Voices that make America great (Chicago Tribune)

I write this as a Muslim, as an American, as a husband and, most important, as a father of an 11-year-old daughter who is anxious to wear a head cover when she grows up to be a NASA scientist.

Our recent vacation in France reminded us one more time of the freedoms we enjoy as Muslims and as Americans.

But voices like Tribune columnist Steve Chapman’s make America a great nation (“The folly of banning burqas; Free society requires mutual tolerance,” Commentary, May 23).

His commentary is dead-on.

His arguments are cogent.

His thoughtfulness exudes mutual respect and a deep understanding of human rights.

You have no idea what this article means to a young, 11-year-old American girl who also is proud to be a Muslim.

Maybe, one day, she will become a NASA scientist.

Maybe, one day, she will wear a hijab (by choice). Maybe, one day, she will take the American flag to another planet.

Rest assured, on that day the likes of Chapman would have contributed to her success.

And he did not have to be a rocket scientist to develop this understanding!

— Faheem Younus, clinical assistant professor, University of Maryland School of Medicine, chief and medical director, Division of Infectious Disease and Prevention, Upper Chesapeake Health, Bel Air, Md.



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