Kucinich visit to Seattle mosque
On Wednesday, February 4, Dennis Kucinich visited Idriss Mosque in north Seattle. He met with Muslim community leaders and activists in an event open to the Muslim community. The meeting included representatives of several local mosques, CAIR, ADC, and political activists. As a campaign volunteer and Muslim outreach coordinator in Washington state, I was invited to take part. Also in attendance were Dennis's campaign manager Dot Maver and Washington state campaign coordinator Gerri Haynes. Local media were invited and indeed there were as many press photographers as people at the table.
About two dozen community members were able to get off work in time to sit in on the meeting. You can see pictures of the event here. Dennis spoke about his positions on Iraq, Israel/Palestine, and civil liberties. He talked quite a bit about the importance of people getting to know each other. Prejudice is often based on ignorance, and knowledge dispells prejudice. Non-Muslim Americans need to reach out to Muslim Americans and take the time to learn more about them rather than reacting in a fearful manner. Dennis also talked about the need for America to live up to its ideals as a place where all religions are welcomed and celebrated and every person is able to freely practice their religion without fear of discrimination. To treat people differently because of their religion is not what America should be about. Dennis said that this was something that ought to be so obvious that it doesn't even need saying. He believes that the president can set a powerful example by reaching out to American Muslims and to the Muslim world with a hand of friendship, and he pledged to do so.
The community leaders and members seemed favorably impressed with Dennis, not just with his words but also with his sincerity and spirit of honesty. They were glad they got a chance to meet him and look him in the eye to make their own judgment. I felt privileged to be a part of this meeting and to have played a role in arranging it.
After the discussion session, Dennis sampled some food from different Muslim cultures that was provided, and talked with community members. Some kids were thrilled to have their picture taken with him.
Dennis spent about an hour at the mosque before departing for downtown for a reception and rally.
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