Obama and the "Muslim Question"

[Sofiyya 1,687]

MISSED POINT ON FAITH: SMEAR CAMPAIGN SPEAKS VOLUMES ABOUT SOCIETY

By Ahmed M. Rehab

February 24, 2008

Chicago Tribune: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/o...,6345949.story

OK, we get the point. Barack Obama is not a Muslim. He has made that clear, time and again.

As well he should: The rumors are baseless, maliciously spun by political adversaries with the intention of taking votes away from Obama's promising presidential campaign run.

Obama is entitled to set the record straight. But that's not the end of the story.

The broader issue is: What does this attempt to smear Obama say about our society?

More personally, what does it say about my newborn nephew's standing in society? Is he entitled to the dreams of his Muslim father that the boy could grow up to be president if he works as hard as Obama and is as ambitious?

Obama has not gone far enough to challenge the notion that religious affiliation could disqualify Americans from serving their nation. Nor has Mitt Romney, a Mormon, Mike Huckabee, a Baptist, or any other candidate.

It's time for all of them to be quizzed on the meaning of citizenship as preached and practiced in this great democracy. As a voter, I would much rather know their stance on equal employment policies than which church they attend.

Whenever I address young Muslim audiences that may be struggling with identity issues, I remind them that this is their country, too. I tell them they should observe their civic duties, vote and, if it behooves them, run for public office and help bring about the positive reform they often passively expect of others.

It goes against all that I advocate that the mere rumor of a person being a Muslim -- let alone actually being one -- could be a tool to destroy political aspirations. This in a nation that prides itself on being the heart of the free world.

When it comes to Muslims, the divisive rhetoric coming out of this year's elections ranges from the exclusionary to the just plain bigoted.

John McCain has said he would prefer a Christian president and that the Constitution established America as a "Christian nation." Before dropping out of the presidential race, Romney conceded that he would not appoint an American Muslim to a Cabinet position because Muslims are a low percentage of the population.

One of Huckabee's campaign advisers, Jim Pinkerton, recently advocated putting a "cop in front of every mosque" in America "just for safekeeping."

John Deady, co-chairman of the New Hampshire Veterans for Rudy Giuliani, told the British newspaper The Guardian in late December: "We need to chase [Muslims] back to their caves or, in other words, get rid of them." Deady resigned during the subsequent controversy over his remarks.

In addressing the Muslim question that seems to haunt him, Obama has yet to convert it into an opportunity to boldly address a deeper question: Do American Muslims enjoy the same constitutional rights as their fellow Americans?

If elected president, how would he deal with one of the most important civil rights questions of his generation? Would he turn a blind eye to the current climate of exclusionary fear-mongering, or would he take a stance against religious prejudice and bigotry?

Let's face it, those who hatched the Muslim Obama rumors would not have bothered had it not been for a political and cultural environment in which demonizing and marginalizing Muslims generally goes by uncontested.

I was recently asked on Fox News Radio which candidate impressed me most. "Obama," I answered.

Was this, I was asked, because of his "youthful Muslim experience"?

I explained it was my understanding that Obama is a Christian and that was just fine with me. I said most Muslims appreciate Christian values, given that they are not much different from our own, and that Obama's knowledge of Islam should count as added experience and not as a statement about his identity.

I am not drawn to Obama for any other reason but his political outlook, one that brings me hope that we can move beyond divisiveness and polarization and toward a new unity for the common good.

So it is not that I am offended as a Muslim that Obama would not want to be one; I couldn't care less. I am casting a vote for the next president of the United States, not the next imam of my mosque.

It's just that I was audaciously hopeful that Obama would be the candidate to finally break the silence on the political marginalization of American Muslims.

He could start by saying something like: "There is not a Christian America, or a Jewish America, or a Muslim America. There is the United States of America."

-----------------------------------------------

Ahmed Rehab is the executive director of the Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

arehab@cair.com

[pedroh 21]

why would people let religion affect their voting decision? that's soo stupid... if he's muslim, hare krishna, christian, what the hell does it have to do with the capability of being a good leader??

if you gonna vote because he's a christian, a quaker, or an atheist, don't vote, that's a wasted vote

[Zee Bee 61]

I am casting a vote for the next president of the United States, not the next imam of my mosque.

Exactly. We should be focussing on the political records of the people we are voting into office instead of worrying about their religious affiliations. And so what if he was Muslim? Does this means that a Muslim American is not as patriotic as other Americans? That they don't care about the economy/healthcare/taxes etc as much as other Americans?

Its bad enough that there is already the notion out there that "all Muslims are terrorists" but then using that as a way to scare people out of voting for Barak Obama is just stupid. Maybe his exposure to Islam (maybe more so than the other candidates) gives him a better idea of what he can do to mend the relationship the USA has with Muslim nations.

John McCain has said he would prefer a Christian president and that the Constitution established America as a "Christian nation."

I thought there was separation of Church and State. #######?

[Jenn! 918]

Just a general question because I do not understand... Why do people wish ours to be a "Christian nation" anyway? Are people so insecure in their faith that they need everyone else around them to believe the same thing that they do? Does calling the U.S. a Christian nation make people feel better that laws that "pander" to people of other faiths will not be passed? What does a Christian nation even really mean?

[pedroh 21]

I am casting a vote for the next president of the United States, not the next imam of my mosque.

Exactly. We should be focussing on the political records of the people we are voting into office instead of worrying about their religious affiliations. And so what if he was Muslim? Does this means that a Muslim American is not as patriotic as other Americans? That they don't care about the economy/healthcare/taxes etc as much as other Americans?

Its bad enough that there is already the notion out there that "all Muslims are terrorists" but then using that as a way to scare people out of voting for Barak Obama is just stupid. Maybe his exposure to Islam (maybe more so than the other candidates) gives him a better idea of what he can do to mend the relationship the USA has with Muslim nations.

John McCain has said he would prefer a Christian president and that the Constitution established America as a "Christian nation."

I thought there was separation of Church and State. #######?

there was a congressman i think, who went all wacko because people could also swear on the quran rather than the bible.. #######.. I really can't get the idea of how a Christian leader is 'better' than any other leader with a different religion..

[pedroh 21]

Just a general question because I do not understand... Why do people wish ours to be a "Christian nation" anyway? Are people so insecure in their faith that they need everyone else around them to believe the same thing that they do? Does calling the U.S. a Christian nation make people feel better that laws that "pander" to people of other faiths will not be passed? What does a Christian nation even really mean?

I don't know Jenn, some politicians try to bring that idea of a wonderful Christian America of yesteryear, that actually never existed, much like the all perfect christian world of Mitt Romney wants to portray, you know, kids going to the cafe for a milkshake (because sodas were banned, it was antichristian), going to church on Sunday and go to the BBQ afterwards, holy heavens batman!

[Zee Bee 61]

there was a congressman i think, who went all wacko because people could also swear on the quran rather than the bible.. #######.. I really can't get the idea of how a Christian leader is 'better' than any other leader with a different religion..

I forgot about that. I think that happened last year or something for a congressman from MN (if my memory is correct).

I just don't get it. What is so scary about being Muslim?

[simple_male 1]

there was a congressman i think, who went all wacko because people could also swear on the quran rather than the bible.. #######.. I really can't get the idea of how a Christian leader is 'better' than any other leader with a different religion..

I forgot about that. I think that happened last year or something for a congressman from MN (if my memory is correct).

I just don't get it. What is so scary about being Muslim?

It is MN Congressman, Keith Ellison, first Muslim Congressman. There was an uproar why he would touch a Qur'an in front of camera with Speaker Nancy Pelosi and his family, but this uproar was ignored and Congressman Ellison used a copy of the Qur'an kept by Thomas Jesserson.

In order to run for Presidsent, one has to be a born US Citizen, at least 35 years old, and there is a residency requirement (I think, he/she has to reside the last 14 years in USA or something like that). It does not say a Muslim can not run for a President. To me, individual's faith does not matter, but his/her policies, experience do. I would support Mitt Romney, if I thought he was the best candidate.

[pedroh 21]

there was a congressman i think, who went all wacko because people could also swear on the quran rather than the bible.. #######.. I really can't get the idea of how a Christian leader is 'better' than any other leader with a different religion..

I forgot about that. I think that happened last year or something for a congressman from MN (if my memory is correct).

I just don't get it. What is so scary about being Muslim?

It is MN Congressman, Keith Ellison, first Muslim Congressman. There was an uproar why he would touch a Qur'an in front of camera with Speaker Nancy Pelosi and his family, but this uproar was ignored and Congressman Ellison used a copy of the Qur'an kept by Thomas Jesserson.

In order to run for Presidsent, one has to be a born US Citizen, at least 35 years old, and there is a residency requirement (I think, he/she has to reside the last 14 years in USA or something like that). It does not say a Muslim can not run for a President. To me, individual's faith does not matter, but his/her policies, experience do. I would support Mitt Romney, if I thought he was the best candidate.

agreed..

[Peikko 1,575]

Just a general question because I do not understand... Why do people wish ours to be a "Christian nation" anyway? Are people so insecure in their faith that they need everyone else around them to believe the same thing that they do? Does calling the U.S. a Christian nation make people feel better that laws that "pander" to people of other faiths will not be passed? What does a Christian nation even really mean?

Don't you remember, a Christian nation is synonymous for The Declaration of Human Rights, silly Jenn!

[pedroh 21]

Just a general question because I do not understand... Why do people wish ours to be a "Christian nation" anyway? Are people so insecure in their faith that they need everyone else around them to believe the same thing that they do? Does calling the U.S. a Christian nation make people feel better that laws that "pander" to people of other faiths will not be passed? What does a Christian nation even really mean?

Don't you remember, a Christian nation is synonymous for The Declaration of Human Rights, silly Jenn!

yea!

like the good ole christian waterboarding!!!

[Caladan 19]

Oh noes! Thomas Jefferson had a Koran! We're a Muslim nation!

On VW's post, I think religion is a litmus test in politics and we'd be more likely to elect an atheist than a Muslim. It shouldn't be a litmus test, but I think it is at this point in time.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

On the whole I'd say that religion shouldn't be important, unless the candidate is essentially campaigning on their faith - and seeking to mandate public policy on articles of faith.

My view is a person's religious views should be private. They shouldn't be a public platform for a career politician.

[boardashell_2000 0]

why would people let religion affect their voting decision? that's soo stupid... if he's muslim, hare krishna, christian, what the hell does it have to do with the capability of being a good leader??

if you gonna vote because he's a christian, a quaker, or an atheist, don't vote, that's a wasted vote

The reason why is...Your religon does affect the decisons you make...for example George Bush being the proud christian he is...banning all federal money from supporting programs that teach safe sex..instead giving money to programs and organizations that teach abstinance only...

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

Just a general question because I do not understand... Why do people wish ours to be a "Christian nation" anyway? Are people so insecure in their faith that they need everyone else around them to believe the same thing that they do? Does calling the U.S. a Christian nation make people feel better that laws that "pander" to people of other faiths will not be passed? What does a Christian nation even really mean?

Don't you remember, a Christian nation is synonymous for The Declaration of Human Rights, silly Jenn!

yea!

like the good ole christian waterboarding!!!

You left out the good ole Islamic terrorist running into a crowd with a bomb belt. Taking out hundreds at a time. I would say that waterboarding prolly saved more people than hurt through information given up.

Edited February 27, 2008 by CarolsMarc