Before I go any further, I would like to make something very clear. I am not speaking in the name of all the members or Imazighen. I am an Amazigh's wife who happens to have spent most of her life in France, and, therefore, I am very familiar with Algeria and Algerians. I can only imagine what it is like for all of you to be oppressed for a very noble cause: The Amazigh Culture and Democracy. Only people who have lived such an experience can really understand it. However, I would like to speak about issues that I have witnessed in the association for over a year now. As in any group of individuals, some people do more than others. They are the leaders because that "fire in their guts is FAITH;" they are driven by it. I have seen people who consider themselves members because they pay the dues, but other than this they don't participate much. Money is only one of the tools that will make this cause go forward. We need active and reliable members we can count on.

I decided to write this letter after having been disappointed by the behavior of some people last night. For instance, not being on time, not doing what they were supposed to do, not pitching in when everybody else was trying very hard to make the event a success, and being selfish. Being a member, as I understand it, is an honorable first step, but it does not stop there. I agree that different people have different ways of contributing, but I also subscribe to the idea that if one makes a commitment he or she should stick with it. A united and organized association is more powerful than a divided and disorganized one. And, I think, we need all the help we can get to make a difference. I am also aware of the constant threat that Imazighen face for being who they are and for standing up for democracy. And, as I said, I am only a witness and, therefore, it may be easier for me to make these statements.

I support my husband's cause which I happen to also believe in. Let us not forget all the true heroes who live this constant battle in Algeria. So the least we could do through this association is to represent them the way they deserve to be represented. I really hope I did not offend anyone. If so, that was not my intention nor the purpose of this letter. We are all in this together, so let us try to work together and do the best we can.

Pascale B. Kaci
Berkeley, CA, USA