" ... And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.
" Ultimately, before we are Republicans, Democrats or Independents, we are Americans." Aim for healing letter in the Detroit Free Press by Sherri Muzher http://www.freep.com/article/20081105/OPINION04/811050407/1072
"As a proud American of Arab decent, I take strong exception to Senator John McCain's suggestion that somehow, to be decent, to be a good American, you can't be an Arab as well. Arab Americans have been loyal citizens of this nation for over 150 years and have served in every war this country had to fight. They have been loyal citizens serving with exceptional commitments in all areas of human endeavour whether it is in the arts, sciences, commerce, space and the continual enrichment of the spiritual and moral foundations of America. We pride ourselves on nurturing strong and wholesome families who are driven to excellence in education, self-reliance and good citizenship." McCain and Arabs letter in Al Ahram (newspaper published in Cairo since 1875) by Aref Assaf http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2008/920/letters.htm "Obama can turn over this page of mutual misgivings and bridge the chasm between the West and the Muslim world. He can create a blueprint to solve the intractable Arab-Israeli conflict and bring a lasting peace to the turbulent Middle East. He can help deepen respect for the sovereignty of states and the compliance with international laws....Obama can succeed in redeeming the American heritage of tolerance, equity and justice." Obama Ascends letter in the International Herald Tribune by Munjed Farid Al Qutob http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/11/05/opinion/edlet.php
Now is not the time to be cynical- now is the time to do all we can to work for positive change. To take responsibility for our own part in shaping a more productive conversation to help produce better polices and better investments (both foreign and domestic) here there and everywhere.
And today, I reminded of an effort this year by the Elders http://www.theelders.org/elders/ to have The Universal Declaration of Human Rights taken more seriously, not only on an international level- but on an individual level.
The Elders, a group launched by Nelson Mandela in 2007, are asking individuals and organizations around the world to join together in standing up for human rights:
"2008 is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 60th anniversary. It's time for a global conversation about human rights and the values that unite us as one human family. But it can also be a time when each of us chooses to take human rights into our daily lives, by joining a powerful people network."
I wish to take responsibility for upholding the goals of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in my daily life and in my community. I will do my best to speak out to protect the freedom and rights of others in my community.
I affirm the following principle: “Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.”
I believe Every Human Has Rights.
One wish I have is that the Elders- and everyone else worldwide- would make it more of a priority to respect Palestine- and the Palestinian refugees inalienable legal, natural and moral right to return to original homes and lands.
The Palestinians have been harshly oppressed, cruelly tormented and essentially ignored for decades... it really is time to FREE PALESTINE in every possible way.
Free the people- free the land- free the story...
Start with FULL respect for true return.
To reiterate for the umpteenth time:
FREEDOM & RETURN: A Rights Based Solution to building a just and lasting peace in the Middle East ... Not just the return (al-awda) of the refugees, but also a return to the rule of law and respect for human rights: For more than five decades Palestinian refugees and internally displaced have struggled for a solution to their plight based on UN resolutions and international law, including the right to voluntarily return to their homes and lands of origin from which they were displaced/expelled during wars in 1948 and 1967 and due to other Israeli policies of forced eviction, deportation, etc....
In celebrating Obama's victory we can and should celebrate all those who are right now this very minute busy overcoming HUGE challenges that might seem unsurmountable:
Celebrate and support every cultural event and effort that helps remind us of our humanity and our shared history as time and time again proves that underneath it all we are one community constantly redefining how best to navigate a very modern complex world.
Celebrate potential- and Palestine.
Be the change you want.
Help grow another garden for Palestine where ever you might be.
"“Nobody can force us to hate ... We refuse to be enemies.” That’s what Amal Nassar, Zaher’s sister, told the BBC when it reported ...
