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Year end Message
My fellow Americans,
As the end of 2009 approaches I’d like to take a moment to reflect upon the world we will hand to our future generations. The task can be disheartening with a perilous world full of terrorism, climate crisis, and ongoing wars that weaken our nation’s economy, soul, and international perception. 2009 has brought us a plethora of problems both foreign and domestic that beg for intervention on a national scale. Perhaps the greatest problem lies within our decidedly un-American attitude towards a solution. That we as a nation are inextricably linked to a violent and fearful future is a myth perpetuated by the apathy of good men and women.
We have been a proud nation. A nation born of a cry for liberty that spurred a revolution, pitting ordinary men and women against a mighty empire thought to be invincible. A nation that put a man on the moon and demonstrated what our brightest minds are capable of when called in service of country. We the people developed technology powering global communication changing the future of business, entertainment, and education forever. We pioneered the charge for a global ban on CFC emission products when the shrinking ozone layer placed our children’s Earth in jeopardy. We have marched for women’s rights, immigrants rights, for our gay and lesbian brother’s and sister’s rights, and have told our stories of struggle to some of the most empathetic people of the world, Americans. We have paid a precious cost, sacrificing in the name of freedom, the lives of our sons and daughters who stepped forward to protect the noble ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness around the globe. That the American spirit is strong, with a healthy disregard for the impossible, unfettered by dissenting voices, and capable of inspiring the world is no surprise.
Yet the evil doers of the world will continue to conspire. As time passes they shall become larger in number, more sophisticated, and capable of inflicting more harm upon us. To counter this we have at our disposal a power so awesome it exceeds the might of our astonishing military arsenal. We have our people; not just any people, Americans. We are a nation as diverse as the race of humanity itself. Through education and socialization our cultures, beliefs, personalities and differences are being accepted in cities, suburbs, and neighborhoods across the land. We are weaving the fabric of community and at no time in the history of our proud country has such a power been more urgently needed.
In 2010 my wish is for a renewed commitment to hope. To the idea that we can be the change we seek. To the notion that America ’s ideals ring true in our country and freedom is not just a dream, but a responsibility. Let us show the world in the New Year that the strength of our nation lies not in the reach of our bombers but in the hearts of our people. That the will of those who choose hate and fear over love and understanding is outmatched by a country conspiring in the name of peace. Let such a vision serve as an open call for help.
We need you, America . We need your voices, your beliefs, your hopes, and your dreams to coalesce with ours in a chorus that proclaims our ability to shape the arc of history. We need to draw upon the overwhelming commonality between us and celebrate the diversity that makes us unique. We need support for organizations dedicated to this kind of community building that nourishes our strength with solidarity. We have this eve, a chance to change the world and we need only step out of our quiet anonymity to act as ambassadors for our cultures and faiths to embrace the country we can be, together.
Love and peace,
Samina Sundas
Founding Executive Director
American Muslim Voice Foundation
www.amuslimvoice.org
December 31, 2009
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