CELEBRATING OREGON'S AANHPI COMMUNITY ALL YEAR LONG

As we grieve the loss of life at the Islamic Center of San Diego and also herald the heroism of security guard Amin Abdullah, we are reminded of the bitter truth that words of bigotry and hate have lethal consequences. The current Administration has lied about Muslim Americans and their faith repeatedly, throwing gas on an atmosphere already aflame with animus toward Americans of Middle Eastern descent. When the government of the United States beats a daily drumbeat about the dangerous otherness of Muslims, it does so knowing that there are those who will act on this propaganda with violence. It is unconscionable. 

Muslim Americans are Americans, just as Catholic Americans and Buddhist Americans are. They are here because of America's great promises: freedom of expression and speech; freedom of religion; freedom to pursue happiness and a better life; the freedom of self-definition and a pluralistic society. The bigots and racists cannot erase the truth: Muslim Americans are an important thread in the fabric of this country. They carry a heritage of some of the greatest civilizations in human history, and they make our citizenry richer. We are not who we are without them.

No one should be afraid to practice their faith. No one should be afraid to gather in shared community. That is the fight - to protect the great promise of America for everyone - and we have to use our strength to protect vulnerable communities, lift them up, and constantly remind them that they belong. Because they do. Because we are all Americans. Because our nation is an intricate and extraordinary tapestry made up of the world's people. You belong.