Consul General Scott Talks about New Citizenships

CG Scott in Turin

Turin, March 19, 2012

Remarks by  Consul General Kyle Scott introducing Speaker Mona Eltahawy

Circolo dei Lettori, Turin

Good morning to everyone,

I wish to thank the Councilor of integration policies, Ilda Curti, for wanting to put together this event and for hosting us today in these beautiful headquarters. I also give my regards to the other speakers and the audience here today. Also, It is an absolute honor to welcome Mona Eltahawy , our American guest, who is a journalist, blogger and expert on Arabic culture.

 While observing the people around this room and the multiple ethnic groups who are participating in this meeting, I would like to stress how happy I am to see all of you here because it is a direct testimony to the positive change in our society – which I have noticed – as well as the opportunities that everyone’s  attendance here tonight represents for the community of Turin.  Today all those gathered here are contributing  to the desire of integrating the American experience into our culture.   

The theme of immigration and integration in the United States is always of primary importance on the agenda of our people. The testimony which President Obama delivered long ago as well as recently at the American University  is a fantastic example;  the United States is very aware that the men and women of America arrived from different countries and have contributed in different ways to the building and defending of our country.  For us to be American today  is not solely based on birth or blood but rather an act of faith and loyalty to the values that are at the heart of the American culture.  This is one of the strengths of the United States, anyone who dedicates themselves to these ideals can help to write the next chapter of our history.

In the United States the management of immigration is not only a matter of reflecting on political or economic issues but rather – first of all – a mandatory morality. There are many examples that illustrate the importance of participation which is a core value of American society. The concept of integration is more of an appeal to high ideals instead of fear,  and their hopes that their children will have a bright future full of the values which always inspire the American people to take action. “E pluribus unum” (from many, one) is in fact the motto written on the seal of our nation from the beginning of our independence.

Now, I would like to introduce a journalist, blogger and character who is internationally famous to the public, Mona Eltahawy. She has great respect for the proud Muslim liberal and was appointed the lead Muslim of the future American society for Muslim progress. This societies editorials have been and will continue to be printed on a international level, in publications such as the Washington Post and International Herald Tribune . This society is also invited regularly to share their opinions on various television programs and have received numerous prestigious journalistic rewards. Eltahawy has contributed to the various points of view in many different  conferences, including TEDWomen  where she has spoken about  the virtue of confusion and perception of Muslim women. The scope of her goals  covers the growth of social media which represents Arabic interests.  In the name of the United States it is truly my honor to welcome Mona Eltahawy to Torino.

Mona the floor is yours.