Removal of Arab Americans from flight

[sistarisin]

As I was driving to work this morning, I was listening to WHUR 96.3 (local station in DC) and they were asking people to call in about this newly reported situation. Apparently, there were three Arab-Americans on a Northwest flight and the other passengers expressed that they did not feel comfortable flying with the Arab-Americans on board. The Northwest representatives requested that the Arab Americans remove themselves from the flight. The flight took off without them.

The callers, mostly were African American, responses ranged from utter outrage at Northwest Airlines and the passengers blatant discrimination to a total agreement with Northwest's actions.

I feel total and complete outrage. We are all justifiably scared; however, sanctioning this type of 'racial profiling' is truly only the beginning of a wider spread racial discrimination to come. I feel that we, of all people, should have more empathy. I also feel that we better recognize that if this type of treatment of Arab Americans is condoned, the door is slamming wide open for all other racial atrocities to take place.

[tickledpink]

This is awful. Unfortunately, it won't stop until someone gets slapped with a huge lawsuit!

[ChaosDST]

...I definitely think these Arab Americans should file a complaint. The only way to try to avoid future displays of frightened ignorance from the American public is for people to speak out. Namely, the victims of such discrimination need to express their outrage.

[DreamfulOne]

This is completely ridiculous. We shouldn't be blaming or even showing blatant disrespect and discrimination to our fellow Americans no matter what background they may be from. This is really appalling to say the least. This is time where we need to stand together and most importantly PRAY. How will they feel comfortable in a country where they are supposed to be "free" and "equal". The events that took place are tragic; however, we can't put our fellow Americans down who are of Arab or Middle Eastern decent.

I believe those three citizens should definitely file a civil suit against Northwestern for their racist attitudes and behaviors.

[aprilzeta]

I saw this story on the news this morning, it really bothered me. I could not believe that Northwest took that approach. I'm in agreement with Dreamful One, they should seriously consider filing a civil suit.

[straightBOS]

The sad part is, most will not file suit.

Here in Boston they dragged Arabs out of their hotel rooms by because one of their last names was similar to one of the hijackers.

They were too afraid to even appear on tv after they were realesed by the FBI. And although they had their lawyer recount the details of their arrests to the public, they refused to pursue the case for fear of further harassment.

All across the country Arabs, Indians, and other Muslims are being shot and killed!

They are also being visited by Gov't agents. Most do not know their rights. One man let the FBI in because he thought he had to, and the FBI took several papers from his home. Note, the man was not a suspect or wanted in connection. Also, the FBI had no right to remove anything from the man's home, and should have at least advised him that he did not have to let them in at all.

I never understand when Blacks are unsympathetic to these injustices. Do we really think they forgot about us? If they implement all of these new intrusive laws, believe me, we will be the first victims of the injustice. Do we suddenly believe that we are invisible now?

[MaMaBuddha]

indeed this is very sad.

the funny thing is these terrorist out there causing this trouble are clean cut and educated in the states.

people are scared, very scared. and this is the outcome. the FBI and police are questioning everyone with the trace of a muslim name or arab background for the protection of people, this is how they have caught alot of suspects.

i don't condone it, but i have mixed feelings about it. it does make you scared.

[korkscru]

DITTO, everyone!!!!

[aprilzeta]

Originally posted by straightBOS


I never understand when Blacks are unsympathetic to these injustices. Do we really think they forgot about us? If they implement all of these new intrusive laws, believe me, we will be the first victims of the injustice. Do we suddenly believe that we are invisible now?

I agree 100%. If those laws are implemented, they will definitely come back and haunt the blacks in this country.

[straightBOS]

Originally posted by MaMaBuddha
people are scared, very scared. and this is the outcome. the FBI and police are questioning everyone with the trace of a muslim name or arab background for the protection of people, this is how they have caught alot of suspects.

Actually, that is not how they have caught suspects. The FBI has had in its possession a master list of hundreds of people with connection to bin Laden and their whereabouts. But, those people were somehow able to get into and move about the US without questions or problems. Why have a list of potentially dangerous people, and not even prevent them from entering the country?


And, some, the US has known were here for years. They questioned local cabbies who had ties with bin Laden during the embassy bombings in Africa, and let them go free. Now how effect is it to harrass innocent people when you don't even want to keep the guilty in custody?

One of those cabbies was the guy from Chicago (I believe) who was able to obtain several duplicate liscenses without arrousing suspicion. Now really, what is the malfunction??

Its not fair to go overboard to cover up mistakes. Let's do the right thing the first time, and there won't be any questions of civil rights violations.

[MaMaBuddha]

people are scared of what they do not know about...that goes for all people.

[Peace]

Originally posted by straightBOS
[I never understand when Blacks are unsympathetic to these injustices. Do we really think they forgot about us? If they implement all of these new intrusive laws, believe me, we will be the first victims of the injustice. Do we suddenly believe that we are invisible now? [/B]

DITTO!

Maybe now the Arab community realize how African American feel.

[ChaosDST]

It's good that Blacks are realizing the connections b/w the recent racial profiling of Arab Americans, and the "racial profiling" that we have felt ever since the establishment of this country.
A friend of mine expressed concern that President Bush basically told the American public to leave the Arab Americans alone, when Blacks have been targets forever. NOW, this type of profiling is more than just frowned upon, but adamently and unmistakenly opposed. It's a shame that this type of event, is the one thing that could make the American public see that we should not single out, and mistreat people based on religion, race, and ethnicity.

[TRSimon]

It is just too sad that there are too many people in America who are AFRAID and STUPID. Anybody who would justify or perpetrate any of the anti-Arab behavior that has been going on in this country is a pure idiot.

TRSimon

[sequel_1913]

I am very sorry but I would not have wanted to fly with them either. Now I know what you all will say, "How can an AA person say something like that?" Well I am saying what most are feeling but afraid to say. If I am on a plane and someone of Arabian descent(sp) is on the plane I will remove myself and find other means of transportation, if they are not removed. Now I agree with the airline, it is better to be safe than sorry. There were other box cutters and knives found on other planes that were grounded, so we have no way of knowing who is a threat and who is not. So my opinion is, it is better to risk a lawsuit and save many innocent(sp) lives than to be afraid of giving out a little money.