Sept. 11 was a day that faceless cowards destroyed the lives of all Americans and threatened our democracy. Terrorism is one of the most disgusting acts any one person can do to another. All Turkish Americans feel the pain and anger that has come across our great nation. Turks have dealt with the horror of terrorism for more than 20 years at the cost of losing 40,000 innocent lives around the world and within our beloved America. Having suffered more terrorist casualties than any other country in the closing decades of the last century, Turks have spent $150 billion to fight terrorism.

The Turkish American Cultural Association of Michigan (TACAM) has represented more than 1,000 Turkish Americans living in Michigan since 1972. We understand all too well the extreme shock, disgust and sadness the families of the victims will feel deep in their hearts for much of their lives, and as a nation we shall never forget. This act targets the United States, but also targets the human race and the free way of life we all believe in. This incident goes beyond borders, race, citizenship and religions.

We Turkish Americans have suffered too much and too long at the hands of international terrorists. This is the time all Americans, Turks and the rest of the world unite to end the horrors of terrorism in this world. All Turkish Americans fully support and understand the role President Bush must achieve. God bless America.

John Tasdemiroglu
TACAM secretary
1998 MSU graduate