Let me correct Mr. Khurrum Siddique (The Daily Star, Sat Nov 20, 2004) by stating that people around the world (including Bangladeshis) engage in charitable acts and not just Americans. However, it is true that Americans do an excellent job of trumpeting whatever they do, so that over time, their rancour overshadows all else. Americans may try to improve the community around them, and food shelters etc, but that is based on their belief to provide handouts. Let me clarify this. Every year there are food drives to help the poor and needy -- majority of whom are African-Americans and single mothers. But then at the same time, social assistance to such communities are cut, as are school luncheon programmes (in many cases the ONLY source of a balanced meal for many undernourished children) and back to work training programmes, to pay for tax benefits to the wealthy and other political benefits. As a result, a single mother may get a can of peas, but won't have any work the following day, or job training. African Americans (descendants of African slaves) comprise a large segment of the American population, but are among the most economically and politically deprived. I would dare Mr Siddiqui to venture into the African-American neighbourhoods of Boston, New York, Baltimore, Detroit, Cincinnati and other major cities. Same is the case of the Native-Americans. They are confined to "reservations" which are supposedly "independent Indian Nations". But each such "Nation" being surrounded by a state and therefore dependent on it for egress and ingress, is subject to the politicians of the state. As a result, the Native-American communities are economically deprived with high rates of alcoholism and drug use. Their dwellings are on par with any slum in Dhaka in comfort and appearance. Unfortunately, the sense of community of the Americans that Mr Siddiqui champions do not extend to the black neighbourhoods or the Native Indian reservations, or any neighbourhood for that matter. I would be hard pressed to find a black contractor, a builder or an engineer! Years of character assassination of the African American by your friendly neighbourhood Americans has portrayed the African American male nothing short of a drug dealer and an all around bad guy. The only time one hears of the " Native American heritage", is right before elections as each party tries to swell its voter ranks.No one has questioned the legitimacy of Mr Bush's win. Who America chooses as their president is their business. But when a candidate with a history of creating global political and economic turmoil is elected, then Bangladeshis have every right to question the judgement of the American voters. This is not "arrogance" by any means, nor is it a conspiracy . It is the worry of every person about his or her lot tomorrow - economically and politically. After Mr. Bush's win, Mr Powell stated that the Bush policy for the Middle East will remain "aggressive". In his victory speech, Mr Bush has promised to bring "freedom" to every middle eastern country. With Iran being next in the "axis of evil list", I guess Iran will be showered with bombs of freedom very soon. It cannot be denied that such rhetoric is irresponsible and does not bode well for the rest of the world.
Unaware to Mr Siddiqui, Bangladeshis have taken charge of their country. Compare the Bangladesh of 1971 to the Bangladesh of today. There is a world of economic difference. We are no longer the "basket case" of Mr. Kissisnger. Our lack of political stability cannot be denied, but that has not hindered our economic progress. With continued economic progress political stability will follow. However, more needs to be done, and that requires the help of every Bangladeshi. In this regard, it is my sincere hope that Mr Siddiqui will enlighten us on what he has done for Bangladesh, so that many of those who are currently posturing will have a positive lead to follow.
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