3 February 2019: Letter to Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib

3 February 2019
Nat Pernick, M.D.30100 Telegraph Road, Suite 408Bingham Farms, MI 48025
Congressman Andy Levin1628 Longworth HOBWashington, DC 20515
RE: Peace in the Middle East
Dear Representative Tlaib,
I believe we met previously during my work as founder and Executive Director of The Detroit College Promise (now run by the DPS Foundation).
I would like your assistance to identify individuals or groups in the Arab / Muslim / Palestinian community that are interested in promoting democratic traditions in Middle Eastern countries. These traditions include freedom of speech and religion, the rule of law, transparent and honest government, compromise to achieve goals, tolerance of opposing points of view and condemnation of terrorism and violence.
I, like you, want to promote peace and stability in this region. However, it is my view that this is not possible in countries that govern based on hatred, terrorism and tribalism. We need to change the political culture of these communities from the bottom up until the leadership is forced to act appropriately. We know that the people who live in these countries are capable of peace - when living in the US, they are hard working, responsible members of society.
How do we change a culture of political violence? I suggest we organize locally to build a movement to change this culture, most likely through hundreds of activities that create change in a small way, whether cultural exchanges or advisory boards or something else. To be successful, we need to work with those who understand the region and know what is possible.
Please let me know what you think.
Sincerely,

NAT PERNICK, M.D.