“I Served in Iraq, Would Trump Kick Me Out?”
Letters to Editors
From: Shahriar Chowdhury, VoteVets.org
I never imagined I’d see the day a leading Republican candidate for President of the United States would call for banning all Muslims from coming to the United States, or that American Muslims overseas shouldn’t be allowed to return home.
If I had the chance, I’d ask Mr. Trump if he wouldn’t have wanted me to return home after the 15 months I served in Iraq? Would he want to kick my cousin, Shaniyat, out of the Marine Corps? Would he ask my cousin Adil, an NYPD Officer to turn in his badge? How about my other first cousin, Arif, an Air Force veteran, would he tell him to leave the country after his service?
Donald Trump’s language is alarming, but he is isn’t alone. You hear his words and tone echoed from extremist candidates across the country. And whether he is the nominee or not, defeating these ideas will be as important as winning any election next year. Veterans, military family members, and VoteVets supporters are uniquely positioned to lead that fight.
Donald Trump’s racism isn’t funny — it’s dangerous. His words matter. They inspire hate-filled attacks on people of color, which we’ve already seen at his rallies. And as the leading candidate of a major political party, his success inspires others to follow his lead, something we’ve also already seen, which could have terrible legislative consequences in Washington, D.C. and state capitals across the country.
I am ready to fight back. Are you?
Make your $3 contribution to VoteVets today to help us fight back.
Thank you for standing up against his xenophobic attacks. As veterans, military family members, and VoteVets supporters, our voices matter.
All my best,
Shahriar Chowdhury
Iraq War Veteran
VoteVets
