Here are some of my thoughts immediately following the terrorist attack on the United States on September 11, 2001:

My Open Letter to America (1)

Democratic Ideology Must Not Be Overcome by Fear of Terrorism

1.  Terrorism must not be tolerated.  This act is undeniably a horrific crime against humanity.  The people who took active roles in making this happen are terrorists and murders, not freedom fighters.  ALL NATIONS, not just the United States, MUST join hands in the effort to bring the perpetrators to international justice as quickly as possible.  All nations are also morally obligated to do what they can to bring an end to terrorist  organizations and any future violence they may cause.  This kind of madness must not be tolerated by any civilized nations.

2.  International conventions and human rights principles must come first.  I would like to urge the U.S. government to show restraint in its effort to bring the perpetrators to justice.  Concern for the safety of innocent civilians is required in every decision making.  Despite its character, the current crisis does not warrant that the American government resorts to unacceptable acts like harassment, kidnap, torture and assassinations.  International conventions and human rights principles must be respected and strictly observed, even when the parties involved are believed to be guilty.  Revenge and rage must not be the dominating force behind any decisions.  I would like to call attention to the words of someone whom I have exceptionally high regard of, Former President Jimmy Carter.  Throughout his presidency, he called on the nation to also be a moral leader of the world, in addition to being just economics and military leader.  This is understandably difficult to do under the circumstance.  But if this tragic crime reduces the United States of America into a bitter, hysterical, and ruthless (or even evil) bully, then the terrorists were successful in their mission.  And the whole world has lost!

3.  Civil liberties must be protected.  The Constitution of the United States is one of the greatest human creations.  It is the guiding light that make this country great.  Fundamental civil rights and traditional American values (including due process of law, freedom of expression and association, equal treatment under law, fair and open trial, presumption of innocence, non-discrimination, ethnic diversity, elected civilian leaders, etc.) are - and for very good reasons - guaranteed to every persons by the Constitution.  The Bill of Rights must be respected, protected, and strictly observed by the government.  The suspects' rights must be protected.  All persons of Middle East origin or Islamic religion must be treated without prejudice.  No unlawful search and seizure and illegal wiretapping should be tolerated.  America must never become a police state or anything even resemblance to it.  Without strict adhering to such rights, this nation is no longer exceptional or even worth preserving.  Defending this country against terrorism must not be at the cost of losing the American way of life.  For if that is the case - and even after America has won the battle - the terrorists have won the war!

4.  The system of Check and Balance must be preserved.  There were very good reasons the Founding Fathers designed the Constitution the way they did to ensure that it is the people, not the government, that has the final say.  The worst consequence of this tragic event to this nation is for the Judiciary to begin yielding to political or social pressure and become rubber stamp.  It is now even more critical that the Judges uphold their Constitutional duties during this emotional time of crisis.  The Legislators, while trying to reflect the will of the people, must also have the courage to express unpopular views when convinced it is right for America.  It is your sacred duty!  Achieving national security at the expense of good governance is the worst consequence of the September 11 attack.

5.  The mandate of democracy and human rights worldwide must be applied consistently.  This is the opportunity for the United States to reflect on its role within the international community and how she can positively contribute to it.  As a champion of democracy and currently the only "real" superpower, American foreign policy is clearly the single most important factor that determine the future course of international landscape.  I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for the U.S. to continue to be fully committed to supporting democracy and human rights worldwide.  America must prove that democracy and human rights are not just propaganda tools used to further its national interests.  Currently, the most visible and most timely place to start is to show to the world that the American government regards the safety and well-being of the Palestinian people to be, without any exception, just as important as the security of the State of Israel.  Based on actual experience, it is obvious this regretfully has not been the case.   The American government's total and unconditional support for Israel has undeniably contributed to the suffering of the Palestinian people.  This is definitely a great place to start repairing American foreign policy and try to become America the American people has been led to believe!

Tawat Ananthothai

14 September 2001

This page was last edited: 01 April 2002

[ [Home] ] [ [Up] ] [ A Tribute to America ] [ America after Sept.11 Attack ] [ The Rape of Palestine ] [ Joint Declaration ] [ Statements by ACLU ] [ Statements by AI ]