Why I Support
John Kerry
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)
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