American Muslim
Perspectives
By Mrs. Talat
G. Hamdani
Bayside, New York
The Coordinating Council of Muslim
Organizations called a press conference on February
14, 2005, at the National Press Club in Washington,
D.C. They launched the first publication of the
book, First Impressions: American Muslim Perspectives.
It's a diverse opinion expressed by various American
citizens, a collection of reflections on 9/11
and its impact on the American Muslim community.
I happened to be in DC that week, lobbying at
the Hill against the anti-immigrant clauses of
the Real I.D. Bill, 418, and how it will curtail
the civil liberties of the immigrants. I was invited
to speak on behalf of 9’11 Families for
Peaceful Tomorrows.
Imam Johari Abdul-Malik, the force behind the
creation of CCMO, was the moderator. CSPAN, Bridges
and a few other television channels were there.
American Muslim Perspectives is an attempt to
convey the concerns of the American Muslims in
the post 9/11 era. Imam Johari addressed the issues
of racial, ethnic, and religious prejudice against
the American Muslim community. He stated that
the Congress should include the American Muslim
in the planning of a safer and securer America.
He clarified that the role of the American Muslim
Task Force is to provide a preliminary analysis
and foundation for a continued discourse regarding
the implications of The 911 Commission Report.
The CCMO Executive Committee states in the foreword
:
As an integral part of the American social fabric,
American Muslims must be fully engaged in all
discourse that impacts our nation. Our unique
position as Muslims in this country requires that
we have an independent voice in matters dealing
with civil rights and liberties, national security,
and national well being. As responsible citizens
who model the complimentary nature of both Islamic
and American values, we need to ensure that our
response is balanced, relevant, and non-reactionary."
CAIR was represented by Mr. Corey P. Saylor, Government
Affairs Director. He spoke about his experiences
he faced as a Muslim American. Caucasian by race,
he tasted the sourness of being a Muslim American.
According to him, people complimented him on his
accent, which is very American. However, he said
the attitudes of people change when he reveals
his religious belief. He has experienced both
sides of the coin and understands the predicament
that faces our nation.
9/11 Families for Peaceful Tomorrows is advocating
vigorously about protecting the civil liberties
of all immigrants, irrespective of their ethnicity,
race or religion. As a member of the Steering
Committee of Peaceful Tomorrows, I also addressed
the press conference. Who can understand better
than myself the urgency and the necessity of a
securer and safer America? I wouldn't want any
human being to suffer as I did because of 9/11.
That is why the 9/11 Families Steering Committee
demanded an independent commission to investigate
the factors behind 9/11 and what steps to take
for future prevention. The 9/11 Commission gave
its final 41 recommendations, which will be implemented
by the 109 Congress. However, the central question
of accountability still remains unanswered. I
want to be protected from the terrorists also,
without giving up my civil liberties, freedom,
and liberty.
One of the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission
is the creation of a Civil Liberties Board to
oversee and protect civil liberties. It will be
only fair and just to include all the different
ethnic and religious communities in the dialogue
so that our nation remains united without any
prejudice, where Democracy, Liberty and Justice
will prevail.
My personal plea to the American Muslim community
is to be pro-active, patriotic and get involved
in mobilizing the community. The nation needs
you and your loyalty at this crucial moment in
our history. The means justifies the end: positive
action breeds positive results. So be optimistic,
make an effort to reach out and through your actions
justify the end: liberty and justice for all.
Call the DC office of your Senators and Representatives,
expressing your concern about the curtailment
of civil liberties. The DC phone number is 202-224-3121
for the Senate, and 202-225-3121 for the House.
A single phone call from each Muslim American
will show our solidarity and will go a long way
in achieving justice and liberty for our future
generations.
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