veiled4allah: Muslims at the Democratic National Convention

Muslims expect to have their voices heard at the Democratic National Convention. Forty Muslim delegates from across America have come to Boston to have their say during the convention and express their support for Kerry's campaign. The majority, along with local Muslim leaders, plan to also take part in events outside the FleetCenter. Shahid Khan, national finance co-chairman of the John Kerry for President Committee, lives in Framingham and will attend a reception tomorrow hosting Muslim delegates at the Islamic Society of Boston. "We want to mobilize American Muslims in the community and show our support to the Democratic Party," said Khan. "We also hope to interact with local politicians, as a kind of networking opportunity for Muslim leaders." ... ..."We are fragmented as a community because we are all spread out. This is one of the few opportunities we have to communicate and form stronger alliances," said Parwez Wahid, secretary of the Democratic Town Committee in Framingham and one of the organizers of the event. "We will all be there to support the victory in 2004 for Kerry's ticket." Wahid said American Muslims face a serious lack of representation in different facets of American society. According to the Framingham resident, Democrat Muslims are "upset" with the current administration for going to war on Iraq with "no genuine reasons." Wahid mentioned the interest of the government in benefiting from the oil industry and showing no commitment for peace in Iraq. "We all want to be pro-active in our support to the Democratic Party," said Wahid. "I feel the Democratic Party has a commitment for achieving peace in Iraq and for a stronger middle class in America. That's why I support it."