LETTERS OF SUPPORT
Here are some positive e-mails sent by the general public to Sikhnet in relation to Hate crimes and violence against Sikhs. These are just some of the hundreds of e-mails that people have sent showing their support to the Sikh community.
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I was referred to your site by a young man at the Taj of India Restaurant in Indianapolis, Indiana to view the story of the Golden Temple. In exploring the site, I received needed enlightenment about your religion. But I was saddened to read the discussions about site members reactions to our national tribulation this week and the details of the horrible hate crime against one of your brothers.
So often in America, we have lashed out against those who are "different". Many groups have been targeted through out our history - blacks, women, Jews, Japanese, Irish, Catholics, Muslims, interracial couples, gays, liberals - and many others. Even those who themselves have been victims of bigotry and should have known better have shown hatred to other groups "different" than they. And all this has happened in a land that stands for tolerance and freedom! This dichotomy has existed since our country began and obviously continues today. But you must remain steadfast.
Those who show hatred to you now are a sad minority whose only power is gained in putting down others. We cannot let their dark views prevail.
I am sorry you are have to fight for acceptance. And I am sorry so many Sikhs are living in fear. My prayers are with you and your families for your safety and well-being.
We must all be in charge of our own anger and fears. While each of us alone cannot fight the injustice and hatred in America and in the World, each of us fighting our individual battles against ignorance and evil with hope and tolerance and patience will together win the war and bring peace to ourselves and others.
The Sikh credo of truthful living and a striving to see beyond differences to work for peace and harmony is just what we as a nation need now. Please remain strong in your faith. Please do not change who you are or how you look in reaction to the hatred of another. If you do, the bigot wins and then we will all lose.
- Laura
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I would like to express my support for the American Sikh community in light of recent events. I hope that the recent spat of hate-attacks comes to anend. Surely, if the American people start turning on each other, the terrorist will have achieved an even greater victory then the sickening murder of thousands of innocents. I think of you all in these trying times. In New Zealand we have an expression - Kia Kaha: be strong in adversity.
James Munro
Wellington, New Zealand
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I would just like to say that, although some people are backlashing and irrationally targeting people based soley on what they look like, most people support you, are concerned for your saftey, and are praying for you. I feel so sad that so many innocent people have to feel so scared and unsafe. I am among the many who want to extend my love and prayers to you.
Peace.
-Sarah
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I'm not quite sure how I want to go about saying this, so I'll come out and say it before I back-peddle any more. I'm sorry for the rampant hate crimes towards your people that have cropped up (more) since Tuesday's unfortunate tragedy. I'm not sure why it is that I feel guilty... Maybe its because based on appearance alone I look very much like the stereotypical 20-something, that according to many un-enlightened people and media groups, Americans are suppose to look like. Weather or not you are Americans (1st, 2nd, or 3rd generation...or more) it makes no difference, which I'm sure you're more than aware of.
As somebody who grew up being the last one picked for teams on the schoolyard, I can't even begin to understand the fear, hatred, and missunderstandings that have plagued you throughout your lives. All I can offer is my apology. I am sorry.
I would like to learn more about your beliefs if you could share. I can be reached at this Email address.
Thank you for you time,
Jeremiah Foglesong
Jones Radio Network
Producer-John Hendricks Overnight
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I just want to reach out and apologize for the attacks that you are now having due to the attack on the World Trade Center and Pentagon on Tuesday. One day I hope our world can let people worship their own God or Gods without retaliation. The USA was founded on religious freedom. We are the great American melting pot with people from every country in the world. A people shouldn't be attacked because of looks or ideas. We are all in this together. We are not Muslams, Christians, or Baptist but we are Americans. We live here, we work here, we love here. My hand and heart goes out to you in these trying times, and I hope not all hope of a greater America is dispealed my somes unpresidented bigotry. Just to let you know not all Americans are like that but in actuallity they are few and far between but it seems they are the only ones that get recognition. Peace be with you.
Love, Les Caskey age 34
Morehead, KY
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My heartfelt condolences to you and your community on having some of our ignorant and enraged countrymen target some Sikhs for senseless retaliation in the wake of last week's atrocity. With each new report of hate-violence, I grow more ashamed of my fellow Americans. Not for their anger, which I cannot begrudge them, but for their complete lack of knowledge of other (non-western) cultures and religions.
Fear is based on the unknown. I applaud your organization for taking this opportunity to, as much as is possible, educate the masses of ignorant Americans about your religion and culture, and I urge you not to give up that effort, even in the face of such disappointing circumstances. Having had a Sikh neighbor as a child, I am blessedly familiar and have nothing but respect for the teachings you follow.
Peace and strength
-josh
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I want to express my sympathy to the Sikh community in the wake of the attacks they have suffered in the past week. There are those who are unable to see past a scarf, or the color of one's skin. These people are un-American and I can only say I'm sorry that any Sikh would have to endure hardship from these people. For that matter, it matters not what the
nationality or religion of the person is, this kind of action should not be taken against anyone. I remember the attacks on Iranian students when I was
in college during the 1980's, and this reminds me of those tragic times once again...
-Phil Jackson
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The last week has made me reflect on who i am. i never thought of myself as patriotic. i want to move to canada, not only because of the great beauty, but also because i disagree with a lot of the ways of the u.s government. on tuesday, i found i am more patriotic and greatful to live in such a wonderful, free country, full of people willing to help each other. unfortunately, it generally comes in times of trial and hardship, but pulling together none the less. that made me proud. since then, i have been sickened by the ignorance of some americans. attacks and threats on other americans, because of their race, puts them in the same catagory as the terrorists who attacked america on tuesday. i believe those who show this racism deserve the same punishment as the other terrorists. i want to apologize. as you know it is a select few, just as tuesday's terrorists. instead of all americans pulling together, it is hard to unify if there are some who don't want to. i wish everyone everywhere will put an end to this. i am saddened by the events taken place this past week, external as well as internal attacks on americans. be proud of who you are, don't fear man. and may
whatever God we believe in, bless you and all americans at this time, and may he soften the hearts of those who persecute.
sincerely,
jared feichtenbeiner-franson
salt lake city, utah
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Hello, I just finished reading a CNN report about the murder of the Sikh man in Arizona, and the other subsequent hate crimes. This is just a brief letter of support and brotherhood from one random person to you and all Sikhs that have felt, and may still feel, the irrational wrath of some ignorant Americans. My prayers go out to you, and to all of us, at atime when the only reasonable response between individuals is that of Love.
I hope that anyone reading this will recognize that beyond religion and identity, there are millions of us moving about the planet seeking ways of directing our species back to the path of Love. The past week's events are only shocking to those of us insulated in the U.S., and the only healing path for the world's woes is through Love, even in the smallest of gestures. I hope you'll take this note as one of those gestures.
Steven P. West
Vermont
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I am anthropology graduate student in Michigan and I wanted to tell you how great your website is.
I just read an article on cnn.com about hate crimes. The other graduate students and I and even faculty were hoping that wouldn't happen. It's unfortunate what uneducated, close minded people can do, and I truly apologize for their ignorance.
I wish I could do more to help end hate crimes. The only thing I can do to help is to promise not to practice any ethnocentric, racist acts or ideas.
I'm sorry this letter is so unorganized and unprofessional. I have a lot of emotional distress right now and I am having a hard time expressing it. I just wanted you to know that there are a lot of educated people out there that can distinguish the many unique characteristics of the world's many different cultures' and are appalled at the stupidity of some people.
Once again, your website is wonderful. One of our graduate students and a faculty member are studying Sikh custom's and they thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thanks, Sarah Younker
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As a fellow American, please allow me to apologize for the ignorance of many among us. I have read too many accounts of violence against Americans who are Sikhs, and I am embarrassed and saddened by those accounts.
Please know that for every expression of ignorance, there are 10 people praying with you for the healing of our country. May God bless each of you.
-Alexis Wilson
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To whom it may concern: I wish to thank the Sikh community here in the United States and abroad for their prayers and support in the wake of last week's tragedy.
I also wish to express my sympathy and outrage over the mis-directed assaults on those of your community and the horrible attack resulting in the death of Balbir Singh Sodhi in Arizona.
Jonathan A. Koppel
27 Southgate Road
Loudonville, NY 12211
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To Whom it May concern, I just wanted to offer support in light of the recent horrible attacks on members of your community. I believe, and hopefully you do to, thatit is only a small fraction of americans who would react to the recent tragic events in this country but attacking innocent people simply because they bare a resemblance to the suspected perpetrators. Stay strong and remember that the United States is truly a country of tolerance and acceptance. If I ever bare wittness to any person of middle-eastern origin, or any other nationality for that matter, being harrassed unfairly, I promise I will intervene. We can not let ignorant and hateful people scar the image of this free country.
Take Care Sincerely,
Shannon McKinney
Houston, TX
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Please, I would like to apologize for those driven by their fear & anger to violence against people of your faith!
Unfortunately, and even though I wish it were otherwise, there are foolish, angry, and violent people in all countries who will use situations & events as excuses for their actions. Scared, closed-minded, cowardly people see any difference as a threat, but please be assured that the majority of Americansare not such people!!
I hope that all Americans will calm down & realize that such actions against fellow humans make us no different than those responsible for the horrendousdestruction and death on Tuesday that we all abhor.
Please, accept my condolences for the loss of Balbir Singh Sodhi and for the violence against others of your faith! Please, take care and try not to judge the many by the actions of a few! I am also sending e-mails to the networks to hopefully encourage them to stress understanding and nonviolence toward ALL Americans and specifically toward American Shikh.
Sincerely, Belynda
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I would like to send my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Balbir Singh Soghi for his tragic death. In these times of distress, I am afraid that some of the less educated "red-necks" of our country feel that random violence is allowed. I just want to say that the vast majority of us find these random acts against innocent individuals as unconscionable as the attacks on the WTC and Pentagon.
The vast majority of us understand that the terrorist attacks were caused by political extremists against America and that this is not a Muslim vs Christian, Arab vs America, or even a true Holy war as the terrorists would like us to believe. Some of us also know the differences between Sikhs and Muslims. I have friends that are Muslim and some who are Indian who are no less my friends now than they were last week. I hope that the rest of America will learn to understand this and to understand that "Americans" includes those people from countries such as India and the Middle East.
Again, my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Sodhi and a hope that we can all find peace and love in our lives.
-Michael Bloss
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I understand that your faith has experienced backlash due most recently from the events of last Tuesday. I am angered at the people that have used this event to justify any action againt you. The USA was born out of religious persecution. I am a memeber of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, commonly known as the Mormons. We were driven west because of religious persecution. When I read about the murder of Balbir Singh Sodhi in Mesa, AZ, I was sickened. Please know that the majority of your fellow americans do not feel this way. Obviously Francisco Roque had a posoinous hate in him before Tuesday's events and this makes him no better than the terrorists.
I wish that there was more I could do or say to insure your safety, but, as we all know, we live in a dangerous world. Just remember, you are a peacefull caring people, like most people are, and that you should hold your head high and be proud of who you are.
Your fellow American,
-Michael Griffin
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Just e-mailing to say that I and many Americans are deeply saddened and angered by the tragic killing of Balbir Singh Sodhi in Phoenix AZ. It is as horrific as the senseless terrorist killings on Tuesday. Both were motivated by ignorance, racism and hate. Our heartfelt apologies and prayers go out to your people and any others who have suffered unjust harassment and persecution from "Americans" as a result of the terrorist attacks. I put "Americans" in quotes, as in my opinion, anyone who conducts such an act is un-American. Please realize that the vast majority of Americans believe that these evils have been brought upon us by a radical minority, that is not representative of Islam as a whole, and certainly not affiliated in any way with the Sikh community or Hindu religion. We stand with you to prevent harassment of your people. America's strength is it's diverse people from all over the globe, and our ability to bring the best of our unique cultures together. We need to stand strong together as fellow Americans regardless of origin, race, or religion. Again...we share your grief.
Sincerely,
-Brian Nichols
Fellow American
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Greetings! Having just read an article about the terrible attacks, verbal abuse and, unfortunately, killings, that have taken place in the US against some in your community, I wanted to tell you that I am aghast but not surprised. The same people who do these types of things express their hate mongering to all types of groups. Due to last week's events, your group is the latest. It is their lack of intelligence and understand that permits them to live the kind of lives they do. People like this are always looking for someone to blame for their troubles.
I want you to know how sorry I am, as an American, that people like this live in our country. Please know that they do not represent the majority of Americans who believe in the "rule of law" and who do not take out their frustrations on fellow human beings. While my comments do nothing to change their behavior, please know that you have support. Stay safe.
-Rita
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To whom it may concern, I found your web address in a CNN.com article and wanted to tell you how sorry I am for the attacks on innocent people. I cried reading about the people attacked simply for looking like they might be Arabs. It broke my heart. No one in our country should be subjected to such hatred. Please accept my apology on behalf of my country. The United States was made great by the diversity of cultures.
With my deepest sympathy,
Liz Gershon
Nathan Gershon
Eric Gershon
Scott Gershon
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Please do not take the few misguided hatred Americans views as views from all Americans. On behalf of those that know better, I offer my aplogies to you, your people and your religion.
Although there are many religions from across the world and I myself do not practice any religion, I do realize it is important to practice whichever religion that a person wants, that is what is known as "Freedom of Religion". By having ignorant people who have not studied other forms of religion or attack others simply based on the stereotype of another is "intolorable" and peoples of the world should not have to stand for it There are members of your religion here in my city who operate a local gas station and if they require my services, they have it. I have known 2 of the workers for a period of 1 year and 2 other workers for a period of 4 years and like other people of the world, I treat them with the same respect that they have given me. The attack on the WTC and the Pentagon was not an attack on just the American people, but an attack on all peoples of all nations and this form of terrorism must not and will not be accepted. In addition, an attack on a form of religion and their followers falls into the same catagory and will not be tolorated. Remember.....one of the hardest things to fight is ignorance.
Sometimes we must be a little understanding but not to the point where your lives could be put in danger.
Peace be with you in this trying time.
Sincerely,
Richard C. Schwaberow
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Good Morning, It is with deep sadness I have read about the attacks on your community. While I am as angry as any American about the horrifying events of last week, it is inexcusable for anyone to target you because of how you look or your religious beliefs. I want you to know there are many Americans who abhor the attacks you have faced. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
God Bless You.
Edward Crew
Assistant Vice President
City National Bank
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Dear Sikh Brothers and Sisters,
I'm a Hindu by birth. My family has tremendous regard and respect for the Sikh community. The sacrifices and contributions that the community has made to our India is unparallelled. At this time would like express my solidarity with all of you and I pledge that I will do everything in my power to protect innocent Sikhs from any backlash. May God be with us all.
How much is an hour of your time worth? Work An Hour for the children of India
http://www.workanhour.com
Sudarshan Setlur
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I wept as I read of the Sikh gentleman who was killed in Arizona. Being a Black woman, I understand about being judged by one's appearance. This country is still reeling from the shock of last week's tragedy, and emotions have been expressed in many different ways. The Attack on American took a heavy toll not only in lives lost, but on the living too...not just in this country, but the entire world.
The crimes that are being committed against Sikhs, and others of Middle Eastern heritage, are crimes of hate and of ignorance. People fear what they do not understand or anything that is different. Those commiting these crimes have never taken the time to get to know or understand their neighbors or co-workers. Had Africa, Israel or China been suspected of committing this heinous crime against the United States, Blacks, Jews and Asians would be targets. It matters not to these close minds where you are from, only how you look.
Please know that the sickness of hatred is not felt by all. We are all in this together, because only together can we prevail.
I pray no more innocent lives are lost.
Be well and be safe.
God Bless America.
Felicia Reevers
Battle Creek, Michigan
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I don't quite know what to say, how do you express feelings, most of which I don't fully understand? I am a white male, in rural central California. Most people would accuse me of being a "red-neck", I suppose I am. I am often intollerant of people that are different, probably out of fear and ignorance more than anything else. I am a Christian, though I am not active in any church.
And I am an American, as are you. What I suppose I am trying to say is that we are all shocked by the recent events, all of us. I offer my support, friendship, and understanding to you. I will stand by you as a brother, and ask nothing in return. I appologise for those in our society that blame everyone wearing a turban for the terrorism. But let it be known, that there is at least one person who will not tolerate agression toward you. This short letter does not do justice to my feelings but it is the best that I can come up with for now.
Very Sincerely,
Kevin Cole
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As a native-born American of European descent, I think I speak for most Americans when I say I'm glad there's a thriving Sikh community here in the United States. I was horrified to hear of the gas station owner shot to death in Arizona. Please believe me that every American I know would denounce such a stupid, ignorant act. This is your country as much as it is mine, and I hope the day will soon come when ALL Americans, not just the vast majority, realize this wonderful fact.
Peace to you and all Americans.
Brad Fels
St. Louis, Missouri
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To all my Sikh friends,brothers,sisters,family,I express my profoundest regrets and condolences on the loss of an innocent man's life ,killed in confusion,anger and hatred by a terribly misguided fool.
God knows that Sikhs are not muslim fanatics....! It is the worst ignorance that someone could mistake Sikhs for muslims.I have dear friends in the Sikh comunity that I have always cherished as honest,hard-working,decent people with the high standards of humanity,generous,lively and warm. I am in tears as I write this,how could any more innocent people be victimised after this insane tragedy in New York?
As a Buddhist I am wrenched with confusion,how to deal with muslim fanatics who wish to destroy everything good in the world,how to stop them,and how to differentiate them from other muslims...if someones' holy books preach destruction of "idolators",how are we Buddhists and Hindus,or for that matter all non-muslims,supposed to accept this.
I will do my utmost to clarify among anyone that seems to NOT know,what a Sikh is,and how they are absolutely NOT the people involved in terrorism.
God bless and comfort all in the Sikh community,my love and solidarity is with you all.
Alan Suits in Santa Fe.
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Hello, I wish to convey my concern about the possible racial attacks on Sikhs in America. I am a white man living in Canada. When I was a young boy I lived in the northwest end of Toronto. A few Sikhs started to filter in and settle. Of course, these people were a curious sight for me because of their turbans and dress. In the years that followed thousands of Sikhs moved into my area and settled. The area in which I live is now dominated by Sikhs.
What have I learned over these years? I have learned a deep respect for all humans regardless of differences. Sikhs have made a tremendous contribution to my country and community.
I am proud to say that my Member Of Parliament (equivalent to an American Senator) is the first turban-wearing Sikh ever elected to our government. The last Premier (equivalent to an American Governor) of the province of British Columbia was a Sikh. Our Prime Minister has a Sikh in his cabinet.
I am not a religious man, but my thoughts are with Sikhs and Muslims who may be the victims of ignorance. Fortunately, I believe Canadian Sikhs have no fear of such bigotry. While we are not a perfect country, tolerance is a part of being Canadian.
Sincerely,
Des Cairns
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Hello... I understand that the entire Sikh community is deeply saddened by that tragic events of last week. I am also hearing about bigoted responses from some Americans. For what it is worth.....not all of us who are not Sikh, feel as if the Islamic world is to blame for the attacks on our country. I for one cherish the diversity we have in this country, and would gladly fight to defend our right to be a part of that diversity. The Sikh community has for many, many years been a valuable contributor to our society. I am appalled and ashamed by the shallow-minded and hateful actions taken by someof my fellow Americans toward the Sikh-American population.
Please accept my humblest condolences. Not all of us are bigots....
-Jay Wilson
Lucent Technologies
Corporate Systems Engineering
Lucent Technical Advantage Group
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I am a Christian living in San Francisco. I have been sickened this last week by the hate crimes which have been committed against Muslims and Sikhs, no doubt by people who consider themselves to be Christian. For what its worth, we are not all like that. Just as Muslims have been the victims of extremists committing acts in the name of their faith, so have Christians. I pray for the safety of all people who either are Muslim or Sikh, or merely "look" like it. Thanks to our wonderful media, everyone seems to think they know what a terrorist looks like. Did we not just execute a white man with a crew cut for being a terrorist? I apologize on behalf of all us "others" - the ones who don't wear turbans, or pray in a mosque, or wear scarves or veils. I am ashamed of my fellow Americans.
Julia Jackson
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I just read how your people are being targeted with hate. I am so sorry -
Here these guys were, right in this country, living beside us - and then they turned right around and horribly murdered our family, friends andneighbors - even little children. So now all Moslems are being typecast as terrorists by some people, and anyone who looks like any of the terrorists in the pictures on the news is perceived as being a part of this network of terrorists. Now fear - and rage - are making some people do stupid things, no better than what those terrorists did even though on a smaller scale. Hate is hate, cruelty is cruelty, murder is murder. Small or large scale, it's the same. We humans never seem to learn from the past.
I don't imagine the New York and Washington DC attacks will be the only attacks on the United States. Already it sounds like our wonderful FBI and the rest of the intelligence people have foiled some additional plans. But they can't be everywhere all the time. If more attacks do happen, there will be more fear, and more rage, and probably more stupidity. I feel helpless.
First, I pray that the Lord will protect your people from all harm.
Our Bible teaches that "all things work for good for those who trust the Lord and are called according to His purpose". Second, I pray that youwill find a way to turn these horrible things for good - by reaching out to your good neighbors, and by using this press coverage to educate the American public as to what you are all about.
Please don't make the same mistake and typecast all Americans as reactionary idiots. We are all afraid, but most of us are looking to help and protect ourselves and our fellow human beings from further harm.
God bless and protect you all - and God bless and protect the United States of America.
Pamela R. Agnew
Human Resources Information Systems Specialist
Human Resources Office, Policy and Strategic Initiatives Section
US Geological Survey
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