Re: [Mpls] backlash in the Muslim community

[Jhpalmerjp]

Molly,

If you need a dark-haired tan guy to go with you, I'm there!  Of course, these same people would probably assume that I was one of the terrorists because of my skin color and we'd have fight on our hands...that is, of course, what they do, and why this is even being discussed.

The sad thing is that we even have to say this.  That a discussion needs to come out about this.  No offense meant to David Strand, but the story he forwarded and the reality presented by Dan Browning, shows just how easily the truth gets twisted, and how easily people buy into a lie.

...and crown thy good, with brotherhood....

Catherine Johnson's email was a good reminder, but why do we have to be reminded?  As Molly said, when Oklahoma City happened, nobody rounded up or attacked White men, why now are we having to be reminded that Muslims, Arab-Americans, etc. are our friends and neighbors.  More to the point, why haven't public officials been stating this.  I may have missed something, but I have yet to see the President down to Minneapolis leaders making this proclamation.  All of this speaks to a larger issue.

Minneapolis has so much diversity, and yet in many regards it remains segregated in many ways.  Bridges are still being built across communities of color, people of color struggle for accurate representation, and in a city that prides itself on a mixing of cultures, we have to remind some people that our neighbors are still our neighbors.  

We have a number of people who will be representing the City come this November, I hope that each is paying attention to the words said about these issues, and paying attention to the need for all communities and cultures to "sit at the table" and be represented rather than just be given lip service.

More importantly, I hope that every person is paying attention and understanding more fully that recognizing, celebrating and defending diversity is everyone's responsibility.

Jonathan Palmer
Stevens Square-Loring Heights

Leadership Does Matter!
www.jonathanpalmer.org