I want to do it so I can still like everyone. So, when I see you IRL, I can be happy and think only of the things I love about you. I do not want my feelings to be clouded by the recent post that I saw that you liked or by an inflammatory video that you posted. And likewise, I do not want you to think badly of me because of my politics.
But before I go, I want to leave with a few things that have been on my mind these last few days.
My husband is a first generation American. His father was born in Tehran, Iran. The last name that I carry is Persian. After 9/11, our family was on a "watch list" when we flew for about a year. Solely because of our last name. This was okay. We all understood. But we could still fly, just with some inconveniences.
My husband would not be here if his father had not been allowed to come to the United States.
The 2000 +/- jobs that had been created in the 27 years of operation of our business would not have happened.
My brother-in-law is also married to a 1st Generation American. Her two parents were both from Iran and came to the United States.
My father-in-law's wife is from Iran and came to the United States fairly recently.
Her son, my other brother-in-law, a respected dentist, is also from Iran.
They all have family still in Iran.
So, when you think it is insignificant that a travel ban is put on Iranians, when you post your ha ha jokes about the ban ruining your summer vacation to Iran, keep in mind that there are real people that have real family in these countries.
And, just a little sidenote, Iran is a gorgeous country. It is one that you would probably actually love to visit on a summer vacation.
Back in the late 70's and early 80's, when relations between Iran and the US were strained, and my husband was just a small boy, someone had spray painted "Nuke Iran" on the side of the neighborhood 7-11. This terrified him. Terrified him that someone would find out that he was Persian. Terrified him that someone out there hated him.
Now we are back to this again.
It breaks my heart that someone might look upon my niece and nephew, that look very Middle Eastern, and hate them or think that they are terrorists.
I recently saw a video that had been making its rounds that featured a large man that seems to be working security in Iraq. In this video, which I admit is compelling, he speaks about how if he left the base in Iraq and went into town, what would happen to him. He says that the Iraqi people that he works with said that he would be killed by the townspeople and beheaded as an example.
He then goes on to make his point, which is why would we let in these same people to the United States. If they would do that to an American in their country, what would stop them from doing it to Americans when they are in the US.
As I said, compelling.
However, his argument doesn't hold water. Look upon the approximate numbers of immigrants from the countries that are on the banned list that are living in the US:
Iran 1,000,000
Iraq 102,000
Syria 143,000
Yemen 20,000
Somalia 85,700
Sudan 49,000
Libya 9,000
And these are just the numbers of the legal people.
So, with all these people already in our country, where are all the beheadings?
Be kind to one another, friends. Don't live in fear. And remember that love always wins.
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