Presidential Hopefuls Eye Increasing Muslim Voters
Originally published in New California Media
Presidential Hopefuls Eye Increasing Muslim Voters
Pakistan Link, News Report,
Nahal Ameri, Jan 21, 2004
The Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) held its annual two-day convention recently with more than 1200 attendees. Speakers came from all over the nation to participate in the conference that covered the theme “Progressive Islamic Thought & Human Rights.”
There were many exciting panel discussions including Iraq beyond Saddam, struggles and solutions facing women and the free press. The panel discussion on Iraq was absorbing as the audience listened to speeches by a representative from the White House, Ali Tulbah, one of the founders of Assadiq foundation; Iraqi American Sayyed Jafar Al-Qazwini, Senior Advisor to MPAC; Dr. Maher Hathout; and Executive Director of MPAC Salam Al-Marayati. The panel discussion on Iraq and other discussions at the convention were taped and will be shown on CSPAN.
One thing that stood out at the convention was the keenness of the presidential candidates in seeking the Muslim vote. Three presidential candidates, Howard Dean, Dennis Kucinich, and John Kerry made speeches to convention participants via the telephone. During their phone address, the candidates shared their perspective on a range of issues pertaining to the community, including the Patriot Act, Iraq, the immigration registration program, and the candidates’ plans to advance a peaceful solution to the war in Iraq and the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis. It is very noteworthy that the presidential candidates are now reaching out to the Muslim American community.
The number of American Muslims voters in the upcoming elections is expected to greatly rise. “I think that this November will see American Muslims coming to the polls in unsurpassed numbers to cast their vote. American Muslims feel empowered and more than ever included and engaged in the political process of our nation,” commented Al-Marayati. “This is due,” he continued, “to actions our elected leaders took in response to Sept. 11 as well as the dramatic increase in voter registration drives and the large number of American Muslim youth who have become eligible to vote since the last presidential election.”
Media participation was another major highlight in this year’s convention. Several prominent radio figures such as Amy Goodman, Sonali Kolhatkar and Kitty Felde participated in panel discussions. The banquet dinner’s keynote speaker Los Angeles Times columnist Robert Scheer urged young people attending the convention to become journalists so that they could effectively represent their community.
The positive feedback provided by the attendees on their feelings of accomplishment and optimism at the close of the program proves the success of the third annual MPAC convention. The knowledge gained from the convention has equipped and rejuvenated the community to face whatever challenges it may come across in the upcoming new year!
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