Washington Report on Middle East Affairs - Muslim-and Arab-Americans Poised to Make a Difference in Battleground States
News Article
Washington Report on Middle East Affairs - Muslim-and Arab-Americans Poised to Make a Difference in Battleground States
THE DEMOCRATIC National Convention in Denver, Colorado opened with a huge interfaith gathering on Aug. 24, featuring remarks and readings by rabbis, imams, ministers and community leaders. This was the first time a celebration of this nature has been part of a Democratic National Convention, and it was symbolic of the party's intentions to bring multiple communities together under its "big tent."
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Congressman Keith Ellison (D-MN), who in 2006 became the first Muslim American elected to Congress, spoke passionately at the luncheon about the need for Muslims, as well as other minority groups, to increase their political involvement by voting, participating in local politics, and running for political office. "America, our great country, needs the Muslim community," said Ellison, who was sworn into office using a Qur'an once owned by Thomas Jeffersonproving, as he said, that there is nothing un-American about Islam.
Warning Muslims that they cannot afford to be captured by any one political party, Ellison said that, instead, every political party, every candidate for office, should be coming to Muslims for their political support. Turning the discussion to civil liberties and justice for every religion and race, Congressman Ellison added, "When you are challenged, you can get bitter, or you can get better."
By getting involved, minority groups challenge the government to make things better for all Americans, he pointed out. "Voting is critically important. It is the kindergarten of politics," he noted. Without going to kindergarten you cannot move up. But you cannot finish kindergarten and say, I'm done, I'm educated.' We are just getting started when we vote."
Ellison stressed the importance of local grassroots politics and encouraged both young and old alike to work in government, including on local school boards. He also called upon Muslims to improve their community from within, and to include more women at meetings. "Our faith is not sexist but some of our practitioners are," Ellison said. "Men of all faiths are infected with sexism. Muslims don't have a monopoly on the problem.
"Some day I'm going to walk out of a room if there are no sisters in it," he warned.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Source