Minnesota

Stung by the rising tide of anti-Islamic bigotry and anti-Muslim hate crimes Muslims are now awakening to the call of political action. Isolated groups have begun to stand up in defense of their civil liberties, either directly through legal action or, through political channels by convincing their congressional representatives to bring about legislative changes.

During the 2000 election cycle Muslim activists had succeeded in reaching the Republican presidential candidate, George Bush, to modify or repeal the “secret evidence” legislation once he was in the White House. Unfortunately, subsequent tragic events brought even more draconian measures that continue to plague the Muslim community.

Concerned with the negative impact of US Patriot Act and the treatment of Muslims by INS, the representatives of our local community recently invited Congressman Martin O. Sabo (D-MN) to Masjid-ur-Rahman, Bloomington, Minnesota, for discussion and dialogue. A longtime friend of Muslims in his congressional district, Sabo was pleased to have the meeting, and to listen to the Muslim views on a variety of topics ranging from civil liberties, the denial of due process, immigration matters, disproportionately large number of Muslim deportations, welfare issues and the inevitable foreign policy questions of the Middle East, Palestine and Kashmir.

The meeting was exceedingly cordial and warm, with lots of good snacks and beverages that helped to create a relaxed atmosphere. Everyone was at ease, though designated people had prepared in advance to talk on specific issues. It is very important to prepare positions beforehand so speakers appear knowledgeable and serious. Needless to say, Muslims stereotyped as wild and irrational are widely believed.

On the same afternoon, an expanded group of activists met with another political leader, Senator Mark Dayton (D-MN). He too, is a longtime friend, and with the death of former Senator Paul Wellstone, who worked closely with community leaders Dayton has acquired new importance for Muslims.

The meeting was a repeat of the morning session that took place with Sabo. Both of these congressional representatives were very critical of the US Patriot Act and had voted against it. On many issues their views were fairly similar reflecting their liberal democratic background.

Muslims can really make tremendous inroads into the political process if they follow the model of building relationships with their elected representatives in the same way that the Minnesota community has done. Unfortunately, even there only a handful of activists are consistently involved.

It is not easy to motivate Muslims to become active in public affairs. The concept of civic participation is alien to Muslim experience. Most Muslims have immigrated to America from countries with dictatorial regimes where participation by citizens in political life is virtually non-existent.

In most countries rulers do not want the citizens to become involved in matters of governance. In many places, Saudi Arabia, Libya or Oman the formation of voluntary associations is highly discouraged. The individual citizen is expected to be satisfied with laws imposed on him.

But in America everyone is expected to stand up for his rights and interests. It is not unusual for people to work together for the common good. In the freewheeling American democracy people can achieve what they want, provided they have the necessary skills and are united.

On that score Muslims have yet to travel some distance though some are beginning to embrace the values that encourage civic activism. The well-known advocacy group, CAIR, recently held a workshop in Washington DC at which upwards of four hundred people showed up. The training session was devoted to developing political skills for civic participation.

When a similar workshop was held in Columbia, South Carolina, in the heart of the conservative belt, the fact that Muslims were being taught political skills so riled the right-wing columnist, Cal Thomas, that he wrote a scathing article condemning the entire enterprise. Obviously, he does not like Muslims to become responsible and influential voters in America. This type of paranoid thinking and bigotry can easily be overcome if Muslims become active in public life.

On the other hand, a small group of activists in Chicago recently convinced Senator Alan Durbin (D-IL) to introduce a resolution in the Senate condemning discrimination against Muslims. The Senator was glad to do so and the resolution passed unanimously in a voice vote. The Muslims of Chicago were able to achieve this success because they have been working for years to build close relationships with congressional and senatorial representatives.

Muslims can most directly ensure the future survival of their children and of their community through political activism. The passive strategy of “let George do it” simply won’t work.