TWAA: Our Children Deserve Better Than Western Self-Hatred

When people are judged and rewarded solely on their actions and character in an equal manner, all of society benefits—a bedrock free-society principle we ignore at our children’s risk.

Unlike many Western nations, Somalia doesn’t have a dedicated day remembering those who died in its defense. Though it does celebrate some historical dates (Independence Day on July 1, National Army Day on April 12, National Remembrance Day on October 14), it certainly does not have the Memorial Day tradition of the United States. I’ve celebrated 14 Memorial Days now since becoming an American citizen in April of 2013, including last month, and it still moves me. How I wish I could thank the strangers who gave their lives so that I and my family could flourish! Did you celebrate someone special this Memorial Day? Share in the comments.

What I’m Thinking About

I’ll be blunt: this week—and perhaps for a long time—I’m thinking not only about Henry Nowak, but the two mothers connected to his horrific story. I can’t imagine any mom easily dismissing it. A quick recap: Henry was an 18-year-old university student in England murdered by a 23-year-old Sikh man last December. The murder weapon was a ceremonial Sikh knife that Henry, as a run-of-the-mill white Englisher, wasn’t allowed to carry like his murderer. Far worse is the way that, as Henry lay literally bleeding to death in the wintry street, police arrested him. Why? Because his killer told them Henry had been mean, insulting him and punching him while knocking off his turban.