Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Musings from Bickerstaff
I truly commend Colin Powell for the words that he spoke on Sunday's Meet The Press.
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I am troubled by, not what Senator McCain says, but what members of the party say. And it is permitted to be said such things as, "Well, you know that Mr. Obama is a Muslim." Well the correct answer is, he is not a Muslim; he's a Christian. He's always been a Christian. But the really right answer is, what if he is? Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer's no, that's not America.Is there something wrong with some seven year old Muslim-American kid believing that he or she could be President? Yet, I have heard senior members of my own party drop the suggestion.' He's a Muslim and he might be associated with terrorists". This is not the way we should be going in in America.
Those were powerful words to hear especially when one works in a Muslim country part of the time.
Here is where I begin a personal story. The country I work in is 99.9% Muslim. It was this past spring during the beginning of Christian Holy Week when I was working at our law office in the capital. Nearing the end of the day, my hosts asked if I would need to be picked up for the service the next morning at 9 am at the British Embassy. They had thoughtfully called ahead to let the Embassy know my name, that I was an American, and Protestant. They also scheduled the meetings later to allow for my time there.
Here is where I begin a personal story. The country I work in is 99.9% Muslim. It was this past spring during the beginning of Christian Holy Week when I was working at our law office in the capital. Nearing the end of the day, my hosts asked if I would need to be picked up for the service the next morning at 9 am at the British Embassy. They had thoughtfully called ahead to let the Embassy know my name, that I was an American, and Protestant. They also scheduled the meetings later to allow for my time there.
This was at at a time when American rhetoric from a few Congressmen was at a particular low point. It is with confusion my business partners over there ask why we hate them? Oddly, this was a country that stood with the US when the Shah was deposed. This is also a country that is friends with Israel. I know many members of their parliament and regularly meet with their Ministers of State. Many find it absolutely incredulous that America could elect a black man. They say this with awe and ask me if it is really possible? Equally astounding is that a woman also might be elected. The volumes that this speaks to the world.
The words we use to divide have an effect far reaching. To the extent that the Internet has broken barriers it also can transfer our words and thoughts to be interpreted by all. The tone of how we address each other is as important as the respect we show the diversity that creates our nation. No man or woman should be judged unfit based upon their gender, race, creed, color or sexual orientation. They should stand judged for the ideas they espouse, the life choices they have made, and the plans they have for this nation.
When our elected officials use jingoism to decry an area or people for not being Real America, or some types hate America, or are anti American; I am reminded to show them the most powerful words ever published in America on the subject.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.Let us always be able to disagree without being disagreeable. Let us always respect all citizens.
