An interesting commentary from Mr. David Gordan Smith.

On the Expatica.com news there was an interesting commentary from Mr. David Gordan Smith, see the link below for the article: http://www.expatica.com/source/site_article.asp?subchannel_id=26&story_id=19802&name=Why+it%27s+not+just+the+far%2Dright+that+is+racist "Germany is lagging behind other developed countries such as the UK and USA in its progress towards being a properly multi-cultural society." This was one of the comments that caught my eye, as Mr. Smith also states: “No. Racism is a huge problem in Germany, being endemic in German public discourse and ways of thinking. Germany is lagging behind other developed countries such as the UK and USA (themselves no paragon of racial harmony) in its progress towards being a properly multi-cultural society. For a society to really embrace diversity, it is not enough to control the lunatic fringes — mainstream society has to question its ideas and values and change them if necessary.” I personally feel that in many or rather most respects Mr. Smith is right in his article, I am also a strong believer of “sweeping my own doorstep” this includes realizing that in America (and from what I have heard, but cannot personally confirm) racism is still a major problem for most ethnic groups. And from what I have heard, it is not necessarily getting better, for example the young man Sasan Mohammadgholizadeh, born in Iran, has lived almost his whole life in Germany and has a German passport, was denied entry into the USA. Based pretty much on his place of birth and his name. He was arrested, interrogated, and sent back to Germany with a stamp in his passport that could eventually make it hard for him to travel freely at will. Although this is supposedly not the norm, it is still a matter that should not be played down so lightly. After 9/11 I realise and respect the necessity of tighter controls, and better warnings, but this isn’t the first case I have heard that American officials are harder than need be. One aspect that should also be remembered is that for the most parts, most foreigners in Germany (or as far as I know even in Europe) are not organized in the same manner of some American ethnic groups for example the NAACP. While this in some respects is a shame, on the other side, it is even more of a shame that we even need such an organization that has to remind us to “be nice to each other”. I cannot and will not say that all of what Mr. Smith writes is right or wrong, but I wonder that such an article is written and published in a forum for people who may not yet have had the time to make their own experiences. I feel that after reading this, some may feel; “The Germans ARE racist, even if not right wing, so why should I try to get along with them, or get to know them“ and that is counterproductive and exactly what will not help to solve any problems. ALH