THE ETHNIC HOOSIER
��.��25 September 2001
�Extra�
edition for members of the Nationalities Council of Indiana
- The
Nationalities Council of Indiana is in a unique situation following the
events of 11 September in New York City and outside Washington, D.C. We
represent the immigrant �face� of Indiana because we include � by design
-- people from every corner of the earth. We are living, physical evidence
that this city, state and nation were created by and continue to be
enriched by the men, women and children who chose to come here and join in
our common quest for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Many of
us are the descendants of those who came here in years past. Many of us
are newly arrived -- Americans by choice, not accident of birth. When terrorists
target America, they target us.
- We
deplore the terrorist actions of those who declare America to be the enemy
of Islam. How can that be, when many of us are both Muslim and
American? (When Osama bin Ladin calls upon Pakistani Muslims to wage war upon
Americans, he is asking them to wage war on their relatives in the United
States.) We cannot stand by and watch; we need to fashion an appropriate
response to these actions.
- Three
methods come to mind at this point in the national debate. Plan to attend
the next Council meeting (7 p.m. 8 October in the Athen�um � as always) so
that we can discuss 1) a letter-to-the-editor campaign, 2) statements
reflecting our concerns (examples: racial profiling at airports and the
demonization of� �Middle
Easterners�) to be proposed for discussion at the next Race Relations
Leadership Network meeting on 12 October, and 3) ways to incorporate our
beliefs about the role of immigration in America into the upcoming
International Festival.
- Speaking
of which, we need to be sure that we have wide representation at
the festival � including groups that haven�t been involved in several
years (such as the Pakistan American Friendship Association and others
from Muslim majority countries). Those of you with friends in these groups:
take the time to extend a personal invitation both for the next Council
meeting and for the festival.
- Although
The Ethnic Hoosier newsletter goes to all who are interested, this �extra
edition� was prepared only for NCI members.
Susan McKee
President
Nationalities Council of Indiana