It is understandable to note that Ramadan has primarily built his argument revolving around his own visa denial to teach in the U.S. It must, however, be emphasized that according to the U.S. Census and independent analyses, there are currently up to ten million American Moslems in the U.S. Who mostly trace their origins to the countries in the misnomer region, the Middle East, or more appropriately referred to as South or Southwest Asia and North Africa. Their personal and professional aspirations have measurably been undermined or impeded at best, especially since September 11 and the subsequent of hastily enacted Patriot Act.   Ironically, many have lived in the U.S. For decades they have not been able to visit their native countries for fear of persecutions, imprisonment and even death. After bearing enormous financial burdens, their close family members instead, have not been granted tourist visas to visit them in their U.S. homes, again, no reasons given, whatsoever, as the State Department Visa Counselors are deemed above the law. The notion of an American citizen deprived of family visitation, as ludicrous as it seems, could only bring the painful memories of a not so distant past of the fascist or communist systems.

One can hardly identify a college, a university or a high-tech enterprise where the eminent presence of such patriotic Americans can not be recognized.  And yet, they are very rarely represented in federal or state governments, or in the upper echelons of the academic leadership for that matter. This is due in part to their own low self-esteem and inhibitive psyche as adversely impacted by the constant barrage of media bashing and brandishing Moslems and in essence perpetrating xenophobia against “them vs. us,” thereby leading to self-restraints. It also has to do with an implied sense of discouragement by the respective government agencies and the executive management not to expect someone from such otherwise invaluable, law abiding and immensely contributing populations to apply for leadership positions. For instance, despite the manifestly qualified and technical competency of an applicant, under the current federal government guidelines, especially since post September 11 and the enactment of the Patriot Act, even if one dares to apply for such leadership or management positions in the academe and government, it is almost impossible-no reasons given whatsoever-for an American of Middle Eastern heritage with an “exotic” name to acquire security clearance, a pre-requisite necessary for taking on senior executive directorship in federal agencies under the pretext of national security. In other words, one is deemed guilty by association, perceived religion and national heritage, and there is no avenue to know the basis for denial in order to disprove such allegations (alleged violation of due process). Again, despite a considerable number of university professors of Middle-Eastern heritage, their equitable representations in the mid- to upper academic university leadership is rather sporadic at best. In rare circumstances, if one dares to express his professional opinion on a sensitive subject, tenure, academic freedom and thus sustenance of such American is jeopardized into oblivion.

Notwithstanding the many gravely mis-guided domestic and international policies by the current administration and as implemented by the zealot bureaucrats in the government, that take the law into their own hands and interpret it far beyond its maximum intent, the Moslem Americans in particular could play a pivotal role to help regain our moral authority, admirations and respect that we once exercised globally. As stated by the author, the Europeans and Americans of Middle Eastern and Moslem heritage clearly understand the Western and Eastern cultures and in fact revere selectively the many noble aspects of such both in their own daily lives. Accordingly, given the opportunity they serve with honor as the stewards of reconciliations for a better World for ALL in which the American principles of freedom and justice, equality and equity, and security and prosperity should apply to humanity as a whole. When fully empowered with no fear of persecutions and retributions for things they not only have had nothing to do with, but that in most cases they renounce, they could bring the world the much needed sanity, harmony and tranquility.

And finally, it is incumbent upon the learned and professional societies like AAUP, AAAS and teacher unions, government agencies such as the Justice Department Office of Civil Rights, the NGOs like ACLU, and the media like the Chronicle of Higher Education to thoroughly investigate the plights of Americans Citizens of Middle Eastern heritage and to devise substantive prescriptions of ensuring that their civil, constitutional, legal, natural and universal rights-to realize their personal American dreams and professional aspirations-are duly realized.