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Herald News – March 21, 2007
Anti-Muslim bias on Capitol Hill
Aref Assaf, American Arab Forum
Bigotry shows its ugly face, not only on Main Street, but now in the halls of Congress. A recent target is Eighth District Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr., D-Paterson, who represents a district where an increasingly large number of assertive Muslims and Arabs live. Indeed, this is the place often described by the congressman as "the most ethnically and religiously diverse area in the United States."
ascrell is now being criticized for facilitating a conference room for CAIR, the Council on American Islamic Relations. The room is located in the Capitol basement. The aim of the panel discussion was to discuss relations between Muslims and the West ? a most timely topic.
This courtesy is routinely extended to groups of various political affiliations and issues.
Like other political organizations, CAIR has done or said things others may find objectionable. But consistently, it has acted as a moderating venue for disseminating timely and accurate information to and about the American-Muslim community. In fact, the FBI and other federal agencies have often worked with CAIR to build bridges with the Muslim community.
Members of Congress routinely give groups, ranging from environmental coalitions to pro- or anti-abortion groups, access to Capitol rooms.
CAIR reports that it held similar meetings in Congress in the past. The latest one a 90-minute briefing on March 13 by Professor Steven Kull, director of the Program on International Policy Attitudes at the University of Maryland, concerned a newly completed study of "Global Attitudes on Islam-West Relations."
Pascrell said of the incident that the building is "open to all Americans and should be available to encourage dialogue on the most relevant domestic and international issues of the day."
For some Republicans to attempt to stifle open discussion of vital national issues belies good judgment and common sense. We salute the congressman for extending the courtesy and opportunity to CAIR to hold a meeting on exactly the kind of issues members of Congress need to be educated about.
We see the Republicans' baseless attack on the congressman and CAIR as bordering on disgraceful bigotry and moral bankruptcy.
Unfettered but organized access to Congress should be open to all American citizens wishing to advance their reasonable causes.
Press-Enterprise – March 21, 2007
Stop maligning CAIR
Munira Syeda
I was pleased to see The Press-Enterprise run an article from the front page of The New York Times on a group of right-wing and pro-Israel extremists seeking to silence and marginalize American Muslim groups by exploiting the increasing anti-Muslim sentiments in our society ("Muslim advocacy group raises profile, suspicion," March 14).
I wanted to include some important excerpts from the Times piece that were left out of The Press-Enterprise article:
“Government officials in Washington said they were not aware of any criminal investigation of the group. More than one described the standards used by critics to link CAIR to terrorism as akin to McCarthyism, essentially guilt by association.”
“‘Of all the groups, there is probably more suspicion about CAIR, but when you ask people for cold hard facts, you get blank stares,' said Michael Rolince, a retired FBI official who directed counterterrorism in the Washington field office from 2002 to 2005.”
The mere fact that CAIR is being slammed by Islamophobes should not be a surprise to those working toward social activism. In their day, major grass-roots organizations were similarly attacked. Yet they, and now CAIR, remain committed to the American ideals of justice, pluralism, freedom of speech and freedom of religion.
Munira Syeda is Communications Coordinator, Council on American-Islamic Relations, Southern California, Pomona.
http://www.pe.com/localnews/opinion/letters/stories/PE_OpEd_Opinion_H_op_21_letters.3a98a5a.html
March 15, 2006
CAIR's open letter to Congress
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has a long history of positive social and political activism.
As a result, 32 CAIR chapters in 20 states have developed strong grass-roots relations with people of all faiths in the communities in which they work to promote social justice and interfaith tolerance.
Our recent event on Capitol Hill, a panel discussion titled "Global Attitudes on Islam-West Relations: US Policy Implications," was our fifth Hill event in the last two years. It was selected as a target of opportunity by some who seek to block participation in the political process of American citizens of the Islamic faith by defaming their representative institutions and organizations.
For the record, CAIR unequivocally condemns terror attacks targeting people of all faiths and in all areas of the world.
CAIR operates under the strict guidelines of its core values. These values include: support for freedom of religion and freedom of expression, and a commitment to supporting policies that promote dialogue, civil rights and diversity in America and worldwide.
In an effort designed to demonstrate the American Muslim community's repudiation of terrorism and religious extremism, CAIR launched an online petition drive called "Not in the Name of Islam." We also launched a nationwide television public service announcement campaign of the same name and coordinated a ground-breaking fatwa, or Islamic religious ruling, against terrorism.
CAIR offered pro-active and positive responses to the controversies over allegations of Quran desecration at Guantanamo Bay and the publication of cartoons in Denmark defaming Islam's Prophet Muhammad.
Our educational initiatives opened doors to dialogue and mutual understanding with Americans of all faiths.
It is our hope that fair-minded Americans will not be swayed by the extreme rhetoric of those opposed to allowing American Muslims to exercise their full rights as citizens. We were heartened to see confirmation of this hope in the support we received for our right to discuss global opinion polls and the impact they may have on U.S. policy.
We welcome this support in the spirit of a united America, with a vigorous debate about our nation's foreign policies.
This unfortunate episode was triggered by an article in the Washington Times in which the writer falsely claimed, "CAIR officials did not return a call seeking comment." The article's author had spoken to CAIR's Communications Director.
The rest of the article followed this trend.
The episode was exacerbated when the Republican Conference chose to issue statements that were reflective of "Google" searches of anti-Muslim Internet hate sites.
In fact, our detractors' allegations do not stand up to objective scrutiny.
As reported in the New York Times on page A1 on Wednesday, March 14, 2007:
"Government officials in Washington said they were not aware of any criminal investigation of the group. More than one described the standards used by critics to link CAIR to terrorism as akin to McCarthyism, essentially guilt by association.
"'Of all the groups, there is probably more suspicion about CAIR, but when you ask people for cold hard facts, you get blank stares,' said Michael Rolince, a retired F.B.I. official who directed counterterrorism in the Washington field office from 2002 to 2005."
"A small band of critics have made a determined but unsuccessful effort to link [CAIR] to Hamas and Hezbollah. . ."
We recognize that many of our positions on issues such as Iraq, last year's conflict in Lebanon, Iran-US relations and overzealous government intrusion into private life make us unpopular with some people.
However, to question the legality of our organization and our loyalty to the United States is simply unacceptable.
Attacks on our positions are the price of taking principled stands on the issues. But personal attacks are unfair and not representative of basic American decency.
The fact that we come under attack by anti-Muslim extremists is no surprise to anyone who works for positive social change. All proponents of social justice have faced similar attacks designed to silence their voices.
It is our view that the attacks against us are an indicator of the effectiveness of our advocacy.
CAIR is supported by many mainstream political, social and religious groups. We have active alliances with members of the Christian, Jewish, Sikh, Hispanic, African-American, and Asian communities. We attend each others events and we share the aspiration to make America's future brighter than its past.
In the end, we place our trust in God and pray that He guides us and gives us the strength to endure attempts to marginalize and silence the voice of a growing and contributing religious minority in America.
We invite you to visit our website at www.cair.com to familiarize yourself with the work we do.
Also visit www.cair.com/factsaboutcair.asp to find out more about our recent accomplishments.
We remain an open and transparent organization. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us by calling (202) 488-8787 or e-mailing csaylor@cair.com. We will be glad to answer your questions and address your concerns.
New Jersey Star-Ledger – March 16, 2007
Cheap shot at Pascrell
Rep. Bill Pascrell is a New Jersey Democrat whose 8th District includes Passaic and Paterson, cities with significant Islamic communities. The other day, Pascrell arranged for a national Islamic civil liberties group to use a room in the Capitol basement for a panel discussion on relations between Muslims and the West. The House Republican Conference went ballistic.
The conference provides policy research and other support services to GOP House members, and it said no way the new Democratic majority should be hosting meetings of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a group it called "apologists for suicide bombers."
Those are tough words, and they did fit a few individuals who have been associated with CAIR over the years, one of whom was convicted of conspiring to train terrorists in Virginia. But the federal government doesn't think that troubling description of a few bad apples accurately portrays the group in general.
The FBI and other agencies have repeatedly used CAIR to build bridges with the Muslim community, and the "apologist" tag certainly wasn't shared by the high-ranking Republican who met with the group at an Islamic center after 9/11: President Bush.
Members of Congress routinely give groups access to Capitol rooms, from environmental coalitions to organizations fighting drunken driving. Pascrell noted the building is "open to all Americans and should be available to encourage dialogue on the most relevant domestic and international issues of the day."
Exactly the proper attitude. The House Republican Conference could easily do its part to encourage a dialogue. The conference and members of Congress who feel strongly that CAIR is indeed an apologist for evil should reserve a room, invite CAIR and hold a debate. That would be much more productive than trying to score cheap political points.
http://www.nj.com/opinion/ledger/editorials/index.ssf?/base/news-1/1174024348241770.xml&coll=1
Thank Pascrell for his principled stand
TOTOWA, NJ, March 16, 2007 - The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) today urged American Muslims and other people of conscience to voice appreciation to Congressman Bill Pascrell (D-Paterson) for standing up to those who seek to exclude American Muslims from the political process.
Congressman Pascrell recently reserved a room on Capitol Hill for a CAIR-sponsored panel discussion on "Global Attitudes on Islam-West Relations: US Policy Implications." He came under attack from groups that want to stifle America Muslim political participation.
While some sought to use smears and Islamophobia to silence the American Muslim perspective, an aide to Representative Pascrell stated the following: "It is important that Muslim-Americans feel they are part of our country."
"Religious and ethnic minorities have a friend in Congressman Pascrell, and it is important that we show him we appreciate that fact," said CAIR-NJ Communications Director Afsheen Shamsi.
MPAC – March 13, 2007
Reaction to house GOP call to retract CAIR invitation
Washington, DC - March 13, 2007 -- The Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) is disturbed by calls from the House Republican Conference which yesterday urged House Democratic leaders to retract an invitation to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) to use a Capitol Building conference room for a seminar which took place today.
MPAC calls on all members of the House of Representatives to promote dialogue and debate which will enhance our democracy and will promote an open and honest discourse on issues facing our nation. CAIR is a national Muslim American civil rights organization which seeks to enhance understanding of Islam and protect civil liberties.
The group was provided use of the conference room for its panel discussion on global attitudes towards U.S.-Muslim world relations, by Congressman Bill Pascrell (D-NJ). It is common practice for members of the House to arrange meetings and seminars for non-profit and advocacy groups.
"The Capitol Building is open to all Americans and should be available to encourage dialogue on the most relevant domestic and international issues of the day," Pascrell said in a statement issued yesterday. "My services are available to individuals and organizations that will advance productive debate regarding our nation's policies."
Washington Post - March 12, 2007
House GOP Try to Halt Muslim Seminar
By JIM ABRAMS
WASHINGTON -- House Republicans said Monday that Democrats should retract an offer to let the nation's largest Islamic civil liberties organization use a Capitol conference room for a seminar.
The House Republican Conference referred to the Council on American-Islamic Relations as "terrorist apologists" and called on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to cancel the forum scheduled for Tuesday.
"Democrats arrange official meeting with pro-Hamas, pro-Hezbollah group in U.S. Capitol," headlined a Conference press release carrying a Washington Times article on the planned meeting.
"It's really disappointing," said CAIR national communications director Ibrahim Hooper, that whenever there's an attack from elective officials "we don't even ask any more which party it is. It should be a concern to ordinary Republicans that the party is being viewed as a reservoir of anti-Muslim hate."
CAIR has 32 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada and says its mission is "to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding."
Tuesday's seminar takes up global attitudes on Islam-West relations. It's common practice for lawmakers to authorize use of rooms in the Capitol for advocacy group meetings. The CAIR meeting was arranged by Rep. Bill Pascrell, D-N.J., in a room used by the Ways and Means Committee. The Speaker's office said it has no direct say over the room's use.
Pascrell said in a statement, "The Capitol Building is open to all Americans and should be available to encourage dialogue on the most relevant domestic and international issues of the day. My services are available to individuals and organizations that will advance productive debate regarding our nation's policies."
The Republican Conference also put out past statements by CAIR officials and several Democrats suggesting support of or links to terrorists…..
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/12/AR2007031200856.html
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