From The Seattle Times:
AS we mark the fifth anniversary of that fateful day of Sept. 11, 2001, which changed our world, I remind myself once again that we cannot go back to the pre-9/11 America but we can build a better and more conscious America.
As a Pakistani-Muslim immigrant American, it is this thought that gives me hope in spite of untrustworthy political leaders, increasing racism, and the current cycle of violence around the world. It is a hope that derives from the actions of millions of Americans who have shown the willingness to look beyond wartime propaganda and often one-sided media coverage of events and extended a hand in support to fellow Americans of a different religion. I arrived in the United States as an immigrant at the young age of 13, more than 20 years ago. My parents moved us here, leaving our native Pakistan, so each of us children could have a life of peace and security, a quality education, and a chance to succeed.
For the most part, this country has given me all of that and I have appreciated the freedoms I have enjoyed here. Then, that dreadful day of 9/11 occurred and the world changed.
More here.