Georgia letters of support

I am sorry and ashamed that Hassan El-Najjar was threatened to the extent he felt he had no recourse but to shut down his web site, Al-Jazeerah Information Center (aljazeerah.info).

I am sorry because his First Amendment rights have been violated and ashamed that our community is so narrow-minded that they would force him into silence. While I do think he raises some valid issues that have been ignored in the media and public discourse.

If our country and the current administration is ever going to seriously take on the issue of Mideast peace, wee are going to have to allow open debate in which all sides are heard. Overthrowing one petty dictator after another only adds fuel to the fire, destabilizes the region, and does not bring the catalyst for real peace in the region.

Arabs watching Al-Jazeera TV and Americans watching Fox news only get biased and one-sided reporting of current events. They see us taking down statues of Saddam Hussain and we see them chanting "Down with America." Any understanding of the long entrenched issues that divide us is crushed by prejudice, ignorance, nationalism, and Christian and Muslim fundamentalism.

We have just liberated Iraq from a cruel tyrant who sought to torture, kill, and silence anyone who challenged him. Are we as Americans going to stoop so low whenever we hear or see something that challenges us? Saddam is gone, we have the bureaucratic behemoth of Homeland Security, Osama bin Laden is still at large, yet American citizens threaten other citizens to the extent their voices are silenced, are afraid for their lives, and their freedom of speech is denied. I don't feel so safe.

Rebecca Rochat

Dalton, Georgia

To the editor of the Daily Citizen of Dalton, Georgia (published 4/24/03)

Terrorism comes in may forms. Terrorists embrace and resort to intimidation, violence, and war. Opinions supporting peaceful resolution to conflicts and the quest for social justice are targets for terrorists. The war on terrorism includes courage to dismiss and ignore threats and not to submit to terrorist demands. The exercise of expressing views against aggression is our only hope in establishing peace, worldwide and nationally. The alternative, and consequence, of remaining silent to our dissention is surrendering of our civil liberties.

Joanne L. Thomas

Dalton, Georgia

To the editor of the Daily Citizen of Dalton, Georgia (published 4/24/03)

How sad that this valuable site for information is denied to those of us who wish to be well informed. It has been a blessing to me. Unfortunately, one must expect this kind of behavior from people who shamed their state and country by their behavior toward Senator Max Cleland.

Dorothy Conley

Dalton, Georgia

To the editor of the Daily Citizen of Dalton, Georgia (published 4/24/03)

When we have lost the freedom to express what we think, then we are on the road from light to darkness and this nation will never see the light again.

Luis Zamors

Dalton, Georgia

To the editor of the Daily Citizen of Dalton, Georgia (published 4/24/03)

There is no freedom in the United States of America. Those that claim there is freedom are delusional and I think this is the way they like it. With real freedom comes a responsibility to be awake and question authority, not follow blindly. The people of the United States of America seem, in the majority, to be sheep, ableit menacing sheep, with a huge collection of weapons of mass destruction (and many personal collections of weapons of minor destruction). With these weapons, they threaten anyone at home or abroad who will not bleat as they do.

Craig Duvois

Dalton, Georgia

To the editor of the Daily Citizen of Dalton, Georgia (published 4/24/03)

It is absolutely un-American that Mr. El-Najjar has been threatened with bodily harm for publishing and expressing views about the war. Feelings both ways have run and continue to be rather hot and heavy. No problem there, but if you can't stand someone else's opinion to the extent that you threaten life and limb, you are a pretty poor excuse of an American citizen.

True, when I served in the US Army, a few on my fellow soldiers fell considerably short of model citizenry, but I'd guess that not a one of the ones I knew would stoop so low. It makes me deeply doubt that most of the culprits in this situation have even served in our military.

And what business does the Dalton State College have in requesting that Mr. El-Najjar remove his link from his College Web Page? The man is simply trying to give students another source for information in very trying times - something a genuine patriot might do.

This smacks of nasty censorship. I can't blame Mr. El-Najjar for suspending his Web site, but it makes me feel sorry for America., when one of its adoptive children cannot freely express legitimate information. Mr. Miller's article was quite good. I wouldn't have responded, if I hadn't felt exceptionally well informed on the topic.

Lee Riskley

Dayton, Ohio (Published in the Daily Citizen of Dalton)

Dear Dr Hassan El-Najjar:

The U. S. Constitutions gives every citizen as well as every immigrant the right of free expression.

Most of us who chose to come to this country did so because it is a free country and one can openly disagree with the government policies unlike many countries from where we came. Because we appreciated this and the opportunity to progress economically, we decided to make this country our home.

America is a great country. The people are great. It's some of the policies of our government we disagree with, which is our fundamental right. This is what made this country GREAT.

We have to work in a positive way to try to change the policy. I wish you start your website and give your thoughts and reasons of disagreement with US policies and let the readers decide and make up their minds. Thanks,

Aladdin Keen

Dalton, GA.

4/23/03

Dr. Elnajjar,

I was very sorry to read today, on your site, that you have decided to discontinue Aljazeerah for a time. I just wanted to let you know that I understand, as I'm sure other readers do, why you have decided to do this. When personal threats are made to a person's well-being, this is the last straw for an attack. People need to learn to focus on issues instead of one individual.

It is very disconcerning to me a student at DSC, to see the way some "superpatriots", as Michael Parenti calls them, are acting. I know that there is a large group of these people, if you can call them that, in my age range and it is very discouraging to see. However, I know of many young people who know the truth and how the media distorts reality and chooses sides. My friends and I support the end of this disastrous war on Iraq and for a peaceful agreement between Israel and Palestine.

In closing, I would like to thank you for all of your hard work and time that was put into your website and I hope for a quick return of Al-Jazeerah.us.

Thank you and peace be with you,

Jessie L. Stiner

Dalton, DSC

4/22/03

Dr. El-Najjar

I am a student at DSC. I have not had the pleasure of taking your class, but I have heard many wonderful things about you and your classes. I just wanted to say that you are a very brave person to do what you have done. In a time of conservative biases, it is promising to see a person stand up for his beliefs so adamantly! I believe that someone needs to translate the First Amendment to some of these ignorant people that are too foolish to understand. You represent what the government is "supposedly" fighting for. FREEDOM! Doesn't it start with freedom of speech? I am sorry for the threats that you have recieved. Just realize that a large group of students are behind you and support everything that you do. Education is the key to tolerance and understanding. Your actions have been inspiring!

Thanks again and keep hope,

Tiffani Caldwell,

Dalton

4/21/03

Thanks for James Head and Thomas Wolfagang Maguire from DSC (Dalton), for their letters of support (4/21/03).

Dear Dr Hassan El-Najjar

Just blame it on the ignorance of those who threatened you. They do not

know any better.

Also blame it on the media's negative coverage, I believe that they are

the primary instigators.

Do not be discouraged.

God will be with you in your relentless search for truth.

Most of freedom fighting, peace loving, educated Americans appreciate

your work and are with you, and they are MANY.

We will be very happy to see your web soon back in order soon.

Good luck

Jamal Awad,

Dalton, Georgia

4/20/03

I just wanted to tell you that I am sorry you have received threats and 
have had to shut down your website.  I fully support freedom of speech and 
only through this expression can we come to an understanding of different 
cultures and perspectives.

Lynda Davis,

Dalton

 4/20/03

Dear Hassan,

I am sorry for the difficult times you are experiencing.  Please try to
remember that while there are many Americans with closed minds and heart,
there are just as many who understand that truth walks on many paths and
they are open and thoughtful when it comes to others' opinions.  We live in
a very provincial portion of the country and it is easy to fall under the
false impression that the narrow mindedness of some represents the majority
who often remain silent.

You are a valued member of the college community and anyone who knows you
knows that you represent one of the many wonderful things about our
country, a person who not by accident of birth but by choice comes here and
loves this country, warts and all.

Take care, be well in your soul.

Sally Addis,

Dalton

4/20/03

Dr. Elnajjar,

I just wanted to express how sorry I am for all the harassment and threats you are having to live with now. I would hope and pray that these people are a small minority of the population around this area of the country. If not, then this country really is in deep trouble.

You certainly have a right to express your opinion about anything, including this country's foreign policy. The problem with this small (I hope) number of people who feel this way is summed up in two words: IGNORANCE & APATHY!

They don't know, and they don't care that they don't know about world events, world opinions, or The Bush administration's motives behind his headlong rush to war. I just wanted to let you know at least this one individual supports your right to your opinions, however unpopular they are with some people.

Good luck & best wishes getting through this rough period. One good thing to remember: the Media Circus as a whole has the attention span of a gnat-they will move on and write about something else tomorrow!

Best Wishes

Jordy Lawson, DSC

Dalton

4/19/03

Dear Sir,

I read the front page of the paper  with sadness this morning.  I am very sorry to
learn that you closed down your website because of threats and pressure.  I find it
so horrible that we are fighting a war "to free the Iraqi people", when we are not
free here in this country.  The problem is logic.  Those who make threats and call
all people who do not agree with their position "unamerican" are operating without
logic in their thinking and find people using logic frightening.  Why would anyone
threaten you unless you are seen as a threat.  

I have never been to your web site, yet your right to say what you wish is just
that--your right.  So many conservatives say very  horrible and offensive things,
yet they have that right as well.  I'm sorry to take up your time, but I felt the
need to send a little support for you.  Not all North Georgians are as narrow minded
as those who threaten you.  

Best Wishes,

Vicky Alt
Cohutta, GA

4/19/03

Professor El-Najjar,

This is just a quick note to say that I am personally outraged and disgusted by the actions of the people who made death threats against you.

I wish I could pass it off as the rantings of a deranged loner, but I fear that instead, this is the work of people who are merely carrying the racist, violent policies to it's logical, personal conclusion.

Be sure that there are members of this community who do not support these horrible actions and threats.

Please be brave and stay with us, as now more than ever our community needs diversity and dissent.

In solidarity,
don jennings
Lafayette, GA

4/19/03

Dear Professor El-Najjar,

I am personally appalled that you felt you had to shut down your website. This country grants its citizens the Freedom of Speech, no matter where they were born. It is one of the things I value most about living in this country.

I am a resident of Ringgold, GA, just a few miles north of Dalton, and the webmaster for Chattanoogans For Peace, www.chattanoogansforpeace.org. If you decide to open your site once again, let me know, and I will add a link to you on my site.

Peace, Milissa Chattanoogans For Peace

Milissa E. Silks

Ringgold

4/19/03

Dear Dr. Elnajjar:

My prayers and support for you and your family in the face of death threats and other calamities. I thank you wholeheartedly for your timely and courageous work in hosting the web-site. I hope that the web-site is back in service soon. Please keep up the good work. Once again, my prayers and thoughts are with you.

Best regards,

Ashfaq Quaraishi

Dalton

4/19/03

Professor Hassan a. Elnajjar,


My daughter, Olivia Motes, took your Class.  Her view of 
the world was broadened, she learned and greatly benefited from your superb 
teaching style and life experiences. 
Olivia called me this evening, quite upset, about an article in our local 
newspaper.


She and I opened  a dialogue  re: American Foreign Policy, the hx of the 
Middle East, and other countries.  I learned from her and I was able to tell 
her information I knew.


Your class, did not in any way ''change'' her basic principles.  Your class 
opened a world outside of the borders, policies, news we hear in America.
Olivia, did not go into detail about the article.


I had to write you.


You are needed to teach students of other cultures.
Thank you for the truthful teaching and planting a seed for further research 
in all areas of cultural differences, reasons for unpopular decisions imposed 
upon other peoples.


You have my complete admiration and support
Please know I will and want to assist you, if you should find the outrageous 
article has a negative affect on you, your career, your family. 
Our college is fortunate to have such a learned man teaching.


Blessings of Peace
Margaret Davis-Rollins
Dalton, Ga.    30721 - 7886

4/19/03

http://www.aljazeerah.info

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