The ties are broken, and the scars are deep. Over the past decade, we have witnessed a steep deterioration in the relationship between the administration of Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the Muslim community. How did we get here?
The 9/11 terrorist attacks cast a shadow of doubt on all American Muslims. The engineers of that doubt included Rep. Peter King's McCarthy-like hearings and the New York Police Department's massive surveillance of Muslims' mosques, businesses and campuses. The citizens who were supposed to be protected by the police officers were victimized, intimidated and entrapped by the very same police officers, who even targeted mentally challenged teens. And they conducted this grand betrayal in the name of national security.
The central actors in this broken trust were Mayor Bloomberg and his police commissioner, Ray Kelly. The mayor and police commissioner broke those bonds, and now it's up to the new mayor and the new commissioner to knit them back together. The burden of reconciliation is a heavy burden.
Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio and his choice for police commissioner, William J. Bratton, have the opportunity to rebuild the mutual trust between the city and and its Muslim communities. But these communities are expressing concern over the mayor-elect's choice of Bratton. We have to wonder nervously: Will he continue the spying on Muslims that Kelly has continued so aggressively ?
What better gesture of reconciliation could there be than rectifying the egregious injustice against one of the NYPD's own: my son, Cadet Mohammad Salman Hamdani? At Salman's funeral, on April 5, 2002, Bloomberg said this:
" Salman walked towards the towers when others were running away from it. The City of New York thanks you for giving us your son." Yet he has steadfastly declined to acknowledge this young man's sacrifice as a Cadet of the NYPD on the official first-responder list!
Mayor-elect de Blasio has the power to rectify this injustice and not cheat Salman by denying him his due place in history. He needs to set the record straight by acknowledging Salman Hamdani as an NYPD cadet and a first responder on the official list. This gesture will go a long way toward rebuilding the lost trust between the City of New York's administration and its Muslim communities.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Peter King Terrorizing American Muslims
Friday, January 21, 2011
President Obama and His Words
Two years ago, President Obama had delivered an electrifying and inspiring speech which had uplifted the nation from the abysmal depths of fear and injustice. He ordered all trials at Guantanamo Bay halted, and promised to close the notorious detention center, which has become a permanent stain on America's moral standing in the world. Now, he is walking away from his words. As a mother who lost her son at WTC, I am not only disappointed, but am disillusioned. President Obama had said: " Our Fore Fathers, faced with perils that we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the Rule of Law and the rights of man... A charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world and we will not give them up for expedience sake." President Obama, are we living up to the expectations of our Fore Fathers? The Constitution prohibits the government from detaining people, including American citizens, indefinitely, without due process. Mr. President. You also said to the world: " America is ready to lead once more." Is this how you intend to lead the world? Does indefinite detention without charges constitute power? Will the world look up to 0America when we stand in violation of all international and domestic Human Rights Treaties and of our own Constitution? In your own words: " In reaffirming the greatness of our own nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned." Thus, Mr. President, must we earn greatness by setting an example for the free world? I will close with your own words, Mr. President. " What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility. A recognition on the part of every American that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world. Duties that we do not grudgingly accept, but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character than giving our all to a difficult task."
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
A Time to Unite and Heal as a Nation
Muslim Americans have carried the cross since September 11, 2001. Time has come to take it off. My Son, Mohammad Salman Hamdani,23, was a first responder, an NYPD Cadet who was killed that day at WTC while trying to save lives. In the days following, his noble actions and sacrifice were turned into a story of speculations based on his Muslim faith. It was not until he was mentioned by name as a hero in the PATRIOT Act that his reputation was redeemed. Many Muslim Americans died that day and the audacity of some to blame all Muslims for the actions of foreign terrorists is hurtful.
Salman was an FDNY Certified EMT, worked for Metro Ambulance, and was an NYPD Cadet. Yet this was irrelevant in the mass hysteria against Muslims. Even though Salman died while saving people, he was deemed as a suspect in the attacks simply because he was a chemistry major, was born in Pakistan, and was Muslim, Before Salman's remains were recovered from the wreckage, an acquaintance informed us that the NYPD was circulating a flyer with a picture of Salman that read: * WANTED...Chemistry Major...Has NYPD ID*.
The media descended upon our family like vultures in anticipation of a kill camping outside my house, bent on interrogating my 83 year old mother. The NY Post's sensational headline blared" Missing or Hiding" under Salman's picture and claimed someone has seen him at the midtown tunnel after the attacks. Through all this, I was in Mecca and not here to defend my son.
Congressman Ackerman, than a member of the Terrorist Task Force, interrogated my family over the telephone and in person in his office. Why did Salman join the NYPD? Why did he go to London to study? Where was he going when he left the house on 9/11/01? Who was he planning to meet? When did I last see him? Where is his passport? He also suggested that Salman, still missing, might have been detained by the INS since he wasn't born here and made me write a letter to AG Ashcroft.
We contacted the White House, FBI and Senator Schumer, but only received form letters from the former two. Senator Schumer has yet to respond.
Only in late October did we learn that Salman' name was included as a hero in Section 102 of the PATRIOT ACT. Six months later, on March 20, 2002, two police officers cam and notified me at 11:30 PM that his remains were indeed identified through DNA testing at about the same time that the PATRIOT ACT was passed. We had Salman's funeral on April 5, 2002, seven months after he died. Two years later, my husband died of a broken heart.
Is this what America really is? My son and my family were singled out from the other victims of 911 only because we are Muslims. I did not come here to have my son treated like a criminal in death, when in life he was a hero. What have we become? Have we forgotten our history? The Pilgrims came to this great land of liberty to escape religious persecution from the British. Two centuries later, we have lost our way. Muslims have become the persecuted. Not so fast. The First Amendment of the US Constitution protects all faiths.
President Obama had said in his speech that America is not at was with the Muslim world. Now we have the perfect opportunity to make good on that point. Allowing an Islamic Center in downtown New York make a statement of who we are as a nation and as a people and will help us to regain our moral standing in the world.If the Trinity Church can stand on the footprints of WTC, why the objection to another place of worship near it?
There are more than 8 million Muslims who are an integral part of the American fabric. They are not terrorists. They also died in the 911 attacks. They are protected, like other people of faith, by the US Constitution and they should not be persecuted on American soil for their faith.
This country belongs to all her people--people of diverse ethnicity, race, and faith. When Salman and other first responder went to rescue their fellow Americans, they did not hesitate to think about the faith of the victims. It is time to come together as a nation and heal and move forward bin unity, instead of being divided along religious lines. Not all 911 families are out for revenge. There are many 911 families who are advocating reconciliation and peace, and I am one of them.
Talat G. Hamdani
Mother of
Mohammad Salman Hamdani
NYPD Cadet, EMT, WTC II
Supporter of 911 Families for Peaceful Tomorrows.
Salman was an FDNY Certified EMT, worked for Metro Ambulance, and was an NYPD Cadet. Yet this was irrelevant in the mass hysteria against Muslims. Even though Salman died while saving people, he was deemed as a suspect in the attacks simply because he was a chemistry major, was born in Pakistan, and was Muslim, Before Salman's remains were recovered from the wreckage, an acquaintance informed us that the NYPD was circulating a flyer with a picture of Salman that read: * WANTED...Chemistry Major...Has NYPD ID*.
The media descended upon our family like vultures in anticipation of a kill camping outside my house, bent on interrogating my 83 year old mother. The NY Post's sensational headline blared" Missing or Hiding" under Salman's picture and claimed someone has seen him at the midtown tunnel after the attacks. Through all this, I was in Mecca and not here to defend my son.
Congressman Ackerman, than a member of the Terrorist Task Force, interrogated my family over the telephone and in person in his office. Why did Salman join the NYPD? Why did he go to London to study? Where was he going when he left the house on 9/11/01? Who was he planning to meet? When did I last see him? Where is his passport? He also suggested that Salman, still missing, might have been detained by the INS since he wasn't born here and made me write a letter to AG Ashcroft.
We contacted the White House, FBI and Senator Schumer, but only received form letters from the former two. Senator Schumer has yet to respond.
Only in late October did we learn that Salman' name was included as a hero in Section 102 of the PATRIOT ACT. Six months later, on March 20, 2002, two police officers cam and notified me at 11:30 PM that his remains were indeed identified through DNA testing at about the same time that the PATRIOT ACT was passed. We had Salman's funeral on April 5, 2002, seven months after he died. Two years later, my husband died of a broken heart.
Is this what America really is? My son and my family were singled out from the other victims of 911 only because we are Muslims. I did not come here to have my son treated like a criminal in death, when in life he was a hero. What have we become? Have we forgotten our history? The Pilgrims came to this great land of liberty to escape religious persecution from the British. Two centuries later, we have lost our way. Muslims have become the persecuted. Not so fast. The First Amendment of the US Constitution protects all faiths.
President Obama had said in his speech that America is not at was with the Muslim world. Now we have the perfect opportunity to make good on that point. Allowing an Islamic Center in downtown New York make a statement of who we are as a nation and as a people and will help us to regain our moral standing in the world.If the Trinity Church can stand on the footprints of WTC, why the objection to another place of worship near it?
There are more than 8 million Muslims who are an integral part of the American fabric. They are not terrorists. They also died in the 911 attacks. They are protected, like other people of faith, by the US Constitution and they should not be persecuted on American soil for their faith.
This country belongs to all her people--people of diverse ethnicity, race, and faith. When Salman and other first responder went to rescue their fellow Americans, they did not hesitate to think about the faith of the victims. It is time to come together as a nation and heal and move forward bin unity, instead of being divided along religious lines. Not all 911 families are out for revenge. There are many 911 families who are advocating reconciliation and peace, and I am one of them.
Talat G. Hamdani
Mother of
Mohammad Salman Hamdani
NYPD Cadet, EMT, WTC II
Supporter of 911 Families for Peaceful Tomorrows.
Islamic Culural Center and America
Muslim Americans have carried the cross since September 11, 2001. Time has come to take it off. My son, Mohammad Salman Hamdani, 23, was a first responder an NYPD Cadet to be killed that day at the WTC and how his noble actions and sacrifice was turned into a story of speculations, based on his Muslim faith, still boils my blood. Muslim Americans also died that day and the audaity to blame us for the actions of foreign terrorists?
Salman was an FDNY Certified EMT, worked for Metro Ambulance, and was an NYPD Cadet. Yet this was irrelevant to the mass hysteria against Muslims. He was deemed a suspect because he was a chemistry major,was born in Pakistan and was a Muslim. An acquaintance informed us that the NYPD bio flyer of Salman with his picture was criculating the precints with a WANTED written on top and * Chemistry Major. Has NYPD ID*. The media descended upon us like vultures in anticipation of a kill, camping outside my house, bent on interrogating my 90 year old mother, since I was in Mecca. The NY Post's sensational headline blared "Missing or Hiding" under Salman's picture , and claimed someone saw him later that day at 11 A.M. at the midtown tunnel on October 12, 2001, when I was in Mecca and not here to defend my son.
On returning from Mecca, Congressman Ackerman, than a memeber of the Terrorist Task Force, interrogated us. Why did he join the NYPD? Why did he become an EMT? Why did he go to London to stude ?Where was he going that day?Who was he planning to meet? When did I last see my son? And he suggested that Salman might be detained by the INS since he wasn't born here. We contacted the White House, FBI, and Senator Schumer, but only recieved form letters from the former two. Senator Chuck Schumer has yet to respond. Only then we learned that Salman's name was included in an heroic context in Section 102 of the PATRIOT Act, which was passed on October 26, 2001. Six months later, on March 20, 2002, two police officers came and notified that his remains were identified through DNA testing at about the same time that the Patriot Act was passed, and almost the same day that we had returne from Mecca, five months earlier. We had his funeral on April 5, 2002 and two years later, on 6/21/2004, my husband also died of a broken heart.
Is this what America really is? I did not come here to lose my child and be inflicted with this inexcruciable pain, which I have to live with till the day I die. What have we become? Have we forgotten our history? The Pilgrims came to this great land of liberty to escape religious persecution from the British. Two centuries later, we have metamorphosed into Nazi Germany, replacing the Jews by Muslims. Not so fast. The First Amendment of the US Constitution protects all faiths.
President Obama had said in his inaugaration speech that America is not at war with the Muslim world. What better opportunity than this to make a statement of who we are as a nation and as a people and regain our moral standing in the world. If the Trinity churh can stand on the footprints of the WTC, why the objection to another place of worship near it, like the ICC?
This country belongs to all her citizens--citizens of diverse ethnicity, race and faith. When Salman and other first responder went to rescue their fellow Americans, they did not hesitate to think about the faith of the victims. We as a nation, have to keep their legacy alive by doing
justice and transending the barriers of race, faith and ethnicity. There are more than 8 million Muslims who are an integral part of the American fabric. They are not terrorists. They also died in the 911 attacks. They are protected, like other people of faith, by the US Constitution and the should not be persecuted on American soil for their faith.
We need to come together as a nation and heal and move forward in united instead of beig divided along the religious lines. Not all 911 families are out for revenge. There are many 911 families who are advocating reconciliation and peace, and I am one of them.
Talat G. Hamdani
Mother of
Mohammad Salman Hamdani
NYPD Cadet, EMT, WTC II
Salman was an FDNY Certified EMT, worked for Metro Ambulance, and was an NYPD Cadet. Yet this was irrelevant to the mass hysteria against Muslims. He was deemed a suspect because he was a chemistry major,was born in Pakistan and was a Muslim. An acquaintance informed us that the NYPD bio flyer of Salman with his picture was criculating the precints with a WANTED written on top and * Chemistry Major. Has NYPD ID*. The media descended upon us like vultures in anticipation of a kill, camping outside my house, bent on interrogating my 90 year old mother, since I was in Mecca. The NY Post's sensational headline blared "Missing or Hiding" under Salman's picture , and claimed someone saw him later that day at 11 A.M. at the midtown tunnel on October 12, 2001, when I was in Mecca and not here to defend my son.
On returning from Mecca, Congressman Ackerman, than a memeber of the Terrorist Task Force, interrogated us. Why did he join the NYPD? Why did he become an EMT? Why did he go to London to stude ?Where was he going that day?Who was he planning to meet? When did I last see my son? And he suggested that Salman might be detained by the INS since he wasn't born here. We contacted the White House, FBI, and Senator Schumer, but only recieved form letters from the former two. Senator Chuck Schumer has yet to respond. Only then we learned that Salman's name was included in an heroic context in Section 102 of the PATRIOT Act, which was passed on October 26, 2001. Six months later, on March 20, 2002, two police officers came and notified that his remains were identified through DNA testing at about the same time that the Patriot Act was passed, and almost the same day that we had returne from Mecca, five months earlier. We had his funeral on April 5, 2002 and two years later, on 6/21/2004, my husband also died of a broken heart.
Is this what America really is? I did not come here to lose my child and be inflicted with this inexcruciable pain, which I have to live with till the day I die. What have we become? Have we forgotten our history? The Pilgrims came to this great land of liberty to escape religious persecution from the British. Two centuries later, we have metamorphosed into Nazi Germany, replacing the Jews by Muslims. Not so fast. The First Amendment of the US Constitution protects all faiths.
President Obama had said in his inaugaration speech that America is not at war with the Muslim world. What better opportunity than this to make a statement of who we are as a nation and as a people and regain our moral standing in the world. If the Trinity churh can stand on the footprints of the WTC, why the objection to another place of worship near it, like the ICC?
This country belongs to all her citizens--citizens of diverse ethnicity, race and faith. When Salman and other first responder went to rescue their fellow Americans, they did not hesitate to think about the faith of the victims. We as a nation, have to keep their legacy alive by doing
justice and transending the barriers of race, faith and ethnicity. There are more than 8 million Muslims who are an integral part of the American fabric. They are not terrorists. They also died in the 911 attacks. They are protected, like other people of faith, by the US Constitution and the should not be persecuted on American soil for their faith.
We need to come together as a nation and heal and move forward in united instead of beig divided along the religious lines. Not all 911 families are out for revenge. There are many 911 families who are advocating reconciliation and peace, and I am one of them.
Talat G. Hamdani
Mother of
Mohammad Salman Hamdani
NYPD Cadet, EMT, WTC II
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Justice for 911 Victims
My son, New York Police Department cadet Mohammad Salman Hamdani, was one of the brave souls who died on Sept. 11 trying to rescue people in the World Trade Center.
My life, like countless others, will never be the same.
One thing that has kept me going is the hope that justice will be served. Unfortunately, after more than eight years of repeated delay, it looks like that process could get derailed before it even begins.
Along with many other victims' family members, I was encouraged in November when Attorney General Eric Holder announced that the 9-11 trials would happen in federal court in New York instead of in the military commissions system. But then, much to my dismay, I watched as some New Yorkers cowered in fear of unsubstantiated threats to their safety, businesses near the courthouse complained they might lose money and local officials fretted about the cost of providing security for the trials.
And while some — though not all — of these concerns are understandable, I cannot tell you what it's like to hear people say that bringing terrorists to justice is just too scary, too expensive, too inconvenient and not worth some sacrifice.
Is this New York? Is it America?
In the face of these objections, reports indicate that the Obama administration might not only move the trials to another location, but might actually move them back to the military commissions. This would be a monumental error. I've been to those commissions, and I can say first-hand that they are an unqualified and chaotic disaster where the rules get made up as they go along.
At one of the early 9-11 hearings, the military judge actually referred to the process as a "learning experience." Now, years later, despite a missed deadline, new rules needed for the latest version of the law authorizing the commissions have not even been issued. Even when they are, they will not answer basic questions like whether a defendant can plead guilty to a death penalty charge.
The most important cases in U.S. history should not be a lab experiment.
In addition to their lack of clarity, the commissions have constitutional problems that could result in questionable verdicts, leading to years more delay due to legal challenges which, ironically, would probably end up in the federal courts, anyway.
For instance, some kinds of hearsay remain admissible, making it possible that statements of an individual pointing a finger at the defendant could come into trial even if that individual is not in court, denying the accused the opportunity to confront his accuser. The accusatory statement could even be used against the defendant if it was made under coercion. It doesn't take a legal scholar to know this smells wrong and I, for one — after all this time — don't want to be faced with a guilty verdict obtained by cutting corners and shrouded in a cloud of doubt.
Another minefield that could sink the entire commission system is that it can only be used to prosecute "aliens." This sets up two systems of justice — one for Americans and one for others. I already had a personal experience with such thinking right after the 9-11 attacks. While my son was still missing, law enforcement authorities — joined by the media — initially decided he was a suspect in the attacks largely because of our last name. Because of this, they actually delayed informing me that Mohammad's remains were found. It wasn't until months later that he was recognized as a hero.
Some are saying that using military commissions is the "tougher" way to proceed against accused terrorists. But the facts say otherwise. Compared to the over 300 terrorism-related convictions in federal courts, the military commissions, in eight years, have produced only three for individuals who are already free after serving relatively short sentences.
The commissions are simply not prepared or experienced enough to handle complex international terrorism cases. Part of the problem is that while many military judges are competent, hard-working and honorable, military criminal cases typically involve prosecutions of U.S. soldiers and sailors for ordinary crimes. There are relatively few murder cases, fewer death penalty cases and almost no conspiracy cases, much less international terrorism trials. This is a problem no new law can fix.
Others worry that federal trials will give the accused a soapbox to spew their hateful agendas. In fact, federal judges are known for preventing such outbursts, as was the case in the Zacharias Moussaoui trial. It was in the Guantánamo commissions that the 9-11 defendants were allowed to give five-minute tirades.
This argument always seemed weak to me: can you imagine not putting Timothy McVeigh on trial because he might make hateful statements? Or any serial killer, for that matter?
The last eight and a half years have been tough. On top of dealing with my personal loss, my faith in our government has been repeatedly challenged as I've seen principle discarded in the name of politics and fear. The Obama administration's November decision to choose principle when it came to the 9-11 trials was a breath of fresh air.
If the administration reverses itself now, it would almost be worse than had it made the wrong decision to begin with. Not only will our hopes have been raised only to be dashed, but it would send the message that our principled decisions become expendable when the going gets tough. That is not the legacy I wish for my son.
My life, like countless others, will never be the same.
One thing that has kept me going is the hope that justice will be served. Unfortunately, after more than eight years of repeated delay, it looks like that process could get derailed before it even begins.
Along with many other victims' family members, I was encouraged in November when Attorney General Eric Holder announced that the 9-11 trials would happen in federal court in New York instead of in the military commissions system. But then, much to my dismay, I watched as some New Yorkers cowered in fear of unsubstantiated threats to their safety, businesses near the courthouse complained they might lose money and local officials fretted about the cost of providing security for the trials.
And while some — though not all — of these concerns are understandable, I cannot tell you what it's like to hear people say that bringing terrorists to justice is just too scary, too expensive, too inconvenient and not worth some sacrifice.
Is this New York? Is it America?
In the face of these objections, reports indicate that the Obama administration might not only move the trials to another location, but might actually move them back to the military commissions. This would be a monumental error. I've been to those commissions, and I can say first-hand that they are an unqualified and chaotic disaster where the rules get made up as they go along.
At one of the early 9-11 hearings, the military judge actually referred to the process as a "learning experience." Now, years later, despite a missed deadline, new rules needed for the latest version of the law authorizing the commissions have not even been issued. Even when they are, they will not answer basic questions like whether a defendant can plead guilty to a death penalty charge.
The most important cases in U.S. history should not be a lab experiment.
In addition to their lack of clarity, the commissions have constitutional problems that could result in questionable verdicts, leading to years more delay due to legal challenges which, ironically, would probably end up in the federal courts, anyway.
For instance, some kinds of hearsay remain admissible, making it possible that statements of an individual pointing a finger at the defendant could come into trial even if that individual is not in court, denying the accused the opportunity to confront his accuser. The accusatory statement could even be used against the defendant if it was made under coercion. It doesn't take a legal scholar to know this smells wrong and I, for one — after all this time — don't want to be faced with a guilty verdict obtained by cutting corners and shrouded in a cloud of doubt.
Another minefield that could sink the entire commission system is that it can only be used to prosecute "aliens." This sets up two systems of justice — one for Americans and one for others. I already had a personal experience with such thinking right after the 9-11 attacks. While my son was still missing, law enforcement authorities — joined by the media — initially decided he was a suspect in the attacks largely because of our last name. Because of this, they actually delayed informing me that Mohammad's remains were found. It wasn't until months later that he was recognized as a hero.
Some are saying that using military commissions is the "tougher" way to proceed against accused terrorists. But the facts say otherwise. Compared to the over 300 terrorism-related convictions in federal courts, the military commissions, in eight years, have produced only three for individuals who are already free after serving relatively short sentences.
The commissions are simply not prepared or experienced enough to handle complex international terrorism cases. Part of the problem is that while many military judges are competent, hard-working and honorable, military criminal cases typically involve prosecutions of U.S. soldiers and sailors for ordinary crimes. There are relatively few murder cases, fewer death penalty cases and almost no conspiracy cases, much less international terrorism trials. This is a problem no new law can fix.
Others worry that federal trials will give the accused a soapbox to spew their hateful agendas. In fact, federal judges are known for preventing such outbursts, as was the case in the Zacharias Moussaoui trial. It was in the Guantánamo commissions that the 9-11 defendants were allowed to give five-minute tirades.
This argument always seemed weak to me: can you imagine not putting Timothy McVeigh on trial because he might make hateful statements? Or any serial killer, for that matter?
The last eight and a half years have been tough. On top of dealing with my personal loss, my faith in our government has been repeatedly challenged as I've seen principle discarded in the name of politics and fear. The Obama administration's November decision to choose principle when it came to the 9-11 trials was a breath of fresh air.
If the administration reverses itself now, it would almost be worse than had it made the wrong decision to begin with. Not only will our hopes have been raised only to be dashed, but it would send the message that our principled decisions become expendable when the going gets tough. That is not the legacy I wish for my son.
Friday, March 5, 2010
911 and Moral Standing of America
One year ago, President Obama promised the world and the American citizens to close Guantanamo Bay within a year. The speech was very eloquent and well delivered, thus raisng hope and faith in the American Justice system and simultaneously, restoring the lost dignity of American values. Since then, the victims families have been taken for a ride, an emotinal roller coaster, causing more pain and lost of faith in our government.
Last summer, I was invited to visit Guantanamo Bay and witnessed for myself the disaster it is. A small group of people comprising of the DOD, DOJ and JTF Guantanamo are running the facility miles away from the US mainland. We never got to see the defendants, nor any trial transpired. It was a puppet show, which breeded more dissatisfaction within me at what's going on in the name of the 911 victims: more injustice and revenge. That is the last objective my son, Salman, would have wanted.
I got to meet AG Holder in DC the same summer, and he reassured us that the Guantanamo Bay will be closed and the rule of law will be restored. In other words, federal trilas will be held vs military commissions. It is a very important legal decision which will have everlasting deep impact on our future generations.
At stake is not the legal status of the 5 defendants. At stake is the legal status of aliens vs American: foreign born naturalized US citizens vs American born US citizens. This is what was the criteria of suspicion that was cast on my Salman when 911 happened. A naturalized US citizen, who came to US soil at the tender age of 13-months, when he could neither walk nor talk, was wrongfully called a possible terrorist. A man who gave his life for his fellow citizens was demeaned and humiliated in death. I ask: is this being American or what my Salman did is American? In simple language, the current administration is writing a law by virtue of which, all non-US born citizens will be under the jurisdiction of a separate rule of law from the US born citizens. In other words, if Timothy McVeigh and the person who flew an airplane in the IRS building in Austin, TX last month, commit an act of terrorism, they will not be tried as terrorist.
This is creating a very dangerous precedent.
President Obama is about to blink. About to blink not only on himself, but on the American Constitution, American values and on America's moral standing in the world. Political expediency should never over rule moral integrity. A leader leads along the morally correct path, without fear. Otherwise, he does not deserve to be called a leader.
Last summer, I was invited to visit Guantanamo Bay and witnessed for myself the disaster it is. A small group of people comprising of the DOD, DOJ and JTF Guantanamo are running the facility miles away from the US mainland. We never got to see the defendants, nor any trial transpired. It was a puppet show, which breeded more dissatisfaction within me at what's going on in the name of the 911 victims: more injustice and revenge. That is the last objective my son, Salman, would have wanted.
I got to meet AG Holder in DC the same summer, and he reassured us that the Guantanamo Bay will be closed and the rule of law will be restored. In other words, federal trilas will be held vs military commissions. It is a very important legal decision which will have everlasting deep impact on our future generations.
At stake is not the legal status of the 5 defendants. At stake is the legal status of aliens vs American: foreign born naturalized US citizens vs American born US citizens. This is what was the criteria of suspicion that was cast on my Salman when 911 happened. A naturalized US citizen, who came to US soil at the tender age of 13-months, when he could neither walk nor talk, was wrongfully called a possible terrorist. A man who gave his life for his fellow citizens was demeaned and humiliated in death. I ask: is this being American or what my Salman did is American? In simple language, the current administration is writing a law by virtue of which, all non-US born citizens will be under the jurisdiction of a separate rule of law from the US born citizens. In other words, if Timothy McVeigh and the person who flew an airplane in the IRS building in Austin, TX last month, commit an act of terrorism, they will not be tried as terrorist.
This is creating a very dangerous precedent.
President Obama is about to blink. About to blink not only on himself, but on the American Constitution, American values and on America's moral standing in the world. Political expediency should never over rule moral integrity. A leader leads along the morally correct path, without fear. Otherwise, he does not deserve to be called a leader.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
