Organizing for America | Muslims Americans for Obama '08's Blog: WHAT ARE THE ISSUES & SOLUTIONS

Voter Registration | Report to Admin

By Ayaan Feb 14th 2007 at 12:41 am EST

For me it’s all about Voter Registration.

Muslims are not sufficiently engaged in national politics-at least not enough. For a population of approximately 10 million you'd expect more heavy weight PR and political mobilization.

I know there are organizations that have done fantastic work.

One of the ways to get the Muslims more engaged is to make sure Muslim Americans are registered to vote and are educated on the issues. If all Muslims eligible to vote can do so, they will be sending a strong message to Washington.

Comment from a non-Muslim | Report to Admin

By Nancy Feb 17th 2007 at 12:32 pm EST

As a non-Muslim, I would like to offer you a comment from the "outside". I spent a better part of this morning on a website out of Macon where folks post back and forth on threads. I went there at the recommendation of a fellow Obama supporter who had been posting there and was receiving a lot of ignorant comments.

After reading four or five posts, I had to agree. Very ignorant as well as intolerant. I refused to read more. Then, being from the east Atlanta area, I noticed that your organization is meeting at the Supreme Fish restaurant near Stonecrest Mall. I began to wonder if- as a non- Muslim, I would want to come to the event. And if I did come, would I, a non-Muslim, be welcome. I know the invitation was open to all, but would I "feel" welcome? Ah, my insecurities are coming out, aren't they?

Then I thought back to the posts from Macon. I will not spill their ignorance forward, but suffices to say that Mr. Obama's involvement with Muslims, being Muslim, having a Muslim father, going to a Muslim school, etc. was constantly referred to as a minus. We all know that this country apparently elects based on a person's father....... also that it will elect based on ignorance and fear, etc.

One of the biggest issues facing Muslims today, from a non-Muslim perspective, is being able to BE Muslim WITHOUT being related to extremists. I don't know how to do this, obviously, but as a Buddhist, I get plenty of flack from the intolerant. I can only imagine what it must be like to be a Muslim American.

Re: Comment from a non-Muslim | Report to Admin

By Muslim Americans for Obama08 - MuslimsforObama08.com Feb 18th 2007 at 7:47 am EST

Hi Nancy,

Thank you for your comment. First I want to define the term Muslim. It is one who submit their will to the creator will. So anything that is not in line with that, is not a "Muslim".

You are very much welcomed and will be embraced if you plan to attend the Kick-Off. Our intention as a group is only to educated others about Who Barack Obama is and What he stands for. We will do this buy committing our resources both through money and time.

We must expect negative/hate filled comments, slander techniques and division methods from those who oppose Obama and do not want to see the country UNITED. It is our jobs as supporters of Obama to extinguish those techniques with informing the public on the truth of Obama, his life, his position and to assist in showing the true vision for a Unified America.

I truly look foward to meeting you and all who plan to support this event. RUN OBAMA RUN!!!!

Organizing Staff
Muslim Americans for Obama 08
Link

Re: Comment from a non-Muslim | Report to Admin

By Lise Feb 27th 2008 at 9:13 am EST

I am a non-Muslim and what I am troubled by is the lack of outrage coming from the moderate Muslims living in the US. What has there been no "Million Muslim March" against hatred and terrorism? Why? The silence is defeaning. What will Obama do if elected to deal with terrorism?

Re: Comment from a non-Muslim | Report to Admin

By Paul from Fishers, IN Mar 27th 2008 at 12:45 pm EDT

I am not an Obama supporter, and I don't view him at all as a uniter but rather as a divider. Exactly who do you think he is uniting? How can he claim to be a uniter when he refuses to appear on the most watched news show in America, Fox News? Until he does that, the only people I see him uniting are the left wing of the Democratic party, and that is not America!

Re: Comment from a Muslim | Report to Admin

By Akhtar Jun 7th 2008 at 8:39 pm EDT

I may not vote for Mr.Obama after his discriminatory remarks on giving away Jerusolum to ISRAEl.

What has Obama done 2 gain Muslim Support | Report to Admin

By Khalil from Oakland, CA Mar 6th 2007 at 4:51 pm EST (Updated Mar 7th 2008 at 2:55 pm EST)

This post has been removed due to offensive or disrespectful content.

Re: What has Obama done 2 gain Muslim Support | Report to Admin

By Muslim Americans for Obama08 - MuslimsforObama08.com Mar 7th 2007 at 10:42 am EST

You ask! Why are Muslims supporting Obama?

In short he is the BEST candidate for the job in 2008.

Is Barack Pro-Muslim?

Obama: Man of the World
The New York Times | March 06, 2007

The conventional wisdom about Barack Obama is that he's smart and charismatic but so inexperienced that we should feel jittery about him in the Oval Office.

But that view is myopic. In some respects, Mr. Obama is far more experienced than other presidential candidates.

His experience as an antipoverty organizer in Chicago, for example, gives him a deep grasp of a crucial 21st-century challenge -- poverty in America -- that almost all politicians lack. He says that grass-roots experience
helps explain why he favors not only government spending programs, like early childhood education, but also cultural initiatives, like efforts to promote responsible fatherhood.
In foreign policy as well, Mr. Obama would bring to the White House an important experience that most other candidates lack: he has actually lived abroad. He spent four years as a child in Indonesia and attended schools in the Indonesian language, which he still speaks.
''I was a little Jakarta street kid,'' he said in a wide-ranging interview in his office (excerpts are on my blog, Link. He once got in trouble for making faces during Koran study classes in his
elementary school, but a president is less likely to stereotype Muslims as fanatics -- and more likely to be aware of their nationalism -- if he once studied the Koran with them.
Mr. Obama recalled the opening lines of the Arabic call to prayer, reciting them with a first-rate accent. In a remark that seemed delightfully uncalculated (it'll give Alabama voters heart attacks), Mr. Obama described the call to prayer as ''one of the prettiest sounds on Earth at sunset.''
Moreover, Mr. Obama's own grandfather in Kenya was a Muslim. Mr. Obama never met his grandfather and says he isn't sure if his grandfather's two wives were simultaneous or consecutive, or even if he was Sunni or Shiite. (O.K., maybe Mr. Obama should just give up on Alabama.)
Our biggest mistake since World War II has been a lack of sensitivity to other people's nationalism, from Vietnam to Iraq. Perhaps as a result of his background, Mr. Obama has been unusually sensitive to such issues and to the need to project respect rather than arrogance. He has consistently shown great instincts.
Mr. Obama's visit to Africa last year hit just the right diplomatic notes. In Kenya, he warmly greeted the president -- but denounced corruption and went out of his way to visit a bold newspaper that government agents had ransacked. In South Africa, he respectfully but firmly criticized the government's unscientific bungling of the AIDS epidemic. In Chad, he visited Darfur refugees.
''My experience growing up in Indonesia or having family in small villages in Africa -- I think it makes me much more mindful of the importance of issues like personal security or freedom from corruption,'' he said, adding: ''I've witnessed it in much more direct ways than I think the average American has witnessed it.''
As a senator, Mr. Obama has not only seized the issue of nuclear proliferation, but also the question of small arms. For a majority of the world's inhabitants, those AK-47s and R.P.G.'s are the weapons of mass destruction.
So how would an Obama administration differ from the Bill Clinton presidency in foreign policy? One way, he said, would be a much greater emphasis on promoting education, health care and development in Africa and other poor regions -- not just for humanitarian reasons, but also with an eye to national security.

Muslims for Obama? | Report to Admin

By zaffy Aug 6th 2007 at 3:34 am EDT

On July 26th Barack Obama said, “I don't want a continuation with Bush-Cheney. I don't want Bush-Cheney light. I want a fundamental change."

On August 1st Barack Obama said, "If we have actionable intelligence about high-value terrorist targets and President Musharraf won't act, we will."

Taking unilateral military action into the territory of a sovereign nation does not really sound like a “fundamental change".

Even if this were to be the policy, publicly stating it shows a profound lack of understanding of the political situation within Pakistan. The United States publicly entering Pakistani territory would at best undermine the relationship with a country that provides vital logistical support for the mission in Afghanistan. At worst it could have the ramification of creating political conditions causing the nuclear power’s government to collapse.

If we have learned anything over these last six years, it is that we can’t have another President who needs training wheels.

We need a President who is ready to lead on day one.

Hello | Report to Admin

By Unknown user Feb 27th 2008 at 10:42 pm EST

Hello!

Why did Mr. ObAMA Barack have to testify in debate against Farrakhan and Mr. Wright?

Miss Li,

you're kidding, right? | Report to Admin

By Mitchell from Short Hills, NJ Feb 27th 2008 at 11:08 pm EST

Since these men's names (Wright and Farrakhan) have become synonymous with their racist, specifically anti-Jewish statements, any person who finds racism or bigotry, in any form, unacceptable would have to distance himself or herself from such men. Don't you think? Tolerance and the acceptance of the fact that EVERY human being is a person entitled to life, liberty, respect and the pursuit of happiness is essential for America to BE America.

MuslimsforObama08.com - attention | Report to Admin

By Adam from Ann Arbor, MI Mar 1st 2008 at 5:57 pm EST

Hello, I only found out about the site muslimsforobama08.com after reading an article sent to me ...
Link
or
Link,

...mostly in jest, but while preparing a response to that individual, and after browsing the site, I realized there are some matters which may require the site administrator's attention:

Link lists an invalid e-mail address (my message came back undeliverable), I realized after that there's a typo, the second 's' is missing in muslimSforobama08.com. Also, the 877 number leads to a 900-number style sex chat line. Given that your site is bound to collect more attention, I would look into addressing the aforementioned issues with the site. Take care.

obama | Report to Admin

By Shaikh from San Jose, CA Mar 31st 2008 at 4:55 pm EDT

as a muslim american, i am totally confused as to whom to vote for int he upcoming election. the main issue in my mind is foriegn relations with muslim countries, and foriegn policy in hte middle east. well, the reason why i wouldnt vote for obama is because he is directly sponsored and the full support of the evil and mighty AIPAC lobby. barack obama continues to support the killing of innocent civilians in Palestine, particularly Gaza. He defends israels right to protect itself, while ignoring the Palestinian right for the same. Although i abhor those suicide bombings of civilians, i consider them freedom-fighters, not jihadis. this situation is is a first-timer, because it is the first time in the history of the world where the world supports the oppressors instead of the oppressed. This has been achieved via powerful political and economic Israeli organizations in western countries, and the over-exaggeration of the effects of the Holocaust on todays Israel.

Having said that, I understand why Mr. Obama decided to side with Israel. The reason is there is no other way he can reach the White House. He has traded his values in exchange for the presidency. Unfortunately, he is not alone. Not a single candidate stands against Israel.
Another reason i dont like Obama is because he is trying his best to prove that he is not a muslim. He is literally ashamed of his middle name. Well, i would be embarrassed too if i were a Baptist, and running for president in this racist and ignorant country.

The reason i would support obama though is because he has been known to be a down-to-earth person in his early years, and has the least experience in the corrupt Congress. I can see him bringing real change. I admire the fact that he is only 50% white, and that he comes from a diverse background. He also breaks the American tradition of placing a Southern President in the White House.

Re: obama | Report to Admin

By Glenn from Eau Claire, MI Jun 4th 2008 at 2:53 pm EDT (Updated Jun 9th 2008 at 1:44 pm EDT)

This comment has been removed due to objectionable or disrespectful content.

Where do you stand? | Report to Admin

By V from Parkton, MD Apr 1st 2008 at 11:20 am EDT

As an non Muslim I would like to know where does the Muslim Americans stand on the issue of womens rights in Muslims countries. Where do you stand on freedom of religion in the Muslims countries. Where do you stand on rights of minorities in Muslims countries? Where do you stand on when terrorists acts are committed in the name of Allah against non Muslims?

I would like to know where the Muslim Americans for Obama stand on those issues before you even outline the issues that you present for Obama?

Jerusalem capital of Israel | Report to Admin

By Akhtar Jun 7th 2008 at 6:11 pm EDT

Like most Muslims I endorse Israel's right to live in peace alongside its Muslim neighbors.Your intent to pass off Jerusalem to Israel could cause turmoil in the already smoldering middle east region.Such lack of political insight and judgement might as well alienate an otherwise friendly mudlim community.I do hope oliteration of the Palestinians is not the motive.As a U.S. citizen I want to ask you:on what grounds did you make such a commitment?

What's our shtick? | Report to Admin

By Asghar from Gainesville, FL Jun 11th 2008 at 9:16 pm EDT

So far I've noted a number of themes. Obama is accused of favoring Israel, threatening Pakistan and being insecure about his middle-name/identity.

I feel like many of my conversations with fellow Muslims/Pakistanis regarding Obama revolve around these same issues. I'm confused by that. As I see it, and as Ayaan said, the real issue facing Muslims is that we have no voice.

That's tragic because our country is built on the right to speech. There are uncountable means to make your self heard. First and foremost is to vote.

But voting is tricky. Not all voters are born equal - it depends on who you are and where you are. The black community in the US is generally presumed democrat, so Republicans don't listen to them, so democrats also don't listen to them - their votes are assured. Christian Evangelicals are presumed Republican, so same deal.

It seems to me that the Muslim community is a lot more like the Jewish community in the US. We cut both ways on issues like economy, taxes, or welfare and that is exactly where we want to be. We're all over the map on issues of constitutional freedom, meaning civil liberties and privacy on one hand and gay marriage and abortion on the other (as I understand it, all of these issues stem from the interpretation of a single word in our constitution, "liberty" ).

But to take advantage of this unique position, we need to learn how to Matter. We need to vote. We need to donate. And when we're aggrieved, we need to be able to pull back both our ballots and our check books and we need candidates to take notice of our actions.

At the same time, we need to be smart. When a good thing comes our way, we need to grasp it. If we don't, then politicians have no reason to listen to us. In 2000, Muslim Americans gave their full support to Bush because Gore was closer to Israel. Consider how pivotal the Muslim vote was to Bush's victory. Consider what Muslims got in return.

[continued below]

What's our stick [part deux] | Report to Admin

By Asghar from Gainesville, FL Jun 11th 2008 at 9:17 pm EDT

As noted earlier in this thread, Obama is the best candidate. I believe that to be true in all respects but I think it especially true from a Muslim perspective. Yes he's made hawkish statements regarding Pakistan, but does anyone sincerely believe that McCain will be better? Yes he spoke to AIPAC, but so does EVERY candidate running for office, and newsflash: Zionists really dislike Obama because of how little attention he's given Israel. And as far as Obama being mislabeled a Muslim by people who don't know any better, I can't see how that's his fault. I've never heard him say anything offensive towards Muslims.

Obama has, on the other hand, argued for pulling out of Iraq (Muslims want this), diplomacy (Muslims want this), and unity (everyone wants this). Obama is far better suited to understanding the complexity of our now thoroughly globalized world than most people in Washington and Muslims Want a person who can see things from their perspective. More than anything Muslims need to be understood and here's a guy that just might be able to deliver.

I think we as the Muslim American community would be foolish to squander this opportunity to make our voices heard.

Christians are not more American than Muslims in this country | Report to Admin

By Taufik from Seattle, WA Jun 15th 2008 at 9:33 pm EDT

Christians are not more American than Muslims in this country. As president, it is Obama’s responsibility to represent all citizens, regardless of their faith. Leaders are supposed to encourage people to look past their differences to their commonalities.

It is found in the Constitution of the United States, Article II, Section 1, Clause 5: No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President; neither shall any Person be eligible to that Office who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty five Years, and been fourteen Years a Resident within the United States.

AND NOTHING ELSE.

NOT Islamophobia- Its simply lack of knowledge!!! | Report to Admin

By Amna from Stow, OH Jun 19th 2008 at 9:32 pm EDT

Its really really wrong that the ethics page on Obama's website so boldly distanced Obama from being a Muslim. He may not be, but denouncing it in such a way enhances the fact that Obama is Islamophobic and also ill informed. There is nothing wrong with Islam, it is one of the three mono-theist religions and preaches peace and humanity which is contrary on media but inevitability the truth.
After watching two Muslim women not be able to stand behind Obama during his speech this is a further disappointment. If the campaign speaks about breaking stereotypes and bringing change why is it also endorsing propaganda about a religion that has been around for more than 1,400 years?
This kind of bias behavior shows inequality and religious discrimination.

I have a difficult time explaining to Muslims at all why they should vote if this is the kind of America they will have to face.

The difference between hope and being delusional | Report to Admin

By Amna from Stow, OH Jun 19th 2008 at 9:51 pm EDT

The reason there are little to no Muslim in politics is because surviving in the arena requires some morality or lack of it. Any comments I see about Obama don't speak so much of his positive assets but more of how hes 'better than McCain'.

This may be true but the reality of the situation is that Muslims are the new blacks and its gonna get worse before it gets better. Islamophobia is a bad word, because it means fear of Islam. No one is afraid- because no one knows what Islam, in essence is about! Obama and McCain may propose different policies in various areas but this bias of Islam runs so deep on this very website (click on ethics) Islam is spoken about its its a bug or a virus. Even if Obama is not a Muslim, which he may not be, to put words in such an offensive manner shows the mentality of the campaign. He may be 'better than McCain' but is that really what American Muslims should settle for? The better of the two? And then shrug our shoulders and say we supported the less-worse one?

Granted, Obama spoke in front of Lobbyists with there mentality in mind and likewise with the media regarding Pakistan, but both of these incidences combined with the recent removal of two women wearing the head scarf shows which direction this campaign is headed.

I always liked Obama, but after incidences like these how do we talking the talk will result in walking the walk. Not relying on gov finance for the campaign is a commendable step for us as Americans but as Muslims I don't predict equal treatment from either candidate. You'd think those who claim exposure to discrimination would recognize it in themselves but thats not always the case, as we have seen in the past.

I still think Obama is the 'better candidate' and no doubt believe in this words. But i don't think I'll be voting at all now, based on my own opinions validated above. It just doesn't seem worth it anymore.

Re: The difference between hope and being delusional | Report to Admin

By Asghar from Gainesville, FL Jun 21st 2008 at 10:39 am EDT

Hi Amna,

I'm Muslim and I'm working with a grassroots organization in support of Barack Obama. As such, it is really important to me to that I examine each and every statement that Barack makes about the Islam and the Muslim community.

As far as the two women that were denied a seat behind Senator Obama at a rally, he has personally and publicly apologized to them. Both the women and CAIR is on the record as accepting the apologies.

On this blog, I looked at the ethics page and the page on faith and I couldn't find the comments you were referring to. I didn't see anything regarding Muslims or Islam. Could you point me in the right direction?

Information about any other comments that Barack made or is alleged to have made would be appreciated.

Thanks

This states some of the concerns of Muslims | Report to Admin

By Amna from Stow, OH Jun 24th 2008 at 2:08 pm EDT

Link

here are some queries which need to be addressed. this is a news article from The New York Times.

Re: This states some of the concerns of Muslims | Report to Admin

By Amna from Stow, OH Jun 24th 2008 at 2:19 pm EDT

Even some of Mr. Obama’s strongest Muslim supporters say they are uncomfortable with the forceful denials he has made in response to rumors that he is secretly a Muslim. (Ten percent of registered voters believe the rumor, according to a poll by the Pew Research Center.)

In an interview with “60 Minutes,” Mr. Obama said the rumors were offensive to American Muslims because they played into “fearmongering.” But on a new section of his Web site, he classifies the claim that he is Muslim as a “smear.”

“A lot of us are waiting for him to say that there’s nothing wrong with being a Muslim, by the way,” Mr. Ellison said.

These are 3 direct quotes out of the New York Times. And this is the same kind of tone which was used on the Ethics Page i'm glad i read this article so i know i'm not the only one insulted by the declarations of being non-Muslim. he may not be, but there is nothing wrong with being Muslim; a fact that the Obama Campaign doesn't accept.

Please read the link on the comment above. I await your reply.

Amna Malik

Re: This states some of the concerns of Muslims | Report to Admin

By Berta from Ithaca, NY Jun 24th 2008 at 8:39 pm EDT

As a non-Muslim I saw the article in the New York Times today and looking at the title, I felt a bit depressed. I genuinely believe that Barack Obama is at heart a decent person and it's just disturbing to see what a person has to go through in order to become president. They have to basically whitewash their life and become a series of acceptable positions. As far as Obama and Muslims, it's a dilemma. If John McCain were to speak at a mosque or to a Muslim group, it would be viewed and presented in a very different light than if Obama were to do the same. Why? Because Obama is non-white and "different". He starts from a position of having to prove he's a "real American" and to be trusted. It's absurd but a reality. The other issue is that I think Obama's true feelings get lost in all the campaign managers, etc. as evidenced by the fact that he did call the two women who were excluded from the photo and apologize. Anyway, it's my belief that if elected, he will return to his more genuine self and more progressive beliefs. Finally, how about a letter writing campaign letting Obama know that he has Muslim supporters and needs to address the issue that there truely is nothing wrong with being a Muslim as Mr. Elison says.

Do the means justify the ends? | Report to Admin

By Asghar from Gainesville, FL Jun 28th 2008 at 12:05 pm EDT

That was a really insightful article Amna, thanks for sending it. I especially enjoyed that last line, “the joke within the national Muslim organizations... is that we should endorse the person we don’t want to win.”

I feel what this boils down to is a means-ends argument. Most Muslims I know agree that Obama's presidency is the better (if not the best) end in sight. The issue is whether Muslims can/should accept the means by which Obama is pursuing the presidency.

It's very sad but the context of this election is that the United States has had 8-18 years of concerted anti-Muslim rhetoric coming out of the government and the media. America has been flooded with news stories focusing on all varieties of Muslim boogie-men; ranging from the likes of Muqada-Al-Sadr to Louis Farrakhan to Mullah Omar. America and American interests have been threatened by Muslims, and in an unprecedented event, America was attacked by "Muslims". American intellectuals like Huntington and Fukuyama have talked about the so called "clash of civilizations." I'm not exactly a fan, but you have to recognize that at every level of American society there exists some degree of distrust and animus towards Muslims.

Given that 10% of registered voters believe Obama is Muslim, I think he has three options. First, he can take the high road and, while explaining that he himself is not Muslim, embrace the Muslim community and reciprocate their support. Second, he can be a slimy politician by distancing himself from Muslim identity and try to capitalize by reinforcing preexisting negative stereotypes. Finally, he can be a politician, deny Muslim identity and say nothing more on the subject; neither invite nor reject the Muslim community. Clearly, this is the path he has chosen so far.

Speaking only for myself, I've come to terms with certain means justifying truly valuable ends. Yes I would like Obama to embrace the Muslim community explicitly and unequivocally. However, to the extent that I think Obama is bracing himself for inevitable onslaught of mischaracterization and fear mongering from the Republican machine (mind you this has not yet begun - so far the attacks have come from the Hillary camp and right-wing bloggers) I can accept the fact that he has maintained an arms length relationship with the Muslim community. I can accept that Obama is being a politician.

Do the means justify the ends? continued.. | Report to Admin

By Asghar from Gainesville, FL Jun 28th 2008 at 12:08 pm EDT

I want to note that I have my limits. I haven't been swayed by the one comment Obama made about attacking Pakistan or his statement about Jerusalem because there has been a countervailing trend of rationality, insight and intelligence that I've seen come out of the Obama camp, particularly when it comes to international affairs. However, if Obama were to make any statement characterizing Islam in a negative light, I would stay home on election-day, pure and simple.

But that's just me, I was speaking to my sister about all this recently and she had a different view. She said that this is simply a question of principal. Obama claims to be a candidate of change. He puts himself out there as an individual who stands for hope and truth. If he's so truthful then why can't he come out and say that there are anywhere between 3-6 million Muslims in the United States, that Muslims in the US are on average better educated and more productive than the national average and that Muslims are by and large a boon to this nation? Why can’t he acknowledge that Muslims are peace loving?

I respect my sister’s view. But if it were me in Obama's shoes, I don't know what direction I'd go. On the one hand, there's an obvious right-thing-to-do and, on the other, there's this calculated risk assessment.

The problem with the means justifying the ends is that, very often, when your approach is flawed, your end product comes out flawed. I guess the question for Muslims now is, if he snubs us this summer, will he snub us from the White House. I don't think he will. Based on everything I’ve seen so far I truly believe he’s better than that. But it's really a question that each of us has to figure out for him/her self.

Changes in Ideology | Report to Admin

By Amna from Stow, OH Jul 13th 2008 at 2:48 pm EDT

I hear what you are saying but realize this, when someone changes colors so slowly you cant always see it unless you; a)have the foresight b)stand back compare the what was to the what is.

Link

This link will show that more and more ppl feel the Obama Campaign is losing sight of the progressive thoughts it based its foundation on. I was one of the first Obama supporters, wayyyy back in the day i did my research. But sadly for Muslims, the position has changed and we wanna champion him for the sake of what was. Why wait until he declares his biased opinion and read between the lines. Why not for once be ahead in the game?

Its not smart to be in denial until the truth stares you in the face.
Your sister has an extremely valid point, if not for our benefit and the equality he poses to uphold, his own campaign with benefit by better treatment of Muslims.

Its not ok to be indifferent towards an entire religion. And then were supposed to vote for him? I think not.

Muslim Outreach Coordinator Resigns | Report to Admin

By Lawrence Aug 6th 2008 at 4:33 pm EDT (Updated Aug 6th 2008 at 4:33 pm EDT)

Obama appointee resigns over ties to person suspected of being a Muslim extremist

By Niraj Warikoo • Free Press Staff Writer • August 6, 2008

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A native of metro Detroit who had just been appointed as Barack Obama’s national coordinator for Muslim-American and Arab-American affairs has resigned this week amid a controversy over alleged connections with a suspected Muslim extremist.
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Mazen Asbahi, an attorney based in Chicago who grew up in Northville, was tapped late last month by the Obama campaign to be the outreach coordinator to Muslims and Arab-Americans. Born to immigrants from Syria, Asbahi graduated from Detroit Country Day and the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in 1996, and then went to Northwestern University for law school.

Asbahi sent an e-mail Monday to the Obama campaign that read:

“In 2000, I agreed to serve as a member of the board of trustees of the Dow Jones Islamic Index Fund. I served on that board for only a few weeks before resigning as soon as I became aware of public allegations against another member of the board. Since concerns have been raised about that brief time, I am stepping down from the volunteer role I recently agreed to take on with the Obama campaign as Arab American and Muslim American outreach coordinator in order to avoid distracting from Barack Obama's message of change.”

Ben LaBolt, a spokesman for the Obama campaign, said today that “Mr. Asbahi has informed the campaign that he no longer wishes to serve in his volunteer position, and we are in the process of searching for a new national Arab American and Muslim American outreach coordinator.”

Asbahi and his family are well known in metro Detroit’s Muslim communities. His appointment had been praised by Muslim activists who said he was a good choice. Over the weekend, Asbahi was in metro Detroit meeting with local Muslims, say local Muslim leaders.

Muslim American's Proud Heritage | Report to Admin

By Pierre Harbin-Ahmed Aug 21st 2008 at 7:24 pm EDT (Updated Aug 21st 2008 at 7:24 pm EDT)

Since its founding in 1776,when it was first recognised by the Muslim King of Morrocco, America has enjoyed the goodwill and mutual benefit of the community of the Prophet, Muhammad(salla alaiyhi wa salaam). It was over the fate of the 'Prince Among Slaves', Abdur Rahman, that America's diplomatic skills were tested in 1828. From its humble beginnings, Muslim Americans have helped to protect and build the very foundations upon which this great Nation stand, and no one citizen of America has merited more global affection and repect for America than Muhammad Ali. The Muslim American's proud heritage continue as we participate in this great institution called Democracy.

Pierre Harbin-Ahmed
muslimamericanblog.wordpress.c om
pierreharbin@globalcupcoffee.c om

Why I Should Vote for Obama | Report to Admin

By Abdulhai from Gaithersburg, MD Aug 30th 2008 at 3:52 pm EDT (Updated Aug 30th 2008 at 3:52 pm EDT)

I am a Muslim American who alaways voted for democratic ticket. This time I am not sure. Obama refuses to acknowledge that there are 2.5 Muslim American votes to be had. He is afraid that if he sets foot in mosque he will loose election. However he goes to AIPAC and denounce Muslims. All his foreign policy advisors are card carrying members of Likud party. He just sacke his coordinator for Muslim Americans and Arabs because he was previously a director of Dow Jones Islamic Index.

Obama is treating Muslims like the previous democratic candidates for president treated Afro Americans. He has decided that Muslims can never vote for McCain. Of course that is true but we can abstain or vote for the third party candidate.

Re: Why I Should Vote for Obama | Report to Admin

By Muhammad Salim from Chicago, IL Oct 4th 2008 at 8:23 pm EDT (Updated Oct 4th 2008 at 8:23 pm EDT)

By M.Salim from Chicago, IL Sep 24th 2008 at 10:42 am EDT (Updated Sep 24th 2008 at 10:42 am EDT)
All the scientific surveys has indicated that 97 per cent of Muslim Voters, estimated 1.9 Million to 2.8 Million eligible voters will follow the advisory of American Muslim Task Force On Civil Rights and Elections (AMT), as they have done it in the past in the Presidential Elections of 2000 for George Bush and in 2004 fro Sen. John Kerry a protest vote against President Bush. It appears that Sen. McCain's campaign has been reaching out to AMT. But Obama campaign is still struggling to find a reputable liason to Muslim Community, instead reaching out to AMT, "the MaBell", so to speak. AMT being the Umbrella Organization of all major national level social and civic organizations, ten major national muslim
organizations as full members while two other major organization has the moral blessings by
being an observer. Muslim Community being in the strategic position are definately will provide
the deciding swing vote in the states like Ohio, Michigan, Florida, Virginia, Texsas, New York, New Jersey as well in California. AMT being partner in Civil Right Coalitions in major states has acquired a bigger leverage to bring not only Muslim Voters but spanich americans and African American Voters.
If Obama campaign thinks that by hired young guns with no moral and social standings or service track record, alone can mobilize the voters for Obama, it would be a mistake that Obama's campaign can not afford.
Senator Obama's delebrate distance with any thing with Muslims and or Islam to avoid any connections on part of his Faith, and also his positions and changing gears about War in Iraq, Afghnistan, pre-emptive strike on Pakistan Soils,
resolution to the issues of terrorism, US occupations and resistance movements, US actions that is fueling in creating more enemies, the ambiguities has dampened the otherwise enthusiastic Muslim Voters. With out the call by AMT it would be impossible for Obama campaign to mobilize and excite the Muslim voters in masses to come out in support of Obama or rather for any Candidate.. I wonder if its the ignorance of the
Campaign staff or an overlook.
Link 773-507-5335

McCain is disrespectful | Report to Admin

By Sam Sep 4th 2008 at 12:32 am EDT (Updated Sep 4th 2008 at 12:32 am EDT)

I personally am not Muslim, but I wanted to say it's great to see support from the Islamic community for Mr. Obama. I was wondering what the opinions of Muslims were on the election, and was re-directed here from muslimsforobama08.com. I have seen the terribly disrespectful light he puts the Islam faith in, and was hoping a group was out there who who saw this too. McCain is terribly disrespectful of the Islam faith in trying to group everyone who follows this religion as a terrorist. I hope that the stand against McCain will help everyone else see what hate McCain breeds, and that it will also elect Mr. Obama. Thank you to everyone here for everything you do for this country and the world.

Who Represent American Muslims | Report to Admin

By Muhammad Salim from Chicago, IL Sep 24th 2008 at 10:42 am EDT (Updated Sep 24th 2008 at 10:42 am EDT)

All the scientific surveys has indicated that 97 per cent of Muslim Voters, estimated 1.9 Million to 2.8 Million eligible voters will follow the advisory of American Muslim Task Force On Civil Rights and Elections (AMT), as they have done it in the past in the Presidential Elections of 2000 for George Bush and in 2004 fro Sen. John Kerry a protest vote against President Bush. It appears that Sen. McCain's campaign has been reaching out to AMT. But Obama campaign is still struggling to find a reputable liason to Muslim Community, instead reaching out to AMT, "the MaBell", so to speak. AMT being the Umbrella Organization of all major national level social and civic organizations, ten major national muslim
organizations as full members while two other major organization has the moral blessings by
being an observer. Muslim Community being in the strategic position are definately will provide
the deciding swing vote in the states like Ohio, Michigan, Florida, Virginia, Texsas, New York, New Jersey as well in California. AMT being partner in Civil Right Coalitions in major states has acquired a bigger leverage to bring not only Muslim Voters but spanich americans and African American Voters.
If Obama campaign thinks that by hired young guns with no moral and social standings or service track record, alone can mobilize the voters for Obama, it would be a mistake that Obama's campaign can not afford.
Senator Obama's delebrate distance with any thing with Muslims and or Islam to avoid any connections on part of his Faith, and also his positions and changing gears about War in Iraq, Afghnistan, pre-emptive strike on Pakistan Soils,
resolution to the issues of terrorism, US occupations and resistance movements, US actions that is fueling in creating more enemies, the ambiguities has dampened the otherwise enthusiastic Muslim Voters. With out the call by AMT it would be impossible for Obama campaign to mobilize and excite the Muslim voters in masses to come out in support of Obama or rather for any Candidate.. I wonder if its the ignorance of the
Campaign staff or an overlook.
Link 773-507-5335

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