Dr. Abudullah ...!

According to a story released in November by Yahoo News’s The Ticket, Presidential Candidate Herman Cain and before driving his sinking campaign to the bottom of his scandalous pool revealed to a crowd in Florida his fear when he found out that a surgeon he once saw during chemotherapy was named “Dr. Abudullah.”

“I said to his physician assistant, that sounds foreign”, Cain told his gathering supporters. “Not that I had anything against foreign doctors–but it sounded too foreign. “She said, ‘He’s from Lebanon.’ Oh, Lebanon! My mind immediately started thinking, ‘Wait a minute, maybe his religious persuasion is different than mine!”

Now, most of you who know me, and know how serious I am about not involving NAAMA in politics would wonder why now in my blog before last.  But the point to be made is not political.  Regardless how deplorable Cain is, and how bigoted his remarks are, it is more deplorable that such statement went so unnoticed and without a peep as if it was an accepted fact.  Even entities that usually deal with discrimination did not bother to comment.  Not even the AMA.

It is occasions like these where the value of NAAMA becomes more palpable and vital.  If you happen to be a “Foreign Sounding Name” health professional, it does not matter if you are born and raised here or what your religious affiliation is.  To people with Cain’s mentality, you are an easy prey to pick on, and a fair game since no one will bother to say “shame on you”!

But with a strong NAAMA, both in presence and size, Cain and others like him would think twice about the consequences of such words, because Arab American Doctors do vote as well. 

We pride ourselves at NAAMA that we do not take sides, and we do not get into politics.  But when it comes to doubting our role as healers and questioning our place as citizens contributing to the betterment of mankind because of a “foreign sounding name”, then in my opinion, NAAMA should be the first to shout “SHAME ON YOU, Mr. Cain !”.

For those of you who like to know how the story ends.  Here is Cain’s version of a happy ending: “She (the physician assistant) could see the look on my face and she said, ‘Don’t worry, Mr. Cain, Dr. Abudullah is a Christian from Lebanon.’”

So my question to you is: “Are you still wondering why you should join NAAMA?”

If interested in reading the full Cain story please follow this link: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/ticket/herman-cain-holy-land-experience-130621445.html

What Happens in Vegas ...

For the 33^rd year in a row, NAAMA prepares for its annual convention.  Members and non members alike usually await this annual tradition with anticipation and eagerness since it provides a chance to connect with life time friends, and enjoy the science and fun program that the host chapter typically plans. 

This year’s convention in Las Vegas is not different when it comes to the superb scientific sessions and the family oriented fun-filled social program, and naturally the chance to bond with friends and family on Labor Day weekend. 

However, this year’s convention is unique in other ways.  For those of us history buffs, Las Vegas is symbolic due to the fact that it hosted the first convention of the Arab American Medical Association (AAMA) in 1979 and the first national convention of NAAMA in 1980 after it became a national organization.  But what makes it more special, is the fact that this year’s convention is one of the few that convenes while many of our home countries are experiencing commotion and unrest.

It is true that several of our past conventions coincided with wars in the region, such in Iraq, Palestine, Lebanon and Gaza, but it was never during such vast uncertainties, violence and turmoil.  This again, brings us back in history to 1975 and the creation of NAAMA. 

NAAMA was created in response to a major war; the 1973 Arab Israeli war where a group of physicians wanted to establish a vehicle for humanitarian relief and medical aid to countries affected by that war.  NAAMA’s mission cannot be less true now than it was then. 

Albeit, some may argue that what is happening in the Arab World today is not a war, the need is still similar, if not more.  Cities in Libya, Egypt, Yemen, Syria, Palestine and many others are in dire need for medical aid and basic necessities.  As some countries like Egypt and Tunisia are on their road to recovery, and others are still uncertain, the humanitarian need for all are as serious and as urgent.

What happens in Vegas this year is our reaffirmation to NAAMA’s humanitarian mission.  It is our commitment to help our people in the Arab World.  It does not matter if you call it an Arab spring or a Big Conspiracy; a suffering child’s cry is the same regardless.  The Emergency Relief Fund for the Arab World is NAAMA heading the call and stepping up to the plate. 

This year in Vegas and specifically on Saturday night*, we will all stand united in pride of our heritage and in solidarity with our people everywhere.  And while we travel back to the days our renaissance through harmony, we ensure that no child’s cry remains unanswered in the future.

It might be true that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but for NAAMA it spreads everywhere.

*NAAMA is holding a special benefit concert featuring “Voices of the Arab Renaissance 50s & 60s” With Simon Shaheen  & his traditional Arab Orchestra on Saturday Spetember 3^rd with all Proceeds to Benefit NAAMA's Emergency Medical Relief Fund to provide medical supplies and equipment to Arab countries

Why Jordan Matters ...

As I waited to board my flight in Amsterdam with Amman as my final destination, I couldn’t help but notice how symbolic NAAMA’s convention this year is.

It has not been long since NAAMA was in Amman.  In 2006 more than 400 members and their families enjoyed the warm Jordanian hospitality and the splendors and wonders of this country.

And here we are again back in Amman, but this year with a different taste.  One cannot ignore that a lot has changed since then in the Arab World.  And one cannot deny that many of our beloved mother countries are not experiencing the luxury of peace that we enjoy here.

It is not a secret that a lot of debate amongst our members and their families weighed into their decision whether to join our convention this year or not.  But for NAAMA, this is not an option.

Coming to Amman, or to any other Arab city every year is the core of NAAMA’s mission.  It is essential to our existence.  As I mentioned previously, we do not come here for sightseeing as tourists, but we come home to learn from and learn with our colleagues. 

But this year, coming home has a whole new meaning; it shows that regardless of all the challenges, NAAMA’s resolve to be with our people and families will never waiver.   We will enjoy our stay with our Jordanian brothers and sisters, and then we will continue to Jerusalem; another reason to add to the symbolic importance of this convention.   Many of us are eager to return to Jerusalem where we left their hearts in 2000.

Here in Amman and in Jerusalem we will stand as we do every year, Arab Americans from all backgrounds, Syrians, Iraqis, Lebanese, Jordanians and many others, as one big family in solidarity with ALL our brothers and sisters, those who are enjoying peace and those who are still waiting.

I welcome you to Amman and Jerusalem on behalf of NAAMA.

It is NOT Just Another Appeal

By the time you are reading this, you might have already received or will receive NAAMA’s appeal letter to raise funds for the “Emergency Medical Relief” to the Arab World.  This fund was initiated in response to the events in Tunisia and Egypt to quickly evolve to become widespread to include the whole region.

Of course, it is not unusual for NAAMA to call upon its members and friends to help in times of need.  But this time it is different.  The magnitude of needs in Libya, the intricacy of forecast in Syria, the inference of a resolution in Yemen or the lack of access in Bahrain adds a third dimension to any stand or effort taken by NAAMA.

NAAMA has always walked a fine line between being dragged into politics and maintaining our neutrality as a non political and non profit organization.  All statements issues in the past were carefully crafted to convey our concerns as medical professionals with a hint to our dismay and condemnation.  And many times neither stand was satisfactory to some of our members.  Many of you feel that words are not sufficient, or too direct.  But this is not what NAAMA is all about.

Regardless whether you are pro or against whatever is happening in our homeland today, and whether you call it a revolution or a conspiracy does not matter.  What matters is that your response to this appeal is a statement that humanity is at stake and whoever suffers from violence regardless of who is inflicting it deserves humane treatment and the right of dignified medical care.  In fact, this appeal helps us here as much as those overseas.  It gives a sense of activism to heal the helplessness despair that some of us are going through.  

A wise man once said “It is a thousand folds better to light a candle than to curse the darkness” by the same wisdom, it is more effective for NAAMA to find ways to help the victims than to condemn the slayer.

Let us all pray for peace.

To Go or not to Go …That is the Question

Ever since the first flame was sparked in Tunisia then started spreading east and west, Arabs everywhere in the world are watching in anticipation and apprehension as events evolve in our homeland.

We are glued everyday to our TVs with one hand on the remote control and another on our heart.  At work we gaze at our smart phones, tablets, Facebook pages or any device that can provide any more information on what REALY is happening.  We analyze and search for any hint or innuendo in our “coded” brief calls with our families back home looking for answers.   But, deep inside many of us wish that we can be there, whether consciously or subconsciously.

Amongst all this, rumors have been circulating for a while now, that NAAMA is canceling our yearly international medical convention held in Amman, Jordan this year.  And as much as these rumors are not true, they are undeniably justified in light of the unpredictable and fluid situation in the Arab World. 

Reports of empty hotels and meager tourist activities in the whole region especially in traditionally “hot” destinations are unquestionably direct consequences of the uncertainty and perceived safety risk for tourists. 

But, the difference is that WE ARE NOT TOURISTS.  When we as NAAMA members go to an Arab country, we are going HOME.

In the past decade, we held three of our conventions in Lebanon in spite of a 6 year long travel advisory, we conducted 6 post convention workshops in Palestine regardless of blockades and restrictions, in addition to countless humanitarian missions and charitable projects. So why is this year different?

   

Now many will argue that Jordan is currently calm, but can’t be predicted, and others will use cancelled family vacations to their other countries after as a justification.  But, the issue is that regardless of which country is safe and which is not, we need to go back home for the sake of our own safety and peace of mind.   

We need to go to be with our families in their most times of need.  We need to go to find out what is truly happening and how can we do to help as humanitarians.  We need to go to support our colleagues and extend a helping hand as professionals.  We need to go to comfort our friends and offer them a strong shoulder to cry on as humans. But above all, we need to go because we are Arabs first and Americans second. 

If we become tourists and turn our backs on them, then they have no one left.  If we don’t go, then who will?

p.s. NAAMA’s 33 International Medical Convention in Amman on June 25^th to July 1 with a post convention extension to Jerusalem from July 1- 3, 2011 is still happening as planned.  To register please go to www.naama.com.  I look forward to greet you personally in Amman soon.

The Garden

There once was a King who had a very beautiful garden.  It was filled with trees and colorful flowers of all kinds.  The King dedicated all his time and fortune to transform this garden into a botanical paradise.  It was the first place he’d go to in the morning and the last to visit at night. 

He was obsessed by keeping it well manicured and pretty that he hired the best gardeners money can buy to look after his garden.

One day while taking his usual morning stroll along the flower beds, he noticed a family of birds nesting in a tree, and then he saw a squirrel stashing its food supply in another.  The King panicked, he did not want anything to distort his paradise or cause it any harm.  He started looking around to discover more creatures and animals “invading” his garden.  The King became angry and threatened by all these “intruders”.  The small rabbit nibbling on the grass became a more serious threat that the kingdom next door.  The bee flying from one rose to another kept him awake at night planning new tactics for possible air raids.

Driven by his worries, the King ordered his gardeners and guards to build a huge wall around his garden to protect it from intruders.  He ordered them to install devices that will kill or capture any creature that might come close to any of the threes.  He ordered guards to whoosh away the bees, chase away the birds and capture any rabbit that dares dig one hole in the ground.

The King succeeded in keeping every creature out of his garden.  But his victory did not last long.  A new invisible threat was causing his flowers to stop blooming and the leaves on his trees to fall.  He watched in agony as his paradise started withering slowly and its colors fading.

The King recognized what he has done and ordered his men to immediately dismantle the walls and remove all devices that scared the creatures away.  But not a single animal was back.

The King felt helpless and very lonely.  He stood in the middle of what is left from his garden with his arms stretched calling on the birds and welcoming the creatures back.  He stood there from dawn to dusk with open arms, but not a single one came back.  For the animals were terrified by the King’s new “scarecrow”.

Mouhanad

United We Stand... In a True Democracy

Whenever more than one person plan to accomplish any task no matter what, it is bound to have more than one way to do it.  No two minds are alike and differences in opinion are expected regardless how compatible or how synergized a group is.

However, what matters is how leaders react in face of the other opinion and what consequences might come out from taking these disagreements beyond what they are.  History books are filled with countless acts of incongruities that lead to major disasters.

Unfortunately, even with this matter disparities exist.  The higher societies are on the civilization totem pole, the more different their response is towards the other side. 

Civilized societies with an acceptable level of democracy (since true democracy only exists in Utopia) no matter how passionate they are about their point of view, and regardless how strong they feel about their opinion, and no matter how loud and aggressive they will voice their dismay with the final decision; at the end of the day come together as one and work on the plan as it is determined by the majority.

Some societies are still operating in the "I, Myself and Me" mode where "everything should be done my way and if you don't like it then I am taking my toys and leaving the sand box" or "I will sabotage the whole thing if I am not leading it".  Sadly, many of our Arab societies fall within this category and if the recent events sweeping the Arab World from Tripoli to Baghdad taught us anything, it is that we are still fixated on the absolute "I and then the flood".

We as Arab Americans are not immune to this.  We let our differences dictate how we function.  Even sometimes when the cause is so noble, we allow disagreements to diminish any chance of success.  This is neither a secret nor an overstatement.  We all know what an effective power we can be if we speak with one voice.  Others have mastered this and are reaping the benefits for ages while we still ponder whether we should get involved or not to or "what's in it for me".

NAAMA should and must speak with one voice.  We can still have our agreements, our differences, our arguments and screaming matches, it is a sign of healthy democracy, but at the end of the day, we should join as one united for the ultimate goal.  

There is no other way around it; otherwise we will not exist as individual "I"s.

Mouhanad