On Friday at a Republican campaign rally in Lakeville, Minnesota I saw and heard a terrifying thing.  A faceless, nameless, woman, stood up and with visible disgust and distain called Barak Obama “an Arab”. 

 Shaking his head and trying to calm the agitated woman, John McCain said “No, ma’am. He’s a decent family man, citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues.” ( http://www.startribune.com/politics/state/30747614.html?elr=KArksLckD8 )

 I grew up about 4 miles from this McCain rally in Farmington, Minnesota.  I’m proud to say I grew up there because the town and its people gave me opportunities I might not have received had I grown up elsewhere.  Like most residents of Farmington, I was raised in a middle class home.  My Father spent 47 years working for the Milwaukee Railroad.   We attended St. Michael’s Catholic Church every Sunday.

 As a student in Farmington Public Schools, I had the opportunity to be elected Senior Class President. I also was fortune enough to be Captain of the Football Cheerleaders, part of the Homecoming Court and to participate and letter in both track and tennis.  After graduating Farmington High School I went on to attend college and postgraduate school.  It has been many years since I graduated from Farmington High School.   I now have a career I love working with a profitable Internet company and I spend my spare time volunteering for charities and gardening. 

 Although Barak Obama is NOT a person of Arab decent I am. Both my Father and Mother’s families came to Minnesota from Lebanon.  They came, as I am sure did the family of the faceless woman at the rally, seeking opportunity and a chance for a better life.  We found a wonderful life in Farmington.  I am thankful for that life.  And, to the nameless, faceless woman at the McCain rally … I AM NOT A TERRORIST … I Am your Neighbor!

 Cindy Lou