After years of shame, embarrassment, and grief caused by the actions of a jingoistic, power-mad president, unchecked by a timid, sheeplike Congress, this story restores a bit of the pride I had in my country by demonstrating the magnitude of what Americans can do for one family when united by concern, caring, and generosity.
Youssif and family arrive in U.S.: 'Am I in heaven?'
LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Youssif, the 5-year-old Iraqi boy who was savagely burned by masked men, arrived in the United States late Tuesday with his family -- the first step toward his lengthy rehabilitation.
For a family whose lives were tortured by the random and brutal violence of Iraq, the sheer magnitude of stepping onto American soil was surreal. His parents were rendered speechless. Quite simply they grinned from ear to ear. They didn't need to speak. The joy on their faces was palpable.
They had traveled more than 7,500 miles to get help for their son, from war-torn central Baghdad to coastal Los Angeles. It marked the first time the family had ever left their homeland, let alone flown on a plane.
"Oh my God, it's so green. Am I in heaven?" Youssif's mother, Zainab, said after arriving in Chicago before the family flew on to Los Angeles where Youssif will be treated.
CNN and CNN.com first reported his story on August 22 after the family risked their lives to tell his story: On January 15, masked men grabbed Youssif outside his home, doused him with gas and set him on fire.
The story prompted an outpouring of support to get help for Youssif. More than 12,000 CNN.com users have contributed to a fund set up by the Children's Burn Foundation.
Youssif and his family are expected to be in the United States for six months to a year while he undergoes multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation.
Read the entire story (CNN.com)
It will take the US at least a generation to even attempt to fully undo the damage we've done to generations of Iraqis. Not that we are alone at fault, but certainly we bear the majority of the responsibility for reparation and redress.
