Yearning importance

Yearning for the Land: A Search for the Importance of Place
Yearning for the Land: A Search for the Importance of Place What does landscape mean to us? How does it shape our sense of “rootedness” to place and connection to community? Can that sense and that connection enrich us in the same manner as having knowledge of our familial lineage? Landscape historian John Warfield Simpson sets out to answer these questions by following the journey of the great conservationist John Muir from his homeland along the North Sea coast in East Lothian County, Scotland, to his family’s adopted home in the fields and forests of Marquette County, Wisconsin. Along the way he discovers much about himself; and we, in turn, can learn much about ourselves.

In 1849 the Muirs immigrated from East Lothian to the wilds of central Wisconsin in search of religious and economic opportunity. What concept of land did they and millions of others from the Old World leave behind, and what did they find in their New World homes? Simpson physically retraces the Muirs’ journey, as he delves into the meaning and importance of place. He speaks with estate owners and tenant farmers in Scotland who have centuries-long ties to the land they own or work; to Wisconsin farmers for whom one hundred years measures a profound connection to place; and to Native Americans working to reclaim the land they lost to white pioneers like the Muirs and to the author’s own Scottish ancestors. Among all of these people Simpson discovers a powerful link between personal and communal history, and a deep connection to the land on which they have been played out.

Time and history, landscape and community, are tightly intertwined, Simpson learns. Roots matter, he discovers, in his adopted home of Cockburnspath, Berwickshire, Scotland.

Author: John W. Simpson
Hardcover:  304 pages
Company: Pantheon  (2002-09-24) (2002-09-24)
ISBN: 037542086X
List Price: $24.00
Amazon Price: $4.99
Used Price: $0.53
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Yearning for our inheritance « Of First Importance
We know that all that is possible or conceivable of what is good and fair and blessed shall one day be real and visible. Out of all evil there comes the good; out of sin comes ... (more...)

Amazon.com: Yearning for the Land: A Search for the Importance of ...
Amazon.com: Yearning for the Land: A Search for the Importance of Place: John W. Simpson: Books ... From Publishers Weekly John Muir's childhood immigration to the U.S. and coming ... (more...)

Yearning To Belong
The documentary "Yearning To Belong" records this momentous event as well as examines the ... In addition, current photos from the Abayudaya community underline the importance of ... (more...)
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Yearning for the Land by John Warfield Simpson (2002) - John Muir ...
Yearning for the Land: A Search for the Importance of Place Publisher: Pantheon Books Binding: Cloth Ecology; Natural History; 5 1/2" x 8 1/4", 304 pp. 0-375-42086-X $24 EAN ... (more...)

Yearning for the land : a search for the importance of place by John W ...
All about Yearning for the land : a search for the importance of place by John W. Simpson. LibraryThing is a cataloging and social networking site for booklovers (more...)

Yearning for Balance Views on Consumption Introduction
People also describe large gaps between themselves and others on the importance of ... Yearning for Balance. Watch television for a day and you will get a clear picture of what ... (more...)

Secondhand Smoke: Your 24/7 Seminar on Bioethics and the Importance of ...
Secondhand Smoke: Your 24/7 Seminar on Bioethics and the Importance of Being Human This WEB log considers issues involving assisted suicide/euthanasia, bioethics, human cloning ... (more...)

Yearning For Something More
Yet the increased cost and importance of that degree can make the college years a stressful ... studies professor and a practicing Buddhist, also has noticed his students yearning for ... (more...)
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Pantheon | Catalog | Yearning for the Land by John Warfield Simpson
Yearning for the Land A Search for the Importance of Place Written by John W. Simpson | Pantheon | Hardcover | September 2002 ... (more...)

Yearning for the Land by John Warfield Simpson - Hardcover - Random ...
Yearning for the Land A Search for the Importance of Place Written by John W. Simpson (more...)

Resolved Question: Does this story idea sound interesting?
I am 13 years old and trying to write a novel. Here is a little blurb/summary thing about it. (And I am sorry if it is confusing) =] Asher Tobias, an 18 year old punk, wakes up with bloody hands and the feeling of sick satisfaction. Although he can?t remember hurting, or worse- killing, anyone, he knows that he has done something unforgivable. When this begins to happen continuously, the guilt begins to shred Asher apart. As he sets out to find what he really is, a chain of surprising and bone-chilling events leads him to his answer- fairy. Briar Venice has always known she was different. But when flames burst to life on her very fingertips, things get even stranger. A daughter of two scientists, Briar demands an answer from her parents, and ?amazingly- receives one. Yet it isn?t at all what she expected. Briar Venice is a fairy. Not just a fairy, but one that is included in a very important prophecy. The fairies, humans, even the world, all need her to survive. But Briar Venice is reluctant. No? unwilling. Convincing stern police, snappy teachers, and prissy schoolgirls is easy for too-perfect Farron Nightley. Farron has always known she was a fairy, a gifted fairy, yet she has always yearned for more power. After years of waiting, the chance for that power has finally presented itself. But there is a catch- Farron will have to fight for it with two other fairies? and only one would be chosen to be the leader. Farron is a determined, hard-headed girl? but how far will she go to get what she wants? Three teenagers, all of extreme importance, must make heart-breaking decisions, learn shocking discoveries, overcome their utmost fears? and make the ultimate choice that determines who they really are. **-A modern-day fairytale about friendship, romance, adventure, and above all- choices.-** QUESTIONS: 1. If you saw this book would you buy it? 2. What are your thoughts/opinions on the story plot? Any changes or suggestions? 3. Are my character names okay? 4. The powers are: *Asher- after meeting someone, he immediatly knows of every lie, deception, and sin that person has commited. *Briar- can make flames. *Farron- can persuade/convince anyone to do what she wants. Are these good powers? If not, any other power/ability ideas? 5. I want to have Briar and Asher, or MAYBE Farron and Asher, fall in love. Would this be a good idea? 6. ALSO.. i didn't include this in the blurb, but one of the three is bad. I think that it will make the story more interesting, especially if it is someone unexpected. Do you like this idea? Any thoughts on which one it could be? 7. Other suggestions? ONCE AGAIN... I am really sorry if this confuses you.. If you have any questions I will do my best to explain. And THANKS A BUNCH! I really appreciate the help and constructive critism. (more...)

Resolved Question: I've changed it a bit...?
I changed this story a little. It's not very great, I just put it together in about an hour, its just a beginning. But tell me what you think. Her head lay against a feather pillow. Her lids hid those eyes, those liquid blue eyes she used to lure in her prey. Her chest moved slightly with her steady breathing. She smiled as if she were having a pleasant dream. It seemed as though she was asleep. She was not. Maybe she was lost in thought. Maybe she was bored. How could I have known? All I knew was that she wasn't capable of sleep. Vampires don't sleep. We're not supposed to... I wondered. "What are you thinking about?" I lifted a hand to caress the her pale cheek. Her skin was perfect, soft. My eyes traced her shape. curvy, but thin. A black dress was draped over her body, ebony against ivory. It was pretty, I supposed, but she looked better without it. The corners of my lips lifted with that thought. She opened one eye, gifted me with a breathtaking smile. "Mortality." Her eyes closed once again. She put a finger to my lips. "Shush." I grinned, waiting. We waited like this for an hour. Then she rose. "Ah. I wonder what being human is like." She giggled. "I don't. What's so great about mortality, anyway? Mortals are so weak, so vulnerable... boring." My tone was teasing. I hoped. "Mmm. But I might want oblivion. What's wrong with stupidity?" Her eyes burned into mine. If my heart had a beat, it would have been unsteady. "I suppose you're right. Not understanding things could be so much easier..." I looked up to the ceiling, ten feet above my head. I marvelled at the paintings, the intricate designs. The detail never ceased to amaze me. I brought my gaze back to Anabelle's face. Anabelle's face... Her eyes held mine. Her smile returned. "Nathanael. I am thirsty." I bowed, lifted my arm. "Shall we?" Her eyes flashed red with desire, her gaze became delightfully wicked for a moment so brief no human could have seen it. She took hold of my arm. We exited the house in that fashion. I felt two of my teeth transform slowly into fangs. My throat burned. I yearned for the kill. Within the next thirty minutes, Anabelle and I were becoming acquianted with a handul of men and women, mortal. They believed Anabelle to be my sister, nothing more. I had a simple plan. I sat in between two women whose names I can not recall, they were of no real importance to me. Anabelle had bewitched a large male. I continued to flatter the women for as long as I could before I became bored. I leaned in, as if to whisper to one. I pressed my lips to her neck, breathing in her delicious smell. My cheek pressed against her neck; I could feel the blood pulsing through her veins. I moaned, she sighed. I continued to tease her until I could take it no longer. Two of my teeth were now fangs. These I sunk into her neck. My face buried into her neck, and she moaned this time. I only sucked harder. Her blood ran through me, pleased me. My mind didn't matter, my body took control. I hunched over her neck, eyes closed, legs spread. Her cries only made this more enjoyable. Her warm blood heated my cold fingertips. Finally I was finished... I had drunk her dry. She had died. I moved on to the next woman. She hadn't the slightest idea what had gone on between me and the other woman. I grinned, lunged for her throat... Anabelle and I left the saloon satisfied. The corpses lay still in the booth we had shared, completely drained of their blood. It had been a good night. But Anabelle seemed distracted, disoriented; this was out of the ordinary for her. I asked her what was wrong, teased about the quality of the blood she'd drunk. Her eyes held an unmistakable sadness. "Nathanael, I don't want to be a killer." I felt my eyes widen. I had not expected this. "Well..." Her head nestled againt me shoulder. "What if," She looked at our feet. "I could be human again. Oh, Nathanael, I don't want to be a murderer! We kill every night, without thinking, but what if we didn't have to? What if we could be like them?" Her head lifted. Her eyes looked at me with hope, the kind of hope a child had when she was given another chance to do something right, better. i just looked back and read it. it kindof sucks. xD (more...)

Voting Question: Anyone else going through a difficult seperation and just want their Spouse to come back to you?
It happened to me. I didn't realize how much she meant to me until we took a seperation. Now I miss her deeply and wish I could take back everything. I was verbally abusive and also treated her like she was at the end of the line of importance. But this seperation has opened my eyes to how much she means to me and how special she is. She and our baby have been #1 on my list ever since we split and I just want to be a family again. I am taking the steps to become a better person and going to counseling and reading up on marriage books for myself. I have spent many lonely and tearful nights by myself these past weeks. I have come to the realization of how important family is and how special your spouse can be. I truly believe if you yearn for your wife this much, then she is worth fighting for. I am streangthening myself and focusing on being a good person. But I still think about her love and her companionship every day. Is anyone else going through the same thing I am going through? (more...)

Resolved Question: Do we need to change?
I too believe child protection is of the utmost importance. And I believe one thing we need to protect our children from is institutional child abuse by the child welfare industry. Children forced into foster care when they yearn for their parents, grandparents, and siblings; children abused in foster homes; - this is the kind of child abuse that I am concerned about. In many cases, children are better off at home where they are loved and cared about. Foster homes for those few children with no relatives who can care for them, who have been severely physically abused. Family destruction is abusive. For the homes that are abusive and the children that do need a better place to go, we need these services. At the very least do a complete and careful investigation of the Family first before you take the children. When CPS makes mistakes it hurts good familys for ever. Take it from me this pain never goes away. I did get my children back after a very long time of pain without them. I hope this never happens to a innocent family again. They don't even say sorry, just doing my job. This kind of mistake doesn't ever need to be made. This happened to me do to an exwife wanting to make me suffer after I won custody in court.. My exwife knows my children are my world, what better way to destroy my life. (more...)

Resolved Question: I really need an opinion (if you have time)?
This is my college application essay, the question was 'what will my presecne bring to their community.' tell me what you think: comments, suggestions? I am not ordinary, yet I lack anything that qualifies as extraordinary in the minutest degree. In all honesty, I am not an interesting person, and by any means am not like the other dime-a-dozen Abercrombie wannabes in my school. I?m sure if I tried, I could make up some sort of over-exaggerated life experience that never happened to me like my fellow peers (yes, I have witnessed such falsifications and fully expect that college admissions advisers like yourself will read your fair share of said fabrications), and possibly ?jazz it up? with fancy words and scientific terms, but I believe that only the weak minded have to lie to advance themselves. Like everyone else in this so-called world, I live in a small town where everyone knows everyone, and no one knows a thing. We claim the title of the ?Home of the Hamburger?; our basketball team has been to state eight times (of which I hadn?t witnessed myself, never being one for the embellishment of trivial time consumers); and seeing as the theme of the ?small-town story? is in recurrence, everyone around me says they?re going to ?leave this place and never return?, to which I reply that they never extend their education and instead, remain in town as a farmer. Now such an upbringing has the usual consequences on most adolescents: exuberant school spirit, mindless consumption of alcohol, and the occasional high school dropout due to pregnancy at the age of sixteen, but as I have stated before, I am not like everyone else. This is not to say that I exceed them in any form of athleticism, popularity, of whatever it is people judge others by these days, quite the contrary. I somehow dodged the proverbial bullet and turned out to be passive and matured beyond my years (that is, in my own self-scrutiny). And being an intellectual among a drunken, mostly farming community, my character put me at a ?disadvantage? when it came to having many friends, going on dates, etc. About this time, my reader may be wondering just why this boy is explaining his own social misfortunes and the quirks and quandaries that keep his back-water town running. Well, allow me to elaborate. You see I am but a lower middle-class boy, son to divorced parents, and working at the only restaurant in town: a gas station/ McDonald?s. I have only been on this earth seventeen years. Therefore, I cannot find one single crucial moment that changed me, nor a significant talent or interest that could possibly sway any mind on any subject of importance to the rest of the world. The application to your school asks how my presence will enrich the community. I ask how the community can enrich me. Here now, in this most desperate hour, I stand at the gates of my future. Behind me lies a path I wish to leave behind; before me, my only chance to be someone of significance in the world, my chance to see new places, and to be a part of them. To answer the presented question: To the University of ******** I promise to bring a yearning to become as great as I possibly can be. I promise to strive at change in the most positive ways achievable. I promise to find my true self. (more...)

Resolved Question: Can you please read my poem?
and tell me what you think? Stagnant little moments define my existence Jagged memories define my past Inane; is my purpose Futile; is my drive Enjoying this putrid life while it lasts For a mere instance of worth; I yearn Importance is all I desire My attempts are vain I'm appearing deprived With madness; I rashly conspire The blade carries with it- despair Cold metal; and warm blood; meet With such an iniquitous alloy I meticulously carve my defeat (more...)

Resolved Question: What Do You Think?
of my new poem.... ? Stagnant little moments define my existence Jagged memories define my past Inane; is my purpose Futile; is my drive Enjoying this putrid life while it lasts For a mere instance of worth; I yearn Importance is all I desire My attempts are vain I'm appearing deprived With madness; I rashly conspire The blade carries with it- despair Cold metal; and warm blood; meet With such an iniquitous alloy I meticulously carve my defeat thanks i'm not a cutter, i did it once long ago and thought back on what made me feel like i wanted to... and thats the inspiration... no nut job here lol (more...)
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Resolved Question: Can you Read this Please???
and let me know what you think of this new poem I wrote?? Stagnant little moments define my existence Jagged memories define my past Inane; is my purpose Futile; is my drive Enjoying this putrid life while it lasts For a mere instance of worth; I yearn Importance is all I desire My attempts are vain I'm appearing deprived With madness; I rashly conspire The blade carries with it- despair Cold metal; and warm blood; meet With such an iniquitous alloy I meticulously carve my defeat thank you... (more...)

Resolved Question: Do you observe Lailatul Qadr : The Night of Power - Prayer?
The Night of Power (Lailatul-ul-Qadr) will be observed on the evening of Monday 8th October, 2007 Qadr means honour and dignity. Lailatul Qadr means the night of honour and dignity. It is this night in which the first Divine Revelation came to the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam, when he was in prayer in the cave of Hira. Since this night enjoys the honour of having the first revelation brought to the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam, it has been named Lailatul Qadr. This is one of the holiest and most blessed nights, which is likely to occur on one of the odd nights on the last ten days of Ramadhan and most likely to be the 27th. The reward of worship on this night is better than the worship of a thousand months of worship, equivalent to a person's lifetime. So, on this night one should pray nafil namaz, recite the Quran, do Tasbih, Zikr, Duas, etc as much as possible. This night had already opened its gates of treasures when the angel for the first time had come with the Divine Message in the cave of Hira, but its auspiciousness has continued to be with us permanently. Every year in the month of Ramadhan, this night is given to the Ummah. Muslims engage in prayers, recitation of Quran and praying to Allah, as the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam said: "The person who offered prayers to Allah in the night of Dignity with faith and with hope of reward from Allah, all his past sins have been forgiven." (Bukhaari) As the rainy season is suitable for farming, similarly for the attainment of nearness to Allah, specific times , specific days and specific nights are most suitable, e.g. the time of Tahajjud prayers, Friday prayers, month of Ramadhan, the Day of Arafah, etc. So also the Night of Power is the most suitable night for attaining nearness to Allah. In the Hadeeth, we have been asked to seek it in the last ten nights of the month of Ramadhan. Hazrat Aa'ishah radhiyallahu anhaa narrates that the Messenger of Allah sallalahu alayhi wasallam has said, 'Seek the night of Dignity in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadhan'.(Bukhaari). By odd nights, the reference is made to the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, 29th night of the month of Ramadhan. No one night has been fixed so that the yearning to find it may increase and people may spend more nights in worshipping Allah. From this aspect, the importance of `Itikaaf (seclusion) during the last ten days of Ramadhan is clear. Some special prayers and Zikr for Laitul Qadr top 1. Seeking Forgiveness. Hazrat Aa'ishah radhiyallahu anhaa asked the Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam that if she happened to get the night sublime what prayer should she say. The Prophet sallalahu alayhi wasallam replied that she should say the following prayer : "Allahumma innaka afuwwun kareemun tuhib-bul af-wa fa-afo anni" (O Allah, You are the One who grants pardon for sins, loves forgiving, so forgive me.) 2. Reciting Astaghfar. The following should be recited as much as possible: "Astaghfirullah hallazi la-ila-ha illa huwal Hayyul Qayyumo wa atu-bu ilaihe" (I seek forgiveness from Allah, the Almighty, there is no God but He. He is self-Existent, the Eternal and I return to Him) 3. Reciting Surah `Inna anzalnahu...' "Inna anzalnahu fee lailatul Qadr, Wa maa adraka maa lailatul Qadr. Lailatul Qadri khairum min alfi shahr. Tanazzalul malai-katu var-roohu fee ha bi izni Rabbihim min kulle amr. Salaamun heya hatta matla-il fajr." 4. Do Salatul Tasbih. 5. Do Afzul Zikr i.e. La ilaha illallah (more...)

Resolved Question: do u know that islam is not terrorist?
THE AMERICAN ADMINISTRATION: "THERE IS NO TERROR IN ISLAM" Some analysts have said that this policy conceals a hidden agenda and is no more than a show designed to get the Muslim world on its side. There certainly may be some truth in this, for America is pursuing this policy for its own national ends. But there is another obvious fact: No matter what the facts may be, this policy will enable Islam to become known by more people and will allow the West to correct its erroneous opinion about Islam. Signs of this are already visible. Samuel Huntington's 1993 thesis about a "clash of civilizations" between the West and the Islamic world has never been accepted by the American administration. This is an important advance. The White House countered this claim at the outset and, in subsequent events that brought it head to head with some Muslims, made it clear that it had no negative feeling about the Muslim world or Islamic values. America has never targeted Islam in reaction to thThe same view was stated several times by variously ranking members of the government. In a speech made in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, John Beryle, acting assistant secretary for the American State Department's Bureau of Newly Independent States, explained his government's attitude toward Islam: The United States abhors terrorism and we reject extremism, but we have great respect for Islam? I draw this distinction forcefully, because so many people fail to draw it at all. Some believe that the United States opposes Islam, that the Cold War has been replaced by a clash of civilizations. Others, including some in my own country, believe that terrorism is somehow related to Islam. They are both wrong. The distinction I want you to understand is this: the United States opposes those who use terrorist methods. We do not oppose any religion. We distinguish our friends from our enemies on the basis of actions, not beliefs? Americans recognize Islam as one of the world's great faiths. It is practiced on every continent. As Westerners, we acknowledge Islam as a historic civilizing force among the many that have influenced and enriched our own culture. The legacy of Islam, which reached into our civilization via the conquest of Spain at just about the same time it arrived in Uzbekistan, brought us, as it brought you, a rich scientific, artistic, and cultural heritage, as well as a tradition of tolerance. Beryle continued his speech by quoting Surat al-Baqara: 62 and Surat al-Ma'ida: 69, and concluded: Those who have faith, and those of the Jews, the Christians, and the Sabaeans - whosoever has faith in God and the Last Day and works wholesome deeds - their wage awaits them with their Lord, and no fear shall be upon them, neither shall they sorrow (Surat al-Ma'ida: 69). These are the words of tolerance. They stand as a striking demonstration that tolerance is part of the foundation of Islam, that fundamental Islam should be a force for tolerance, that extremism is not truly Islamic? I wonder whether there is any other nation on earth in which so many people have been converted to Islam over the past several decades. Islam in the United States is becoming more widespread, better known, and more influential. For five years now the end of Ramadan has been celebrated with a feast in the White House. A similar tradition was established in the Pentagon and this year included the first-ever Muslim chaplains to serve in the U.S. military. The Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, held her second annual Iftaar Dinner at the State Department on December 21. Similar celebrations occur all across the U.S. Muslims are becoming an important and respected part of the American mosaic? And finally, from the Koran, Sura 2, ayat 256: "Let there be no compulsion in religion." 5 This attitude of the American administration did not change after the events of 9/11. Some days after the attack, President Bush visited the Islamic Center in Washington and stressed in his speech that Islam and terror could not be mentioned together because Islam was a religion of peace: The face of terror is not the true faith of Islam. That's not what Islam is all about. Islam is peace. These terrorists don't represent peace. They represent evil and war. When we think of Islam we think of a faith that brings comfort to a billion people around the world. Billions of people find comfort and solace and peace. And that's made brothers and sisters out of every race - out of every race. America counts millions of Muslims amongst our citizens, and Muslims make an incredibly valuable contribution to our country. Muslims are doctors, lawyers, law professors, members of the military, entrepreneurs, shopkeepers, moms and dads. And they need to be treated with respect. In our anger and emotion, our fellow Americans must treat each other with respect. 6 Words like these have been repeated time and again after 9/11 by high-level officials. For example, White House press spokesman Ari Fleischer, when asked whether this attack had been the result of a clash of civilizations between Islam and Christianity, said: "This attack had nothing to do with Islam. This attack was a perversion of Islam." 7 American State Officials Praise Islam The fact that American state officials recognize that there is no connection between Islam and terrorism shows that they know what kind of religion Islam is. As they get to know Islam, they naturally come to admire it and often mention it in their speeches. This has been noticeable especially in the last three presidential administrations. So, the idea put forward by theorists after the Cold War that Islam would be America's next target has come to nothing. But there is an important point here: Some of the American government's decisions with regard to the Muslim world must be examined in the light of the advantages that it hopes to gain as a nation from its international policy and strategies. These decisions must not be confused with the American administration's and people's interest in Islam. This book examines the following topics: the approach of American state officials and the general public toward Islam in the last few years, the fact that Islam is always a topic on the public agenda, and the resulting rapid rise of Islam. This is certainly a remarkable historical development that, when considered from these aspects, should make every Muslim happy, enthusiastic, and excited. As we said earlier, the American government's approach toward Islam began in the 1990s and reached its high point during the Clinton administration. Clinton was the first to commend Islam and its moral teachings in his speeches, and the first to issue invitations to the White House on Islamic holidays. Under Clinton, for the first time invitations were arranged at the administration's top level for Muslims to attend an iftar meal. Subsequently, this became a tradition. When Clinton spoke about Islamic morality, one of the topics that he dwelt upon was the compatibility of Islamic moral values with those of the West. Clinton believed that "Devotion to family and to society, to faith and good works-are in harmony with the best of Western ideals."8 In another speech he said; That is why we welcome Islam in America. It enriches our country with Islam's teachings of self-discipline, compassion, and commitment to family. 9 And on another occasion, he said that Islam was highly regarded by America: America is made stronger by the core values of Islam-commitment to family, commitment to family, compassion for the disadvantaged, and respect for difference. 10 Hillary Clinton, who began the tradition of inviting Muslims to the White House, once stated during one of these gatherings that she admired the following things about Islam: Universal values - love of family and community, mutual respect, education, and the deepest yearning of all - to live in peace - values that can strengthen us as a people and strengthen the United States as a nation. 11 The Secretary of State at the time, Madeline Albright, in an article that she wrote for State Magazine, "Learning More about Islam," drew attention to a very important point and said that the American people must learn about Islam.12 As a result of her comment, State Department officials prepared a report on how people could familiarize themselves with Islam: Our society can solve it through education, people-to-people exchanges, and by encouraging responsible reporting in the mass media and accurate portrayal in the movie industry. 13 The decision of the Clinton administration that the people should be taught the truth about Islam is extremely important. As we shall see in the following pages, priority has been given to this, especially since 9/11, and newspapers, television, and other media outlets have presented news, programs, and inquiries. President Bush's approach to Muslims began with his election campaign. Known to be a religious person, Bush received support from a significant section of American Muslims during his campaign. For this reason, he is constantly engaged in dialogue with Muslim communities. The 9/11 attack has become a vehicle by which he has been able to assert more often the closeness he feels toward Muslims, and frequently to remind his fellow citizens to understand Islam correctly and establish good relationships with Muslims. During one speech, he stated that: The Islam that we know is a faith devoted to the worship of one God, as revealed through The Holy Qur'an. It teaches the value and importance of charity, mercy, and peace. And it is one of the fastest growing religions in America, with millions of American believers today? The Holy Qur'an says: "Piety does not lie in turning your face to the East or West. Piety lies in believing in God." (2: 177) 14 The American Government's Iftar Invitation Another important development that shows the coming together of the American administration and American Muslims is the iftar invitation, which has become a tradition in the last few years. Each invitation provides the opportunity for dialogue between the two groups. The tradition of hosting of Muslims in the White House was started by Hillary Clinton, who received them to offer them Eid congratulations. For the first time in 2001, Muslims were invited to an iftar meal in the White House that the president had organized. As stated earlier, these iftar invitations began in the State Department with the participation of the then-Secretary of State, Madeline Albright. It is often said that these invitations were very important for developing relations between Muslims and the American people, a project on which Albright laid great importance. In Ramadan 2000, at the second iftar meal, she described these efforts: I am very, very pleased to welcome you all to the Department of State. And as many of you know, we had a similar Iftaar Dinner here last year for the first time, and tonight we continue what I hope will become a tradition that lives on for many years to come... The month of Ramadan and the daily fast are powerful reminders for Muslims of the centrality of God and of the potency of the message conveyed through the Prophet Mohammed... I am pleased that since last year the State Department has inaugurated a new website entitled "Islam in America." Its purpose is to help people everywhere learn more about the positive force that Islam has become in American life and about the growing role of Muslim Americans as they are there to play a role in ensuring the security, prosperity, and freedom of our land. Equally vital are the international exchange and people-to-people programs we conduct with Muslim-majority nations. These efforts bring distinguished Muslim visitors to our shores to exchange views and promote understanding... We are strongly encouraging young Muslim Americans to apply to the Foreign Service as part of our overall effort to attract talent and promote diversity, and we have had a lively discussion at my table on that subject. Together, during the past few years, we have made an important beginning in providing that answer, not only through these dinners but also through our religious freedom roundtables, open forums, conferences, and seminars. We have established and expanded a dialogue, but obviously much more remains to be done. It is vital for Muslim Americans to know and have access to American policymakers. It is even more vital to become policymakers. 15 As we see, the State Department regarded it as its duty to build a bridge between the Muslim community and the American people and administration. This played an important role in the rising interest in Islam. This speech was very important, for it showed what an influential position Islam had gained in America. Ten years earlier, American Muslims had lived a cloistered social existence encountering many difficulties in their daily lives, but now they have been invited by the Secretary of State to be directors of American policy. These iftar invitations have continued under her successor Colin Powell. During his short address on November 29, 2001, at a State Department iftar meal, he stressed the following basic points: Ramadan is a time of prayer and fasting for followers of the Muslim religion. This year, it is also a time of reflection for all Americans. Less than three months after the tragedy of September 11th, we were all examining our lives and reaffirming the importance of family, faith, and country. In fact, this year marks the first Ramadan for many non-Muslim Americans who have been made aware of the great significance of this period for the first time in their lives. But there remains much ignorance and confusion about Islam, and that presents an opportunity for those of us who are not Muslim to learn from those of you who are. I hope that all of you here will seek out opportunities to talk with non-Muslims throughout your communities about your faith; to help all of us learn from, understand, and appreciate one another; and that you will encourage others in turn to talk to you about their faith. And I heard some wonderful stories at my table about how you are doing that, reaching out to Christians and Jews, and letting everybody know we are all -- we are all creatures and children of a benevolent God, and we must come to understand that to love one another is being faithful to our God. I was very moved by some of the conversations that we had at our table, as we talked about discrimination, we talked about profiling, as we talked about how we have to be sensitive to each other and to be sensitive to the diversity that we all represent. This touched me deeply, because I am a minority. I have been profiled. I will never forget my background; I will never forget what those who came before me did so that I could be in this position today ... I will always be sensitive to the issues that have been raised this evening? 16 The Defense Department also has hosted iftar meals. This tradition, which goes back officially to 1998, consists of an iftar meal ordinarily arranged by the deputy secretary of defense and attended by Muslims working in the department and the army. At the 1999 iftar meal, the then-Deputy Secretary of Defense, John Hamre, said: I am very honored to be invited to be here tonight. A little over a year ago I was invited to address the first Iftar celebrated here at the Department of Defense. The fact that you would ask me back for a second time is a tremendous honor. I am very grateful. As I said last year, I am a Lutheran in my own religious background and not a Muslim, so I cannot fully appreciate how important this Night of Power is for all of you. But I can understand why this Night of Power is deeply important to you, because I am a religious person myself. I can understand how moving it is, in this season of dedication, that all of you have spent the entire day focusing on your relationship with God.... I believe that vision in our Constitution springs directly from our shared religious values. There is not a word in the Constitution for which a good Muslim would not fight?. It is the same ideal expressed in the Holy Koran: "O mankind, I created you from a single pair and made you into nations and tribes that ye may know each other, not that ye may despise each other." 17 Hamre's address was notable for his declaration of personal religiosity, the closeness and love he showed toward Muslims, and for quoting the Qur'an. The Defense Department's third iftar meal was held on November 30, 2001, and attended by the Deputy Secretary of Defense, Paul Wolfowitz. He began his address with the words As-Sallamu alaykum, which he learned while serving as ambassador to Indonesia, and continued: Each time faithful Muslims gather in prayer and in peace, you reclaim your faith and reaffirm the great gift that Islam has been to humanity through the centuries. Mohammed said that those who provide a fasting person with something to eat will be blessed as though they themselves had fasted. As we gather tonight in this spirit of generosity, we are mindful of the great blessings that we enjoy. We are thankful to share them with others. 18 Hillary Clinton first invited Muslims to the White House for the Ramadan Eid in 1996, and on every subsequent occasion gave significant messages to those in attendance. Among those who attempted to explain what Ramadan means for Muslims was Huma Abedin. Mrs. Clinton said that she personally learned a lot from this woman, and frequently mentioned the special importance she placed in establishing dialogue with Muslims. At the 1999 reception, she even said she prayed for this: I have been told that a common Muslim prayer tells us: "No struggle is easy unless you make it easy for us. And only you, my Lord, can make a hardship easy to overcome." With God's help, and with the kind of determination, courage, and hope that is lived out in the lives of all of you and millions of others around our country and throughout the world, I believe that we can do more together to help build a more peaceful, prosperous, and hopeful future in which all of God's children can live in peace and fulfill their God-given promise. 19 This tradition begun by Hillary Clinton was continued by Bill Clinton during his final year as president, when he personally received Muslim guests for the Ramadan holiday. The meal began with quotations from the Qur'an. Bill Clinton also quoted from the Qur'an in his address, and frequently expressed his interest in Islam: And I thought it was particularly moving that the Imam read the passage from the Koran that said that Allah created nations and tribes that we might know one another, not that we might despise one another. There's a wonderful passage in the Hebrew Torah, which warns people never to turn aside the stranger, for it is like turning aside the most high God. And the Christian Bible says that people should love their neighbor as themselves. But it's quite wonderful to say that Allah created the nations and tribes that they might know one another better, recognizing that people have to organize their thoughts and categorize their ideas, but that does not mean we should be divided one from another... Let me say, also, that there is much that the world can learn from Islam. It is now practiced by one of every four people on Earth. Americans are learning more in our schools and universities. Indeed, I remember that our daughter took a course on Islamic history in high school and read large portions of the Koran, and came home at night and educated her parents about it, and later asked us questions about it? I ask all of you to help with that, to share the wellsprings of your faith with those who are different, to help people understand the values and the humanity that we share in common, and the texture and fabric and fiber and core of the beliefs and practices of Islam... The Koran also teaches, in addition, to the fact that we should do unto others as we wish to have done to us, and reject for others what we would reject for ourselves, but we should also make a commitment to live in peace? 20 Under the present Bush administration, for the first time in American history a president organized an iftar meal. This meal was attended by the ambassadors of Muslim countries and the heads of Muslim organizations. In his address, the president commended Islam and called for dialogue and understanding among different faiths: Ramadan is a time of fasting and prayer for the Muslim faithful. So tonight we are reminded of God's greatness and His commandments to live in peace and to help neighbors in need? All the world continues to benefit from this faith and its achievements. Ramadan and the upcoming holiday season are a good time for people of different faiths to learn more about each other. And the more we learn, the more we find that many commitments are broadly shared. We share a commitment to family, to protect and love our children. We share a belief in God's justice and man's moral responsibility. And we share the same hope for a future of peace. We have much in common and much to learn from one another. 21 All of these iftar meals and the addresses given at them are very significant for the relationship between Muslims and the American administration, and indicate that Muslims have begun to influence American society and culture. The relations between Americans and Muslims are not limited to these invitations and various talks, for Muslims are now an inseparable part of America and active at every level of social life. A most significant example of this is their position within the American army. (more...)