Yusuf Islam, f/k/a Cat Stevens, has penned an op/ed piece appearing in today’s Los Angeles Times (Sept.28, 2004), in which he describes his trip last week to the U.S.A. and instant deportation. “Something Bad Has Begun: The former Cat Stevens says he hasn’t changed but the U.S. has.” Islam says “I am a victim of an unjust and arbitrary system, hastily imposed, that serves only to belittle America’s image as a defender of the civil liberties that so many dearly struggled and died for over the centuries.” Click here for other important excerpts.
Although it’s off-topic, we’ve been following this story for a week (see here and here) — probably because of our long affection for the music of Cat Stevens. So far, Mr. Islam’s explanations seem far more plausible than the charges against him — whether new or regurgitated. I also believe we should listen closely to Privacy International’s concerns about the overly intrusive nature of the US-VISIT system.
in this world
among insects too…
good singers, bad singers
by Kobayashi Issa, translated by David G. Lanoue