WILL GEORGE W BUSH SPEAK OUT? from HUMAN RIGHTS FIRST 3SEP10

WILL George W Bush speak out, does he have the moral backbone and courage to take a stand against the hate, prejudice, bigotry and fear being spread by tea-baggers and right-wing fanatics, flames of intolerance being fanned by the likes of glenn beck, sarah palin and fox "news"? Click the header to join the call for former Pres G.W. Bush to stand up for religious freedom like he did after 9/11.

Dear Craig, Leading up to September 11th, messages of hate are intensifying. Our leaders must not remain silent. 9/11 is a week away. Instead of remembering our loss with an affirmation of our nation's unity and confidence, some politicians are eager to exploit the tragedy of 9/11 to score political points. The fearmongers rallying against the "Ground Zero Mosque" are missing the point: messages of hatred get us nowhere. In fact, they hurt us. George W. Bush understood this. When he was president, he said: "America rejects bigotry. We reject every act of hatred against people of Arab background or Muslim faith,"1 and repeated this message during the 8 years of his presidency. More recently, leaders like New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Rev. Larry Reimer from Gainsville have spoken out against bigotry. Send this letter asking former Pres. Bush to speak out again http://actions.humanrightsfirst.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=2402 This is no longer only about an Islamic center in Manhattan—there are anti-mosque rallies taking place around the country, and even reports of arson and gun shots at a mosque in Tennessee. The Internet is filled with hatred, and a church in Florida is planning a Koran burning on September 11th. Right now, every American is faced with a choice: support the wave of religious intolerance, sit on the sidelines and say nothing, or stand up for the fundamental principles that have made this country great—religious freedom, pluralism, and tolerance. We need everyone to speak out—Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. George W. Bush—who took the lead in defending tolerance and freedom of religion in the past—could make a difference by speaking out now. Together, we can challenge those who are delivering messages of hate and seeking political gain by dividing us. Sincerely, Tad Stahnke Director of Policy and Programs 1: President George W. Bush at Parkside Hall, San Jose, California, April 30, 2002

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