In Memory of Freedom on 911

Fatima Thompson

Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV)
http://www.mpvusa.org

In his Inaugural Address, President Franklin D. Roosevelt said "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001 I was asked to appear on a local radio show and reminded the people of this wise statement. As we approach the 9 year anniversary of this event I hail back to that same statement all over again.

I am an American – baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet (remember that jingle, people?). I am also Muslim. On September 11 with sleep still in my eyes I stared incredulously at the TV as it announced the beginning of the attach on the Twin Towers in NYC, just 1 hour south of where I was living at the time. Once I realized that this was not another made for TV action movie I got into action and did the only thing I could think of doing at that time – I drove to the closest American Red Cross blood donation center and stood in line with hundreds of my fellow Americans hoping that in this small way that I may be able to assist those who would survive the attack.

All of us were victimized that day. Every American, regardless of creed, was victimized that day. Some of us died in the attacks while others grieve the loss of friends and loved ones there. Some of us have been victimized by the fear created in the hearts of Americans by these senseless acts. We have been victims of death threats, bombing attempts, vandalism of our homes and houses of worship, discriminated at schools and jobs and have suffered acts of hostility and violence. The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.

Now, as we approach the 9 year anniversary of the events on September 11, 2001 there is a palpable rise in anguish over the memory of the losses suffered that day. This has been stoked by attention to a community center that includes a mosque that has been planned for construction 2 blocks away from the area referred to as “ground zero”. Protests have been occurring there for weeks. Every pundit has something incendiary to say about it. Just about every print media has published at least one article on the subject. Unfortunately, this is inadvertently serving to deepen the fear that first took root 9 years ago. The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.

Please, let's take a moment to consider some facts. Muslims also died during those attacks. Those attacks were perpetrated by a very small group that has been described even by the non-Muslim as a “lunatic fringe” which, as such, is not representative of the Muslim community at large. Muslim Americans, like me, are appalled and disgusted by the actions of those people and are fiercely patriotic in defense of their country (America) and its values of freedom and liberty for all. In addition to killing innocents those people also have instilled fear in our people which is an infringement on our liberty. The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.

Let's not repeat the actions of those who would instill fear on others. Let's consider the US Constitution and its guarantee for freedom of religion, freedom of worship and freedom of conscience. Let’s unite as Americans and demonstrate those values we cherish in order to allow all to enjoy these freedoms regardless of creed. The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.