Keith Ellison, a candidate for US Congress in Minnesota, overcame long odds ("He's black! He's Muslim! He didn't pay parking tickets!") to beat several qualified candidates in the Democratic primary on September 12th. Because his district is one of the bluest in the country, he is likely to win in November against Republican opponent Alan Fine and become the first ever Muslim member of Congress. Although Canada, the UK, and most European countries have had Muslims in their legislative bodies for some time, a win in America's non-parliamentary system is extremely difficult for political minorities (witness the Green party). But then again, Ellison, to his credit and wisdom, never ran as a minority.

Though he always maintained that he was a man who lives his life "in a way not to make religion a big deal," he is now getting a lot of attention from people, both non-Muslim and Muslim who want to do just that. In Ellison's success, is there a lesson for Muslims in how to demonstrate their values to wider society without beating them on the head with proselytisation? And can non-Muslims return the favor of Ellison's humility in not ascribing a religious fervor to the man that he obviously does not have?

Until now, the image of a Muslim getting involved in politics in the West has been to address Muslim concerns only and preach to everyone else. Muslim candidates often had little or no grassroots experience among the general electorate, and their campaigns were often an exercise in vanity. Well intentioned, perhaps, but myopic and counter productive. There are Muslim leaders (often self-proclaimed) and then there are leaders who happen to be Muslim. We are finally witnessing the ascendance of the latter.

But what does this say about the Muslim electorate? Chances are, if Muslims saw another candidate with Ellison's stands on gay rights, abortion, and his suspiciously boiler plate platform on Israel, Iran, and the Middle East, they would not support him. Yet Ellison has the admiration of his Muslim constituents in the same way that a Muslim girl, Hammasa Kohistani, was spared much grief after her selection as Miss England, or that Yusuf Islam is confident enough to venture back into pop music. In other words, the notoriety supercedes the reservations. Beyond this, Muslims in the west should realize that they are seeing the face of future generations take shape, generations that might adopt cultural and political values that aren't necessarily the same as their forebearers or against Islam as they choose to practice it.

Politically speaking, issues like equal rights for gays within a pluralistic society make sense when Muslims demand the same equal protection (the Muslim Council of Britain, who clashed with gays earlier this year, should take note). Ellison's support for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine is, after all, what the majority of those populations want. And Ellison's opposition to Iran's nuclear proliferation is a rational one if Muslims feel Israel should oblige as well. But all these relatively mainstream opinions have so far escaped the Muslim political discourse in favor of our own interests. That has kept Muslims from getting anywhere.

Ellison's battle is, of course, not over. The increasing attention on his religion, driven mainly by right-wing websites, could swell the coffers of his long-shot opponent (as Georgia Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney experienced to her detriment this year). But Ellison is running as a candidate for all his district and reaching out to whites, African-Americans, and Jews, and this broad coalition will nearly guarantee a victory in November. Muslims should honor his success and follow his example by reaching out to fellow citizens where they live and where their broader interests coincide, not just to their fellow Muslims in isolation. And while we should be vigilant against the near certainty of baiting from Fine and his supporters, we must be careful not to make Ellison's job harder than it is.

For example, much of the negative campaigning against Ellison since his victory has been due to the (mostly last minute) involvement by the Council on American-Islamic Relations. Though many of the charges against the organization or its officials are unfounded and/or separated from Ellison by many degrees, it is well understood that CAIR is a lightning rod when it comes to certain circles of politics. Due to the sensitivity of the situation, it may have been prudent for the group to keep a low profile. Though Ellison's Democratic opponents steered clear of religion, Republican opponent Fine has used the increased political attention by CAIR and others to dredge up all sorts of unsavory Muslim stereotypes (such as calling Ellison an "extremist"). This was a relatively easy trap to stay out of.

Muslims are understandably proud of Ellison's achievement, but while we celebrate, we must take another sobering look at reality. We have no more political power than we did the day before the primary, which is to say we have very little. Before we congratulate ourselves too much, we need to realize that Ellison deserves most of the credit. He worked very hard for many years to get where he is, all the while being unknown to most Muslims outside the Twin Cities. To be sure, Muslims helped in the way that any political supporters do, with donations, canvassing, and so forth. But as individuals, we helped no more so than Ellison's non-Muslim constituents did, and as a group, far less so. The more we tout him as "the Muslim congressman" or "our candidate", the more we inhibit Keith's ability to do his job effectively. And having a member of Congress - one who just happens to be Muslim - that contributes positively is the best possible outcome. As Muslims, we need to get out of Keith's way and let him do his job, and he can make our community proud in return.

I would say I believe I know more than most, but less than many. Why do you inquire?

>DrM. So I'm a right wing slime. Instead of inquiring about my view points, you partake in character assasination.<

You're one complain of character assasination arent you? After the bigoted rubbish you posted against Ellison? Yeah, calling you slime is about right.

>Keep up the good work there DrM. You are credit to the Islamic faith.<

Thanks bud, heres a scooby snack. Enjoy. When you've learnt enough to put together what resembles an informed opinion, slither on back.

>OK, here's mine: I am a Roman Catholic, brought up as a Presbyterian; born in the U.S.; now residing in the upper Midwest. I am male; over 50 years old. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Journalism, and am a senior executive with a global company.<

You left out your political affiliation from the mini resume. Not that I couldnt guess, either a member of some rival impotent faction of the Dems, or reptillian repub smearing antiwar candidates. So how many other members of Congress have you been raging against? Hmmm Abramoff payouts or GASP! parking tickets!

I certainly don't care if truthteller is a Republican (supposedly spawn of the devil hatched in reptilian breeding cells) .. if the guy is a bad candidate, than he is a bad candidate. There doesn't seem to be too many noteworthy things on Mr. Ellisons resume by reading throught the forum (not that there was much on Bushs), but a grassroots activist should have some basis for support?

"I would say I believe I know more than most, but less than many. Why do you inquire?"

OK, please allow me to ask the following questions:

1. Is Muhammad to Muslims what Jesus is to Christians?

2. What is the demographic (race, ancestral origin, born in the USA vs. immigrated, etc.) make-up of Muslims in America?

3. What are your exact sources of information about Islam/Muslims?

4. What are your sources of information about current affairs and politics?

5. In what conditions you will support concentration camps for Arabs and/or Muslims?

6. Do you believe in Rapture? If you do, then why? If you don't, then why?

And since I believe in the "no compulsion" (2:256), and "to you, your way of life, to me my way of life" (109:6) doctrines of the Qur'an, you don't have to answer any of the questions.

Hello Liaquat Ali,

I would be happy to answer your questions, albeit purely from a personal point of view.

1. Is Muhammad to Muslims what Jesus is to Christians? In many respects, I believe so - both are central figures of their respective religions. But from what I know, they differ in that Christian doctrine says Jesus is the son of God, and that he died and rose from the dead. Isn't Muhammed a prophet, not a son of Allah? (I really am not certain.)

2. What is the demographic (race, ancestral origin, born in the USA vs. immigrated, etc.) make-up of Muslims in America?

I would imagine there are a substantial number of U.S. born muslims (including Black Muslims) and a very large number of immigrants to this country. I would be interested in the facts.

3. What are your exact sources of information about Islam/Muslims?

Comparative religion texts, web, TV

4. What are your sources of information about current affairs and politics?

TV, newspapers, news weeklies, web

5. In what conditions you will support concentration camps for Arabs and/or Muslims?

You ask a truly difficult question. I don't think I would ever support such camps, but I am not against increased profiling following any other attacks in the U.S. (especially if the terrorist activity continues to be perpetrated 100% by radical Islamists.)

6. Do you believe in Rapture? If you do, then why? If you don't, then why?

Another truly difficult question. I am not so much a literal Christian who believes every literal thing in the Bible. For The Rapture to occur, there must be an End of Days. I would prefer not to believe in the End of Days, but more in the teachings of Jesus which have to do with the here and now (how to treat each other, etc.)

I would enjoy hearing your responses to my answers.

>I certainly don't care if truthteller is a Republican (supposedly spawn of the devil hatched in reptilian breeding cells)<

Its irrelevent whether he is a republican or a democrat...but I can make a fairly accurate guess, even though he is clearly being evasive about his political affiliation(strikes me a right wing repub). This is one of the truly interesting things about caucasians, they will be open about the personal aspects of their lives but will go the extra mile and keeping their personal politics hidden from others. His problems with Ellison have nothing with unpaid parking tickets but the fact that he is a Muslim, nominal or not and an antiwar candidate. Its really that simple.
His racism and hatred are only exemplified by support for racial profilling. So much "truth telling."

Dear DrM,

The reason I've not responded to you recently is because I prefer to ignore you and your personal attacks, which are strictly against alt.muslim netiquette guidelines.

To assauge your infantile curiosity, I will tell you: I am an independent. It's interesting that you call me a racist, when you are the one saying things like "this is one of the truly interesting things about caucasians..." Actually, you're the only one I've seen on here making remarks and assumptions based on race. So who is the racist?

Regarding your statement about me that "his problems with Ellison have nothing with unpaid parking tickets but the fact that he is a Muslim, nominal or not and an antiwar candidate. Its really that simple. "

I WILL SAY THIS AGAIN IN CAPS, SO EVEN YOU CAN UNDERSTAND. IT'S NOT THE UNPAID PARKING TICKETS... IT'S A CONTINUING PATTERN OF DISRESPECT FOR THE LAWS (CAMPAIGN FINANCE AND OTHERWISE) THAT MAKES HIM UNFIT FOR ELECTION.

To Liquat Ali and the alt.muslim moderators: it's unlikely I'll be staying on this site, due to the antagnostic and racist comments of people like DrM. I've enjoyed speaking with you - it's unfortunate the loud voices of a few continue to drown out those who wish to establish dialogue.

Dear Untruth teller,

Methinks thou doth protest a bit too much. You are indeed a racist because 1) are targetting Ellison because of his race and religion 2)you support racial profilling. My observation on caucasians are spot on, you go to lengths to hide your political affiliation in fear that people will figure your angle out.

>I am an independent.<

Sure you are.

>I WILL SAY THIS AGAIN IN CAPS, SO EVEN YOU CAN UNDERSTAND. IT'S NOT THE UNPAID PARKING TICKETS... IT'S A CONTINUING PATTERN OF DISRESPECT FOR THE LAWS (CAMPAIGN FINANCE AND OTHERWISE) THAT MAKES HIM UNFIT FOR ELECTION.<

Nice try but no cigar chum. "Continuing pattern of disrespect"? Laughable. If that were the criteria you would be leading the charge against everyone in and running for office instead of nitpicking Ellison's on parking tickets, all the while dodging the real issues. Hell, you'd be calling for impeaching pretzel boy if that were the case. Abramoff and the ILLEGAL Iraq war mean anything to you sushine?

>it's unlikely I'll be staying on this site, due to the antagnostic and racist comments of people like DrM.<

Its unlikely because this isnt some right wing forum where you wont be called on your racist BS.

>it's unfortunate the loud voices of a few continue to drown out those who wish to establish dialogue.<

Your beef with Ellison is that he's a Muslim runnng for office on an antiwar platform. There is a difference between dialogue and smearing people. Got any earth shattering expose' of Saqib Ali in Maryland there ace? Welcome to the DrM no spin cycle zone....time to hang you out to dry.

Hey, DrM...

Since I'm leaving the site, I'll breach the netiquette this one time: Fuck you, you racist jackass moron.

Glad to see you revert to type untruth teller. So much for "dialogue" eh grandpa? LOL!




He is one of those people who would be enormously improved by death.
- H. H. Munro

Truthteller, I don't like DrM's style too much either, but his analysis is usually pretty spot on.

This is where you want to go: http://eteraz.wordpress.com/

He's the kind of Muslim you are looking for, to hear soothing lullabies. If you wanted dialog, you would stick around.

Good luck!!! :)

DrM,

You did more to lower the level of this discussion than anyone else. As a Muslim, I am ashamed of your words. Your characterization of "caucasians" was straight out of jahiliya. Have you forgotten that many of your brothers and sisters in Islam are of the pale persuasion?

May Allah guide you.

Your brother,
Alarob