NYT: How Al Gore Lifted One Muslim Girl's Spirits

[liberalpragmatist]

I wondered if DU'ers had seen this piece, which ran in the NYT a few days back in the op-ed section.

It's quite something.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/23/opinion/23abdrabboh.html?th&emc=th

I CONSIDER my appearance quite unremarkable. I'm 5 feet 8 inches, 150 pounds, fresh-faced and comfortably trendy - hardly, in my view, a look that should draw stares. Still, the Muslim headscarf, or hijab, that I wear makes me feel as if I am under a microscope.

<snip>

The other day, though, I felt more self-conscious than usual. Every television in the gym highlighted some aspect of America's conflict with the Muslim world: the war in Iraq, allegations that American soldiers had desecrated the Koran, prisoner abuse at Guantánamo Bay, President Bush urging support of the Patriot Act. The stares just intensified my alienation as an Arab Muslim in what is supposed to be my country. I was not sure if the blood rushing to my head was caused by the elliptical trainer or by the news coverage.

Frustrated and angry, I moved to another part of the gym. I got on a treadmill and started running as hard as I could. As sweat dripped down my face, I reached for my towel, accidentally dropping my keys in the process. It was a small thing, I know, but as they slid down the rolling belt and fell to the carpet, my faith in the United States seemed to fall with them. I did not care to pick them up. I wanted to keep running.

Suddenly a man, out of breath, but still smiling and friendly, tapped me on my shoulder and said, "Ma'am, here are your keys." It was Al Gore, former vice president of the United States. Mr. Gore had gotten off his machine behind me, picked up my keys, handed them to me and then resumed his workout.

It was nothing more than a kind gesture, but at that moment Mr. Gore's act represented all that I yearned for - acceptance and acknowledgment.

[deadparrot]

1. That's a very sweet story.

How different out world might be if Gore had been the one to take the Oath. He may lack charisma, but he'd beat anyone currently occupying the West Wing by a mile in terms of character.

[johnaries]

2. Al, we need you now more than ever.

Please run again.

[etherealtruth]

3. Funny how a small incident like this ...

... can remind one that all politicians are not sub-human scum.
Actually the piece was quite touching; a reminder how out of place some Americans feel in our society.