Letters and messages from the chief commissioner: September 11, 2003
Keeping the lights on human rights shining brightly
As Chief Commissioner of the Alberta Human Rights and Citizenship Commission, I call on all Albertans to remember the victims of September 11 and to do so in a manner which will help reduce the present levels of prejudice and disrespect in our world that 9/11 has created. Mine is a simple request that Albertans consider the power of their own attitudes and actions in demonstrating respect for others and reach out in some way to those in our community who have been marginalized because of their skin colour or religion. It is important to remember that, of the millions of followers of Islam, an infinitely small number were involved in the attacks on the World Trade Centre and Pentagon.
Human rights are fragile. When respect for human rights is diminished, the potential for that lack of respect to cascade is increased and all of us risk losing something which I believe is the cornerstone of our civilized society. As recently as August 14 of this year, we saw the crippling effects of a failure in a small part of the power grid of eastern North America. If a small substation on the North American power grid can turn the lights off for 50 million people, we should never doubt the ability of prejudice and fear to do similar damage to our respect for human rights. Our challenge in remembering September 11 is clear. We must step back from fear and racial stereotyping and keep the lights of freedom, justice and respect shining into our troubled world. Our refusal to do anything less is a legacy of our civilization. A legacy that was fought for with sacrifice and great resolve. A legacy that will last much longer than any terrorist act.
Charlach Mackintosh
Chief Commissioner
Alberta Human Rights & Citizenship Commission
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