Victor Atiyeh
Governor of Oregon
1979-1987
November 29, 2002
RE: Letter of support for the "Bridge Between the Cultures Project" of Cune Press
To Whom It May Concern:
Arab Muslims and others in the Middle East are perplexed by U.S. foreign policy. They have trouble matching their understanding of American ideals with the
administration statements that seem to them to "dictate" or to "bully" and which also seem demeaning and rude. What happened, they wonder, to American idealism? What happened to the American
faith in the goodness of the individual? American leadership in the Marshal plan lifted Europe out of the wreckage of war. What happened to the optimistic American belief that conflict can be overcome and the
deepest wounds heated by justice, fairness, good sense, reform and a pragmatic approach?
In the United States, on the other hand, Americans were surprised and puzzled by the September 11th attacks. Afterwards Americans asked, "Why do
they hate us?" Clearly those in the Middle East and Americans are talking past one another. Misunderstanding, Fear and prejudice is disrupting what should be a fruitful discourse. The "Bridge Between
the Cultures Projects" of Cune Press will bring Middle East books and authors to local communities across the United States. It will work with grassroots med
in. This project alms to go beyond the political to share fact about the lives of ordinary men and women in local communities in both the East and the West. It will Challenge falsehoods and stereotypes. It is
patient work of this type that overcome fear and misconceptions and creates a foundation for peace.
I urge you to support the "Bridge Between the Cultures Project" of Cune Press.
Sincerely,
Victor Atiyeh
Oregon Governor 1979-1987