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MPAC Bulletin – February 23, 2007
Domestic radicalization' amendment passed
by senate homeland security committee
Washington, DC -- Last week, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs approved legislation to implement unfulfilled recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. Included in the bill was an amendment expressing the "Sense of the Senate" regarding combating "domestic radicalization".
Entitled "the Improving America's Security by Implementing Unfinished Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007", the amendment to the legislation underscores the need for enhanced engagement with the American Muslims by public officials and federal and local agencies. The Muslim Public Affairs Council welcomes the Committee's recognition that engagement is a far more powerful tool in countering radicalization than mere enforcement.
Written by Congressman George Voinovich (R-OH), the amendment advocates for "advocates for consulting with experts to ensure that the lexicon used within public statements is precise and appropriate and does not aid encourage extremists by unintentionally offending the American Muslim community" and "pursuing broader avenues of dialogue with the Muslim community to foster mutual respect, understanding and trust". MPAC has advocated for such direct engagement between federal agencies, public officials and the American Muslim community since long before 9/11.
Authored by Chairman Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and Ranking Member Susan Collins (R-ME), the legislation also includes provisions to increase risk-based homeland security grants to states, improve communications among first responders, restrict terrorists' ability to enter the United States, and improve information sharing - all the while preserving the civil liberties and freedoms of American citizens.
Minneapolis Star Tribune – February 20, 2007
Ellison endorses Obama, lauds 'unifying spirit'
Bill McAuliffe
Rep. Keith Ellison, D-Minn., said on Tuesday that he is backing Illinois Sen. Barack Obama in his campaign for president.
"Not because he's black," said Ellison, who is black. "That's identity politics. I reject identity politics.
"He speaks with a unifying spirit," Ellison said.
Speaking to a Black History Month lunch-hour event for about 100 employees at Star Tribune headquarters in Minneapolis, Ellison said he supports Obama's message of an open and fair economy, a balanced prosperity and clear opposition to the war in Iraq.
Ellison, from Minneapolis, is the first black elected to Congress from Minnesota and the first Muslim elected from any state.
He also acknowledged that he may wind up supporting Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., if she were to win the Democratic Party nomination.
"But who's going to keep her honest?" he added, explaining his support for Obama at this stage of the campaign.
http://www.startribune.com/462/story/1014829.html
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