Follow-up to the Homeland insecurity Post

[jjmaccrimmon]

I'm planning to send a copy of this message to the Icelandic embassy. The e-mail in the previous link is to the translator/friend of hers.

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To His Excellency, Albert Jónsson, Icelandic Ambassador to the United States,

An Open Letter Regarding the Treatment of Miss Erla Osk Arnardottir Lillendahl


Yesterday I learned of a horrendous and heinous breach of some very basic principles of conduct and behavior that most citizens of the United States hold dear. The treatment that Miss Lillendahl received in the hands of representatives of US Homeland Security during her recent visit to the United States was appalling and shameful. The behavior of the officials who detained her was inexcusable and aberrant in my eyes.

I visited Iceland years ago as a member of the US Air Force. The warmth, friendliness and easy going nature of the Icelandic people stuck in my memory. Those attitudes are also typical among common citizens here in the US. Her treatment at the hands of a group of small-minded, vicious, security bureaucrats is not what we expect of our government’s representatives.

Most Americans have expectations of fair or normal treatment for people whether they are US citizens or visitors to this country. Sadly my government has become irrationally paranoid of terrorists. That fear has been instilled into the organizations that are supposed to watch and protect the borders. What happened to her was neither fair nor normal. It was a breech of respect, protocols, basic rights and due process. I can only speak for myself in this letter, as a private US citizen. As such, please convey to Miss Lillendahl my sincerest and heartfelt apologies. Hopefully in years to come, she will be able to visit this country without fear of harassment. On that occasion, I hope she will be able to see for herself the real measure of good will, friendliness and hospitality common among the citizens of the United States.

With deep regret,



http://www.iceland.org/us/
mailto:icemb.wash@utn.stjr.is

Comments

[mcbulldawg.livejournal.com]

You probably already don't like me due to my political views, but honestly, do you really truly think your letter did any sort of good?

Do you honestly think that this person gives a rat's ass?

I smile at your letter because of the intent behind it. Chivalry is not dead. ;)

[jj-maccrimmon.livejournal.com]

I don't know if it will do any good or whether it will ever get to her. The point is that these jackasses trashed a concept of fairness I hold dear. Other parts of the world equate evil with America because of our government's bad behavior. Maybe in some small part, a few voices in the wilderness, might keep everyone in the world from believing that we're all assholes.

...And thank you.. I do still believe in chivalry...

:)

[dinosaurbob.livejournal.com]

I applaud your letter and the intent behind it. Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.


Especially the darkness that has cursed this country for the past eight years.