Gen. Colin Powell offered a role model for my children - Letter from a Muslim parent

[RamboLiberal]

For a minute, I could not believe someone actually said it.

When Gen. Colin Powell endorsed Barack Obama for president, he said something I’ve been waiting to hear for the past two years. Powell said he’s been disappointed by senior leadership in his own party who accuse Obama of being a Muslim, when he has repeatedly said he is not. But then, Powell took the next step. He said, and so what if he was?

And then he reminded us of an American hero:

I feel strongly about this particular point because of a picture I saw in a magazine. It was a photo essay about troops who are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. And one picture at the tail end of this photo essay was of a mother in Arlington Cemetery, and she had her head on the headstone of her son’s grave. And as the picture focused in, you could see the writing on the headstone. And it gave his awards–Purple Heart, Bronze Star–showed that he died in Iraq, gave his date of birth, date of death. He was 20 years old. And then, at the very top of the headstone, it didn’t have a Christian cross, it didn’t have the Star of David, it had crescent and a star of the Islamic faith. And his name was Kareem Rashad Sultan Khan, and he was an American. He was born in New Jersey. He was 14 years old at the time of 9/11, and he waited until he can go serve his country, and he gave his life.

When Powell asked whether a seven-year-old Muslim American should be allowed to believe he may grow up to become president, it hit close to home. My six-year-old has been fascinated by this election. She can’t wait until she can come along to watch me vote. She and my son are third-generation Muslim Americans. Gen. Powell offered a role model for them:

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It just so happens that both my children have my last name — Sultan — as their middle names and their father’s surname — Khan. And, as they get older and are bound to hear some of the hate speak against Muslims that regularly is spewed on conservative radio and television or watch a hate-filled DVD mailed to our home, I can show them another story. They have an example of someone who shares their family name and their religious heritage who is a true American hero. Thank you Colin Powell, thank you Mr. and Mrs. Khan, and most of all, thank you Spc. Kareem Rashad Sultan Khan, 1987 - 2007. May God bless you.

http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/parents-talk-back/parents-talk-back/2008/10/gen-colin-powell-offered-a-role-model-for-my-children/





A lot of us will forever remain angry at how Colin Powell sold his soul during the years of the Bush Administration. But at least this was a resonating moment in American political history this morning when he spoke so eloquently against the Republican party and those in that party that spread hatred and racism based on ideology, skin color and religion.

[Joe the Liberal]

1. Truly Inspiring story.

:patriot:

[DainBramaged]

2. Wow

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

[Kajsa]

3. Thank You!

Spc. Kareem Rashad Sultan Khan should be getting the attention
Joe the Plumber gets!

Thanks for a great OP.

:) :patriot:

[ClarkUSA]

4. What Gen. Powell said today is reverberating across the Middle East right now as well.

I am sure there are hundreds of millions of Muslims everywhere who are very grateful - and amazed by - Powell's remarks.
Let the healing begin.

[invictus]

5. K&R

[greenmutha]

6. K&R

I hope this story inspires others too.

[myrna minx]

7. K&R n/t

[malik flavors]

8. K&R

[Veruca Salt]

9. This made me cry all over again!

:cry:

No matter what animosity people still feel of Powell, he said the right thing at the right time. We've needed it due to all the nuts out there at the McFalin rallies spewing their hate. I've been waiting to hear someone with such standing say what he said.

[scarletwoman]

10. Thank you posting this beautiful letter. k&r (nt)

[crazy_vanilla]

11. the picture of the mourning mother is the Pieta of the 21st century

As a mom, I can't help but feel what she feels :cry:

http://www.romaviva.com/Vaticano/pieta-michelangelo_eng.htm