By Islam A. Siddiqui
Washington, DC
When I came to this country 40 years ago, I felt
privileged to be educated in a country known throughout the world for its
commitment to democracy, freedom, and best educational institutions. Over
the years, my appreciation grew. I chose to make America my home and start
a family here. I have never regretted that decision, but in the last four
years, our country’s future as a model democracy has been placed in
jeopardy. I support John Kerry and John Edwards because they recognize
that our strength as a country lies in our commitment to upholding our
core American values.
The Bush Administration’s policies have chipped away at
fundamental American principles. The freedoms of religion, speech,
expression and the right to live side-by-side in harmony as American
citizens are being compromised. The controversial enforcement of the
Patriot Act at home and the new doctrine of preemptive war abroad are
reshaping our democracy and how Americans are viewed throughout the world.
It is time to end the “Era of John Ashcroft,” and restore
our civil liberties. John Ashcroft and his Justice Department routinely
deny Arab Americans and Muslim Americans their basic civil rights without
any regard to principles of due process. Rather than rooting out those who
threaten our democracy, this administration has promoted the use of
detentions, investigations, and interrogations based solely on racial
profiling and national origin. It is clear that we cannot live under
another four years of the Bush-Cheney-Ashcroft Administration.
John Kerry and John Edwards recognize that Muslim
Americans are a vital part of the American mosaic. They are determined to
work with Muslims to resolve differences and to promote understanding. As
Muslim Americans, we contribute to our local communities every day --
through our professions as doctors, teachers, engineers, and our roles as
neighbors, parents, and friends. It is crucial that we elect individuals
to the White House who respect and value our contributions to American
society.
Not only has this administration threatened our civil
liberties, it has also proven to be disastrous for our efforts abroad. We
have entered Iraq without a plan to win the peace. We have diverted
resources from Afghanistan and seen an increase in opium production in
areas controlled by Afghan warlords. And, we have seen more Palestinians
and Israelis die than under any other administration in recent history.
The current administration’s misguided policies are
slowly laying a new foundation for the United States, one that is based on
fear, mistrust, and military threats. The time has come for all Americans
to exercise their most fundamental right and responsibility as US
citizens. It is time to go to the polls and vote, so that we can bring
back hope to the country and respect around the world. This election
cannot be about allegiance to a political party, or an individual; it must
be about building a stronger nation. The stakes are too high.
American Muslim and Arab Americans cannot stand by the
sidelines and allow an administration in the White House that will
continue to trample on our civil liberties, destroy our alliances abroad,
and mislead us in Iraq. John Kerry and John Edwards possess the courage
and leadership qualities necessary to restore American values domestically
and internationally.
(Dr. Islam A. Siddiqui served in the Clinton Administration as the Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, US Department of Agriculture)