posted on October 11, 2004 06:20:43 AM
In an election that could once again be razor-close, the support of Muslims - whose estimated numbers nationwide range from 1.2 million to 7 million - could be crucial. The Bush and Kerry campaigns have courted Muslim voters, particularly in swing states like Ohio and Florida, as well as Michigan, which has the nation's largest Arab-American population.
"I can't see how any self-respecting American - forget about Arab-American or Muslim - can vote for President Bush, unless you're a total kook," said Hani Awadallah, president of the Arab-American Civic Organization. "This guy is bad for America, he's bad for the Constitution. He is the abyss.
He has made America look so bad to the rest of the world," Awadallah said. "Muslims used to look at America as being on the side of the underdog. Now he's shown America to be a cowboy bully, and it will take 50 years to undo this image."
posted on October 11, 2004 07:52:43 AM
I have the pleasure of knowing a number of musleums. They love this country as much as anyone else. They abide by our laws, hire our out-of-work men and women and most importantly take their citizenship very seriously. I don't know of one that will be voting for Bush.
The man who owns the building where I work is from Syria. He is now an American citizen as is his family here in the states. He loves this country. However, his mother and other close family members still reside in the Middle East. We had a discussion last week about the situation over there. Here's some of what he had to say.
Prior to this mess we are in, he could travel to see his mother. They welcomed him over there as an American. When he showed his American passport, they would push him to the front of the line, hail taxis for him and basically wait on him. He felt proud and welcomed. Now, he's afraid to go visit his mother. He knows that even though he is clearly middle eastern, he will not be welcomed there by many people. He fears he would have to "watch his back". He knows he's hated simply because he is American. It's sad. His mother is old and he fears he may not see her before she passes. This is a man who pays taxes here, employs Americans, obeys our laws and is raising three beautiful children. His mother may never see her grandchildren. Is he voting for Bush? Not on your life.
My daughter's landlord is middle eastern. She has rented a house from him for 5 years. Not once has he raised the rent. He put in new windows for her, fenced the yard, put in a new furnace and porch, takes her trash to the curb when he's in the area and has even mowed her grass when her lawn mower broke. In fact, he just purchased a lawn mower for her use at the house. He is kind to my granddaughter and has brought his own family by to meet them. He wasn't born here. He's been the subject of much discrimination, but he still continues to love America. Is he voting for Bush? Not on your life.
It is terribly arrogant for Bush to even attempt to court the middle eastern vote in this country. These people are not stupid. Most still have family over there. Most watch middle eastern TV where they see things uncensored. You would probably cringe at the things they've seen. They listen to middle eastern radio. You would probably cringe at the things they've heard.
No, Bush will not have the majority of the middle eastern vote in this country. They have far too much self-respect for that.
Cheryl
. . .if you still try to defend the infamies and horrors perpetrated by that Antichrist- I really believe he is Antichrist- I will have nothing more to do with you and you are no longer my friend.. . - War and Peace, Tolstoy
posted on October 11, 2004 10:00:33 AM
::The Bush and Kerry campaigns have courted Muslim voters, particularly in swing states like Ohio and Florida, as well as Michigan::
Hopefully they`both realize that the majority of the Michigan contingent, while being arab, are not Muslim. Michigan has the largest Chaldean population in the country. And by the way, if they hold the same attitude as many of the San Diego Chaldean population does... they are not pro Bush. They despised Saddam but they love their country and they still have family there and they do not see that the invasion was done in a responsible manner. They don't trust Bush and they do not want their country victimized by him for four more years.
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If it's really "common" sense, why do so few people actually have it?
posted on October 11, 2004 11:41:47 AM
A thought provoking thread. I question the 50 year estimate, but this a valid point. I would not travel in the middle-east, and would be worried for any family in many areas. I think we should be cautious traveling in any area where zealots abound, not just the middle-east.
IMHO,I think we should back off and, other than taking out any 'hot' zones, leave the territorial administration and other matters to the locals. Give them the tools they need and let them rebuild their own damned country.
Cheryl, many of your posts suck when you are trading barbs with the other posters. This one here shows your true strength in relaying a story, thanks for sharing.
Sometimes "trading barbs" is all the strength I have, one of the reasons I don't post as much anymore. This thread is good timing since my discussion with Ayman was Friday.
Cheryl
. . .if you still try to defend the infamies and horrors perpetrated by that Antichrist- I really believe he is Antichrist- I will have nothing more to do with you and you are no longer my friend.. . - War and Peace, Tolstoy
