all the fitness tips in the Healthy Pagan forum :)

- Ill

[talamh]

"Now, I haven't been in a fight since the 4th grade, but this guy is seriously off base. After a lot of cooling off time, I took the advice of some friends and asked him to apologise politely, (as did some of my friends) but I'm kind of hoping he doesn't, so I can beat the living crap out of him come Saturday. I figure I haven't had a real fight in a decade or so (I am a peaceful happy guy), so I'm overdue. Heh he is small and I can take him since I am big and bad from all the fitness tips in the Healthy Pagan forum"

You're kidding, of course, aren't you?

Because if you're not.. then what is the difference between his unreasoned, verbally violent response and you're beating him up except escalation?

i can't help but put the an analogy on the large scale as well. If the USA kills innocent people in their relatiation, how is this any different then the innocent killings in New York and Washington?

i'm really not trying to pick a fight here. Just because i don't support everything the US does, doesn't mean i am your enermy. i am truly trying to understand the wave of violence i see coming from your country. Yes, something must be done... but it seems to me that the terror has begat more terror.. and violence is begatting more violence with everyone saying it was started by the other guy. From here it really looks like the American government is following a script that was written by the terrorists and is responding exactly how the terrorists want the American government to respond... bb talamh

[gunner]

"I figure I haven't had a real fight in a decade or so (I am a peaceful happy guy), so I'm overdue."

let the little punk live illuminatus, he isn't worth the bother and likely he'd go snivelling to the cops when he loses and you'd be up on charges.

[Shy Hawk]

I can't believe this response this thread has gotten! (sniff) It's a beautiful thing....today was not a horrible day. People of course, did stare, but no one said anything. Thank the Gods..

To Ill, lol, yes I dress like normal people...though most of the females in my family are all covered up (Note: Those scarves are call Hijab.).

Thank you guys for all the support...I am moved beyond words. I have been sent all kinds of healing energies and PMs with good wishes, and frankly I just don't know what to say!

I love you guys! :heartthro :heartthro :heartthro

I will be strong, and by the advice of many of you, and much of my family, I will try and remain low key. THough it goes against my gut, I'll try and keep my mouth shut.....but, really..it is sad.

In Peace ;)
~Shy

[stillwater]

I hope the needless racial hate that is festering all over the world will end. I am also very enraged by people trying to blame this thing on God or the "Devil". Men did this and noone else. There are Americans living in this country that are just as capable of this as these Muslim zealots; they are the militias - the same that attacked Oklahoma City.

I am very sorry and my sympathy goes out to anyone being mistreated wrongfully in this awful mess. It might be a good idea while the moon is waning for us all to do a banishing spell to rid the world of needless hate and fear.

Politicians and Christian zealots are doing more and more I think to turn this into a "Holy War", when religious zealots of any kind who use hatred to make their movements are wrong.

So - Sky, hang in there; state your case to people. Eradicate their fear and hatred of you because of your ancestry by trying to understand their displacement of anger, and know that you have American and Pagan friends here to listen. Blessed be and the strength and love of the Goddess be with you!

[SpikesPet5150]

Shy,
I'm sorry you're dealing with this crap, hon.. it sucks.

The same thing is happening to my sisters friends in NM. Their mom and dad came here from Ahfganistan (sp?) before they were born. All 4 boys were born and raised here, in the US. They've been getting threatening phone calls, letters, bricks through the windows, all that stupid high school bullshit that doesn't prove anything. Truth of the matter is, all 4 of the kids, plus the father, said they would be first to sign up and defend our country if the need arises. They are very proud to be American Citizens, and they are not allowing the threats to bother them.

Hatred, of any kind, is wrong. I'm not saying that whoever did this shouldn't be punished, cause I think they should (with whatever means are necesary).. but people shouldn't hate for no good reason. It's ridiculous. I'm with you guys.. if I see anyone harrassing anyone of Muslim/Arabic decent, I will defend them. If I have to get in a fight because of it, so be it. But I will defend them.
~Bree
:elf:
Shy, my elf wants to give you a hug! :)

[Autumn Gemini]

((((((((((Shy))))))))))))
I'm so sorry for all you're going thru. Sad to say but even my own father is one of those who wants to blame all people of Arab decent. Then too he says the government brought this on themselves because we stuck our nose into other countries' business and we allowed all those "damn" immigrents in to take our jobs and ruin this country. My dad is a typical Southern redneck and very typical for alot of the older country folks in this area. Then too he and I didn't speak for months over him threatening my husband and I because of our beliefs. He even went so far as to threaten to shoot my husband if he found him on his property. The only reason my father is "living and letting live" now is because my mother and I handed him an ultimatum when I found out I was pregnant. Back off and treat us with common decency or never see your grandson. Its sad that it came to that. So I understand what you're going thru. May Goddess protect you and carry you thru this time. :)

[Isis]

Sky dweller this is very interesting. I'm appalled yet not surprised by this type of behaviour. I live in the midwest, and the things that I've heard are attrocious.

Try explaining to idiots that the Kor'an is a book of love, and not hate. That it does not call for the subjegation of women. There is no verse that speaks to honor killings, or waging a holy war against a country full of people. All these people see on tv is fanatical Musilims. I mean where I'm from people think Ben Ladin(sorry, I"m probably misspelling his name) is a religous leader! Imagine the looks on their faces when I tell them that he's a financier from Saudi Arabia. Imagine if all the world saw of us Americans were the snake charmers living in the Appalachain Mts. They'd think everyone over here handled snakes and drank poison 'cause it said so in a verse of the old testament!!!!

I work in the airline industry, and some of my fellow classmates and employees were saying that we shouldn't allow those people in the country. That we should have camera's to identify them as they boarded. LOL. Of course once we succumb to that then we're sunk for real. I mean if Bin Laden is smart enough to sell his Airline stocks short in the few days before the attacks, and take out life insurance of his opperatives dont you think he'll come up with a plan. You know send some of his people who are lighter skinned, with fairer hair and eyes over to do the dirty work while the 'obvious Arab looking' people are taking the heat?

Sorry, I'm really sick of the small town mentality that exists in relatively large cities in the majority of the midwest. It makes me sick, and scared for my son's generation.

I wish all my Arab/Islamic/Muslim brothers and sisters peace. I pray that you can exercise your beliefs in peace without fear of reprisal, and the ugly American syndrome.

Blessed be to all,

Isis

[gunner]

only a very little thing, but the store across the river in new hampshire where i buy my cigarettes is owned and run by a muslim family, lebanese i believe. i stopped in as usual to pick up my couple of packs of camels and made sure to greet the proprieter with "salaam aliekum". i noticed by the way that the american flag is flying on the front of that store just as it was before all this started. i plan to keep right on buying my cigarettes there and anyone that does not like it is invited to go pound sand.

[Tigerwallah]

My boss is Iranian. I tried to warn him to be careful, but he is a big (in his own mind), brave man. I'm just waiting for the opportunity to give my "NOT IN MY AMERICA" speech to anyone who has anything bigotted to say to him. He is an awesome man. Everyone who meets him likes him. He is overconfident because of this. I'm just affraid of all of the rednecks and yahoos who live in Virginia and North Carolina. I saw a group of teenagers, yesterday, harassing anyone who looked different from them. They were very clean cut fundie yahoos who even had something to say about my hieroglyphic necklace. When I left the store, they were harassing two teens who had red and blue dyed hair.

This is so scary to me. These morons were using this situation to give them a free license to harass anyone who was different from themselves. I finally found something that Pres. Bush said that I totally agreed with...He said that people who do that are the worst of humanity. Ain't that the truth?!!!

[rheirene]

shy,
I also am sorry for how you are being treated,its not fair and very childish of these people.
People don't seem to realize that bin laden is getting what he wants by this behavor the first thing in most history books any conquror would do is DIVIDE AND CONQUROR ,he's divding our country like a book we've got to stop him and stop being stupid and unite together to face this, I agree with what everyone has said ,I've been telling my children not to blame anyone here,it was a man in another country. we do need to get this point across, maybe create a web site that displays just this for everyone to see,something like that anyhow.Your in my prayers .
question,does anyone know how many arab-americans were
working in the trade centers ? They also lost there lives ,
americans should not fight amongest each other!!!

becareful
blessed be
Rheirene

[Illuminatus]

You're kidding, of course, aren't you?

Because if you're not.. then what is the difference between his unreasoned, verbally violent response and you're beating him up except escalation?

You're kidding, right?

The difference is that his attacks were unwarranted, and mine are retaliatory. He could have taken up this issue with me privately, but instead he insults me in front of 50 of my best friends. I really have no choice but to address it harshly. Show weakness, and it's rewarded with pain.

i can't help but put the an analogy on the large scale as well. If the USA kills innocent people in their relatiation, how is this any different then the innocent killings in New York and Washington?


I just answered that. Anyway, those Arabs are very different from us. We raise children to learn and carry on our knowledge and memory into the future.... for them, raising a family is more analogous to creating and training weapons.

i'm really not trying to pick a fight here. Just because i don't support everything the US does, doesn't mean i am your enermy. i am truly trying to understand the wave of violence i see coming from your country. Yes, something must be done... but it seems to me that the terror has begat more terror.. and violence is begatting more violence with everyone saying it was started by the other guy. From here it really looks like the American government is following a script that was written by the terrorists and is responding exactly how the terrorists want the American government to respond... bb talamh

Nah... HERE is the script written by the terrorists

1) Blow up 8 key buildings in the US on the same day killing thousands
2) Watch financial markets colapse, americans all go buy guns and riot in streets as western civilization consumes itself.

That's just one possibility. A lot of extreme religious groups want to spark World War III so the Rapture may occour and the world will end and the righteous redeemed etc etc.. that's not going to happen either though.

- Ill

[MystyPines]

Shy,

I am so saddened to hear about how Arab Americans are being treated. This morning I drove by the variety store that is owned by an Arab American around the corner from my house, and all the windows have been broken and boarded up. I cannot believe how anyone could do such a thing. This is America, the Melting Pot of many diverse cultures! What the heck is wrong with these people. We should be uniting, not fighting! I feel that I want to go the store and tell the owner that I am truly sorry for how he is being treated and let him know that not all Americans are this way. :(

[Shy Hawk]

Maybe you should Mysty.