Elections 2012
By Dr Ghulam M. Haniff
St. Cloud, Minnesota
Down the road in a few weeks the election campaign for the current cycle of Presidential contest will heat up in earnest. Muslims have a big stake in the coming elections though it is not known whether they are prepared for the event. This moment will determine whether we go to war once again and become embroiled in it for several years or seek some amicable solution.
In all likelihood war will be waged in the region of Muslim habitation and will affect Muslims disproportionately. Muslims are not about to think of the future, that is not how their mental process works. When the time comes they will say that Allah will take care of them though thousands have died in the two major wars waged in their region.
In the preparation for the current elections Muslims should have contacted as many Senators and Representatives as possible and provided them with their position on issues ranging from the anti-Sharia bills to the police spying on mosques especially the NYPD, and the fight for democracy in the Middle East. Unfortunately, Muslims are not in the habit of making advanced preparations for anything, be it elections, warfare or outbreak of epidemics. This can be seen through the conflicts unleashed in the Muslim World such as in Iraq, Afghanistan and Palestine. The preparations for Presidential Elections are hardly any different and it draws ever closer. Hardly two or three states have prepared for the contest and those could be seen as exceptions to the general rule.
Most Muslims are still living “back home” though they pay their taxes in this country at local, state and federal levels and are affected by the economic cycles that functions in this land. Not very long ago someone observed that Muslims “are simply present here though their bodies and minds are over there.”
By now in each of the fifty states Muslims should have developed amicable relationship with at least one Congressman and supported him to the hilt for his re-election or for his first time contest by going all out. Such a step was not taken anywhere except in one state, and that is Minnesota.
Representative Keith Ellison (D-MN) has been supported by the Muslims since 2006 when he won a congressional seat for the first time. Muslim support for him gained a seat previously in the state senate. Since then he has been supported and promoted by the Muslims continuously. Of course, as a lifelong resident of Minnesota and Michigan he is extremely knowledgeable about state politics and has proven so by winning seats in the US Congress.
As the first Muslim to be elected to the Congress and he has championed the cause of Islam and Muslim in front of the national audience. At a congressional hearing he was driven to tears defending the Muslims in various parts of the world and here at home for their persecution. Some years later he was joined by Andre Carson (D-IN) who converted to Islam and decided to run for the seat held by his deceased mother.
Most Muslims are ignorant of American politics and are afraid to hold a face-to-face discussion with an occupant of a political office. Being deferential should come naturally to Muslims, particularly Pakistanis, who are used to dealing with feudal characters or “sahibs” that populate the political institutions in Islamabad.
Fortunately, the second generation of Muslim is coming up and they are not afraid to approach politicians for a meaningful conversation. One such person is Suhail Khan who has repeatedly appeared on national television in defense of the Muslim cause. He is articulate, knowledgeable and focused and not afraid to speak his mind. He has of course served a congressman in a staff position and has also worked for the current administration.
In this election cycle it is imperative for the Muslims to make connections with as many political leaders as possible. Those who demonstrate sympathy for the Muslims should be supported with funds, campaign work, door knockings and other activities likely to bring in votes.
Most Congresspersons are ignorant of Muslims and of Islam and it is our duty to educate them, to inform them and to enlighten them, preferably at a private dinner, a social gathering or over some coffee. They are more than willing to listen to us for what we have to say. For most Congresspersons a social venue would the desired place for short educational discussion.
However, Muslims should maintain distance from intractably hostile Congressman such as Peter King (R-NY) who has shown nothing but hostility to Muslims at his hearings. Many republican politicians unfortunately share many of his sentiments.
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