MaryJae
Osama Doesn't Exist
RECEIVED Tue., March 28, 2006
Dear Editor,
The article “Rhythm of Peace” [News, March 24] was an article that needed to be written, as it illustrates clearly how difficult it is for some folks to understand the nature of this war and the propaganda surrounding it. The author belittles those who have chosen peace by calling us names and illustrating what we lack, as opposed to outlining and celebrating what we possess and stand for. I think it's sad that when she sees someone dressed as an Arab, the only name she can come up with is Osama. Doesn't she know yet that Osama does not exist? And when that person dressed up as an Arab gives her music and literature to peruse, why not comment on that, as opposed to what he is wearing? I've heard the music of the Arab League, and it's great! Where on earth did she get the idea he was a stealth Republican trying to discredit the peace movement? IMHO, she is a stealth something or other doing her bit to discredit real reporters and journalists, looking and acting the part, but not really listening but rather inserting many of her preconceived notions into her piece. Did you even listen to the music? Jeez ... Salaam!
The article “Rhythm of Peace” [News, March 24] was an article that needed to be written, as it illustrates clearly how difficult it is for some folks to understand the nature of this war and the propaganda surrounding it. The author belittles those who have chosen peace by calling us names and illustrating what we lack, as opposed to outlining and celebrating what we possess and stand for. I think it's sad that when she sees someone dressed as an Arab, the only name she can come up with is Osama. Doesn't she know yet that Osama does not exist? And when that person dressed up as an Arab gives her music and literature to peruse, why not comment on that, as opposed to what he is wearing? I've heard the music of the Arab League, and it's great! Where on earth did she get the idea he was a stealth Republican trying to discredit the peace movement? IMHO, she is a stealth something or other doing her bit to discredit real reporters and journalists, looking and acting the part, but not really listening but rather inserting many of her preconceived notions into her piece. Did you even listen to the music? Jeez ... Salaam!
Clifford Stringfellow
[Rachel Proctor May responds: I don't know what Clifford Stringfellow means by "dressed like an Arab." A keffiyah? A thobe? A galabiyah? A suit? At the march, the chairman of the Arab League was dressed in a long fake beard and a white shalwar kameez with a camouflage vest, which is the same type of outfit that Osama bin Laden (or, if Stringfellow prefers, the actor who depicts the fictitious bin Laden on al Jazeera) wore in some of his more famous appearances. As it is not uncommon for pro-war types to try to discredit their critics by equating opposition to the war with support for terrorists, attending a peace rally in an Osama-style getup isn't exactly brilliant PR for the anti-war movement. The Arab League were not performing while I was there, so the merits of their music didn't belong in the article; the music that was played that day was described positively. In light of Stringfellow's response, I find it ironic that the theme of the article – inspired by the march itself – was the value of having fun on the left.]
