Americans must unite, not blame

EDITORIAL BOARD Editor in
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 Edward Chiao

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While Americans struggle to rationalize and comprehend
Tuesday’s attack, it is at times like these we must remember
that the 3,000 miles and countless cities of the United States are
actually made up of individual people.

Those responsible for this act of hate must be held
accountable.

This is not just an assault on a government or a nation, it is
an attack on the security and beliefs of every grandmother, high
school student, friend, business owner and bus driver.

It is an attack on our ability to go to work, sit in our homes,
and live our daily lives free of fear. It is an attack on the
greatest idea ever envisioned: the idea that people can live in
freedom and participate equally in their society.

However, as we begin the process of working through our grief
and anger, we must not turn on our fellow Americans. Historically,
many people inspired by rage have taken matters into their own
hands and pursued vigilante justice.

Already the news stations and hallways are buzzing with
accusations. These are mainly aimed at countries of the Middle East
and the Islamic religion. It is imperative we remind ourselves that
whatever is eventually discovered about the bombings, we will not
achieve anything by taking out our anger on Middle Eastern or
Islamic members of our community. As members of that community, we
““ along with the administration ““ should work to ensure
everyone’s safety and well-being.

After the Oklahoma City bombing, many people falsely assumed
that Middle Eastern nations or Muslims were responsible for the
devastation and carried out acts of violence against members of
those groups in the U.S.. For any of us to fall into the same
spirit of hatred is far from a step forward. It is an irrevocable
step backward.

America is in mourning. Tuesday’s events were not only
shocking and painful. They caused many Americans to evaluate their
own lives and the importance of our nation. With the world’s
eyes on us, and our own spirits joined, we must be careful as we
proceed. We are the nation that is supposed to represent freedom,
justice and above all, fairness. If we step forward with any other
foot first, we will betray ourselves. And right now, Americans need
each other ““ and their shared beliefs ““ the most.