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Uthman
10-14-2008, 02:39 PM
NEW YORK (CNN) -- You may find it hard to believe that this remains an issue in this campaign, but it does.

The candidates, both candidates, are still getting questions about Barack Obama's ethnicity and religion. If you are even semi-informed, then by now you already know that of course, Barack Obama is an American.

Of course, Barack Obama is a Christian. Yet just a few days ago, there was a woman at a rally for John McCain incorrectly calling Obama an Arab:

Woman at rally:
I don't trust Obama. I have read about him and he's an Arab.

Sen. John McCain:
No ma'am, no ma'am. He's a decent family man, citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues. That's what this campaign is all about. He's not, thank you.

Now, I commend Sen. McCain for correcting that woman, for setting the record straight. But I do have one question -- so what if he was?
So what if Obama was Arab or Muslim? So what if John McCain was Arab or Muslim? Would it matter?

When did that become a disqualifier for higher office in our country? When did Arab and Muslim become dirty words? The equivalent of dishonorable or radical?

Whenever this gets raised, the implication is that there is something wrong with being an Arab-American or a Muslim. And the media is complicit here, too.

We've all been too quick to accept the idea that calling someone Muslim is a slur.

I feel like I am stating the obvious here, but apparently it needs to be said: There is a difference between radical Muslims who support jihad against America and Muslims who want to practice their religion freely and have normal lives like anyone else.

There are more than 1.2 million Arab-Americans and about 7 million Muslim-Americans, former Cabinet secretaries, members of Congress, successful business people, normal average Americans from all walks of life.

These are the people being maligned here, and we can only imagine how this conversation plays in the Muslim world. We can't tolerate this ignorance -- not in the media, not on the campaign trail.

Of course, he's not an Arab. Of course, he's not a Muslim. But honestly, it shouldn't matter.

The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the writer.

Source
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wth1257
10-14-2008, 04:44 PM
format_quote Originally Posted by Osman
NEW YORK (CNN) -- You may find it hard to believe that this remains an issue in this campaign, but it does.

The candidates, both candidates, are still getting questions about Barack Obama's ethnicity and religion. If you are even semi-informed, then by now you already know that of course, Barack Obama is an American.

Of course, Barack Obama is a Christian. Yet just a few days ago, there was a woman at a rally for John McCain incorrectly calling Obama an Arab:

Woman at rally:
I don't trust Obama. I have read about him and he's an Arab.

Sen. John McCain:
No ma'am, no ma'am. He's a decent family man, citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues. That's what this campaign is all about. He's not, thank you.

Now, I commend Sen. McCain for correcting that woman, for setting the record straight. But I do have one question -- so what if he was?
So what if Obama was Arab or Muslim? So what if John McCain was Arab or Muslim? Would it matter?

When did that become a disqualifier for higher office in our country? When did Arab and Muslim become dirty words? The equivalent of dishonorable or radical?

Whenever this gets raised, the implication is that there is something wrong with being an Arab-American or a Muslim. And the media is complicit here, too.

We've all been too quick to accept the idea that calling someone Muslim is a slur.

I feel like I am stating the obvious here, but apparently it needs to be said: There is a difference between radical Muslims who support jihad against America and Muslims who want to practice their religion freely and have normal lives like anyone else.

There are more than 1.2 million Arab-Americans and about 7 million Muslim-Americans, former Cabinet secretaries, members of Congress, successful business people, normal average Americans from all walks of life.

These are the people being maligned here, and we can only imagine how this conversation plays in the Muslim world. We can't tolerate this ignorance -- not in the media, not on the campaign trail.

Of course, he's not an Arab. Of course, he's not a Muslim. But honestly, it shouldn't matter.

The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the writer.

Source

about time


:D
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Uthman
10-14-2008, 05:00 PM
format_quote Originally Posted by Osman
The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the writer.
Not really. They're my views as well. :D
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truemuslim
10-14-2008, 05:07 PM
i hate obama wether he's arab or not.
ppl say he's a jew, some say his mum's a jew, som say his dads a jew, some say parents jews, nd osama--i mean obama , is christian, some say he's muslim, well honestly i really dont giv...................what the hell he is, its his brain nd heart that anyone should care about, not the way he is.

but in ignorant ppls minds it goes like "if he's arab, he'll blo up america" "if he's jew, he'll kill our children" "if he's christian, we'll live in peace"
waatever...
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Uthman
10-14-2008, 05:09 PM
format_quote Originally Posted by truemuslim
i hate obama wether he's arab or not.
ppl say he's a jew, some say his mum's a jew, som say his dads a jew, some say parents jews, nd osama--i mean obama , is christian, some say he's muslim, well honestly i really dont giv...................what the hell he is, its his brain nd heart that anyone should care about, not the way he is.

but in ignorant ppls minds it goes like "if he's arab, he'll blo up america" "if he's jew, he'll kill our children" "if he's christian, we'll live in peace"
waatever...
What would you say if he was British? :D
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truemuslim
10-14-2008, 05:10 PM
doesnt matter.
ok i'll finally reveal why i hate british, its not coz ther gay accents, its coz what they did to palestine.
thats why i dont mind the muslim british :p
its just the ones supporting that :D
Reply

SixTen
10-14-2008, 05:29 PM
When did that become a disqualifier for higher office in our country?
Well, logically, in a christian nation, a muslim is obviously not going to win the elections. Similarly, how you will never see a christian leading any majority-muslim nation.
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barney
10-14-2008, 05:54 PM
Because if He's an Arab he will fire all the nukes at his own cities!










That was a joke BTW.
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Uthman
10-14-2008, 05:55 PM
According to wikipedia, the US is officially a secular nation. Furthermore, the US is democratic whereas Muslim-majority countries don't tend to be democracies - at least not true, sophisticated ones so I don't know if that's a fair comparison.

I think around 3/4 of Americans identify themselves as Christians but I don't see how religion should matter when it should surely be a matter of policies. Of course, not all the people who identify themselves as Christians would be practising anyway.

Even if Obama was a Muslim, he is clearly not a practising one. In fact, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) made it quite explicit that the dividing line between Islam and Kufr is the Salah and I strongly doubt that Barack Obama does the salah five times a day.

My apologies if I'm oversimplifying the issue. I'm only young and I'm learning! Work with me here people.
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Muezzin
10-14-2008, 05:56 PM
All these people forget that regardless of Obama's ethnic or religious background, he still sounds like The Rock.
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Uthman
10-14-2008, 05:56 PM
format_quote Originally Posted by barney
Because if He's an Arab he will fire all the nukes at his own cities!










That was a joke BTW.
I didn't get it. :-[ Mind explaining that for me or will it just kill the joke?
Reply

SixTen
10-14-2008, 06:05 PM
format_quote Originally Posted by Muezzin
All these people forget that regardless of Obama's ethnic or religious background, he still sounds like The Rock.
Thats a good thing :D
Reply

Uthman
10-14-2008, 06:07 PM
format_quote Originally Posted by Osman
According to wikipedia, the US is officially a secular nation. Furthermore, the US is democratic whereas Muslim-majority countries don't tend to be democracies - at least not true, sophisticated ones so I don't know if that's a fair comparison.

I think around 3/4 of Americans identify themselves as Christians but I don't see how religion should matter when it should surely be a matter of policies. Of course, not all the people who identify themselves as Christians would be practising anyway.

Even if Obama was a Muslim, he is clearly not a practising one. In fact, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) made it quite explicit that the dividing line between Islam and Kufr is the Salah and I strongly doubt that Barack Obama does the salah five times a day.

My apologies if I'm oversimplifying the issue. I'm only young and I'm learning! Work with me here people.
I don't believe I started a post with 'according to wikipedia'. ^o)
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Amadeus85
10-14-2008, 06:38 PM
So what if Obama was a muslim or Arab?
When Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Syria or Sudan has a christian president you can all ask questions like "So what if Obama was a muslim or Arab".
;)
Reply

Uthman
10-14-2008, 06:41 PM
Hey Aaron,

format_quote Originally Posted by Aaron85
So what if Obama was a muslim or Arab?
When Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Syria or Sudan has a christian president you can all ask questions like "So what if Obama was a muslim or Arab".
;)
US is officially secular whereas the countries you mentioned don't tend to be secular countries at all. Don't you think that's an important difference?

Regards
Reply

SixTen
10-14-2008, 06:44 PM
format_quote Originally Posted by Osman
Hey Aaron,



US is officially secular whereas the countries you mentioned don't tend to be secular countries at all. Don't you think that's an important difference?

Regards
The majority of the people, are not secular - and when the people decide who they elect - just because they have seperated (well, to some degree) religion from state, you'd be hardpressed to find, a majority christian nation, not favouring a christian president.
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Amadeus85
10-14-2008, 06:50 PM
format_quote Originally Posted by Osman
Hey Aaron,



US is officially secular whereas the countries you mentioned don't tend to be secular countries at all. Don't you think that's an important difference?

Regards
So what that USA is secular. You think that Americans are so stupid to let muslims use their secularity. I have noticed that it is common attitude for muslims in West - to use secularity for their plans which are very very far from secularity.
The same old trick was used by communists, also in USA, they said -" Hey, how you wanna ban communist party of USA if this country is democratic and has freedom of speech".
And the irony is that the communists believed in democracy and fredom of speech just as much as muslims believe in secularity.
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Uthman
10-14-2008, 07:13 PM
Greetings,

format_quote Originally Posted by SixTen
The majority of the people, are not secular - and when the people decide who they elect - just because they have seperated (well, to some degree) religion from state, you'd be hardpressed to find, a majority christian nation, not favouring a christian president.
Of the 3/4 of people who identify themselves as Christian, what percentage would you say are practising and who would consider religion when choosing a president?

Regards
Reply

SixTen
10-14-2008, 07:14 PM
format_quote Originally Posted by Osman
Greetings,



Of the 3/4 of people who identify themselves as Christian, what percentage would you say are practising and who would consider religion when choosing a president?

Regards
What percentage of muslims would you regard as practicing in this world? Now, take that percentage, who deem to have a muslim faith, but arn't practicing.

Ask them, if they had to elect a leader, would them being muslim be an advantage for the candidate? Pretty sure you know how that would end up. Atleast I know, I would prefer a muslim leader, over a christian.

Even if you arn't a practicing christian/muslim, you value the traditions so to speak of, and the philosophical outlook of the religion in your daily life. Its something as you been brought up, have come to like, or atleast not feel alien to. I understand fully, how alien Islam would be to a christian, and why a christian (even if they arn't practicing) may find a muslim less favourable than a christian.
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Uthman
10-14-2008, 07:19 PM
Thanks. I like that answer. :)
Reply

kwolney01
10-14-2008, 07:33 PM
I agree with you brother and I am so glad you posted this.

It shouldn't matter if he is Muslim, Arab, Black, Asian, or whatever it just shouldn’t matter especially in the USA were there is "freedom of religion". I can't believe we still haven't gotten over the whole raciest thing, you would think that in 2008 people would be perfectly fine with this. This just goes to show you that there are still some people out there who believe one race is superior over the other.

Personally I wouldn't care if Barack Obama was a Jew, Buddhist, Hindu....ext. A persons race or even religion should not get in their way of trying to make a difference. As long as you are a decent human being who is trying to make a difference in this world it shouldn't matter.

I pray that people will get their heads out of their butts :enough!: and learn that we are all human beings no one is superior over the other.

Thanks again brother for posting this!!
Reply

bewildred
10-14-2008, 07:43 PM
format_quote Originally Posted by truemuslim
i hate obama wether he's arab or not.
ppl say he's a jew, some say his mum's a jew, som say his dads a jew, some say parents jews, nd osama--i mean obama , is christian, some say he's muslim, well honestly i really dont giv...................what the hell he is, its his brain nd heart that anyone should care about, not the way he is.

but in ignorant ppls minds it goes like "if he's arab, he'll blo up america" "if he's jew, he'll kill our children" "if he's christian, we'll live in peace"
waatever...
I totally agree with Truemuslim's second paragraph. People have a tendency to fall into simplistic view points. Any american president will be under the pressure of several lobbies. There will be no miracle. Things are what they are. I'm not really optimistic.
Reply

KAding
10-15-2008, 12:34 AM
format_quote Originally Posted by Osman
Hey Aaron,

US is officially secular whereas the countries you mentioned don't tend to be secular countries at all. Don't you think that's an important difference?

Regards
Separation of church and state (what makes the US officially secular) only means that the US government cannot support one religion over another. It does not mean that the US is not a Christian nation, or that its voters and politicians are not motivated by religious feelings and doctrine.

Nevertheless, of course I agree with you, it shouldn't matter. In fact, IMHO it would be bigoted to vote against a 'Muslim' merely because he identifies himself as Muslim, let alone Arab. However, I could see how it would be problematic for a practicing Muslim to be leader of the US. US interests might run contrary to Islamic law at times. IMHO it would also be alright for someone to vote against a certain Muslim because one disapproves of his values and policy suggestions. If, for example, that Muslim candidate would endorse the implementation of Sha'ria law, anyone would of course be in his right to vote against that candidate because one disagrees with the principles behind the Sha'ria.
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KAding
10-15-2008, 12:45 AM
If I might add, in my opinion some people are completely misunderstanding what "freedom of religion" means in a democratic context. It does not mean that the religious convictions of voters or candidates are irrelevant! Voters are completely free to judge candidates on the basis of their personal beliefs, including religious beliefs. In fact, thats the whole point of voting.

It shouldn't matter if he is Muslim, Arab, Black, Asian, or whatever it just shouldn’t matter especially in the USA were there is "freedom of religion". I can't believe we still haven't gotten over the whole raciest thing, you would think that in 2008 people would be perfectly fine with this. This just goes to show you that there are still some people out there who believe one race is superior over the other.
Religion is NOT a biological attribute, Islam is NOT a biological attribute. Islam is a collection of ideas and beliefs. Islam is an ideology. Politics is based on ideologies. To say voters can't discriminate on the basis of ideologies is nonsensical IMHO. If, as a voter, you can't judge candidates on religious beliefs, you cannot judge them on any beliefs.

Following a certain religion is a CHOICE, having a black skin is not, being of Asian decent is not. They are not comparable, one is a lifestyle choice, the other is not. Religion is very much comparable to other choices, such as, whether you are a socialist or libertarian, whether you are a nudist or cover your face in public, etc...
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Uthman
10-15-2008, 06:45 AM
format_quote Originally Posted by KAding
Separation of church and state (what makes the US officially secular) only means that the US government cannot support one religion over another. It does not mean that the US is not a Christian nation, or that its voters and politicians are not motivated by religious feelings and doctrine.

Nevertheless, of course I agree with you, it shouldn't matter. In fact, IMHO it would be bigoted to vote against a 'Muslim' merely because he identifies himself as Muslim, let alone Arab. However, I could see how it would be problematic for a practicing Muslim to be leader of the US. US interests might run contrary to Islamic law at times. IMHO it would also be alright for someone to vote against a certain Muslim because one disapproves of his values and policy suggestions. If, for example, that Muslim candidate would endorse the implementation of Sha'ria law, anyone would of course be in his right to vote against that candidate because one disagrees with the principles behind the Sha'ria.
That makes sense. :) Thanks kAding.
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north_malaysian
10-15-2008, 07:15 AM
format_quote Originally Posted by Aaron85
So what if Obama was a muslim or Arab?
When Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Syria or Sudan has a christian president you can all ask questions like "So what if Obama was a muslim or Arab".
;)
Senegal (95% of the population are Muslims)

- President Leonold Senghor (Roman Catholic) - 06.09.1960 - 31.12.1980

Burkina Faso (50% of the population are Muslims)

- President Maurice Yameogo (Christian) - 05.08.1960 - 03.01.1966
- President Saye Zerbo (Christian, Ex Muslim) - 25.11.80 - 07.11.82
- Pres. Jean-Baptiste Ouedraogo (Christian) - 08.11.82 - 04.08.83
- Pres. Thomas Sankara (Roman Catholic) - 04.08.83 - 15.10.87

Chad (54% of the population are Muslims)

- Pres. Felix Malloum N'Gakoutou (Christian) - 15.04.75 - 23.03.79
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nocturnal
10-15-2008, 07:16 AM
American secularism doesn't exactly conform to a precise theoretical interpretation of the secular ideology. It's notable to keep in mind that virtually every US president, has come to power on a substratum of assuaging the mass nationwide Christian lobby. It is important to incorporate so called "christian populism" into any political bid for public office in the United States.

Even regarding the very adept and technocratic politicians like Obama, they invariably have to succumb to Christian demands and proclivities, especially when campaigning in religious states, which constitute a huge voter bloc. That is why you don't hear the gay and lesbian issue being addressed that much, because what you might percieve as liberal and tolerant, might be blasphemy and sacriliege to others. It's a case of trying to maintain that political equipoise. Based ofcourse, on whom you are addressing, or where precisely votes are being canvassed for.
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north_malaysian
10-15-2008, 07:48 AM
format_quote Originally Posted by Aaron85
So what if Obama was a muslim or Arab?
When Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Syria or Sudan has a christian president
Malaysia doesn't have a president.. Our country is a constitutional monarchy... and the YDPA (our King) must be a Muslim because he would be the Leader of the Islamic community and the official religion of the nation is Islam.

Plus, only 9% of the population are Christians..
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wth1257
10-15-2008, 06:09 PM
some nice satire:D

http://www.thedailyshow.com/
Reply

The_Prince
10-15-2008, 07:26 PM
format_quote Originally Posted by Aaron85
So what if Obama was a muslim or Arab?
When Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Syria or Sudan has a christian president you can all ask questions like "So what if Obama was a muslim or Arab".
;)
Iraq's vice president was Christian, so when you countries ever have a Muslim in such a high position come back and talk to us, how about that?
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seeker-of-light
10-15-2008, 09:54 PM
the church and state get too mixed up when it comes to politics.
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BlackMamba
10-15-2008, 10:43 PM
Ya I hate that getting called a Muslim/Arab is a huge insult. Like that lady told McCain that Obama was Arab. And McCain was like NO NO he's a decent man. LOL so ru saying there are no decent Arabs? I thought I was the only one that noticed this cuz I was watching the news and they were talking about what McCain said for hours, but not once was my point brought up. It feels good to finally see an article that talks about that.
Reply

seeker-of-light
10-15-2008, 10:49 PM
format_quote Originally Posted by Shakoor15
Ya I hate that getting called a Muslim/Arab is a huge insult. Like that lady told McCain that Obama was Arab. And McCain was like NO NO he's a decent man. LOL so ru saying there are no decent Arabs? I thought I was the only one that noticed this cuz I was watching the news and they were talking about what McCain said for hours, but not once was my point brought up. It feels good to finally see an article that talks about that.
yes it is sad that it is an insult to be called muslim in america. i think it shows the ugly prejudices in society today. and also what difference does it make if he is an arab? so what?
Reply

Uthman
10-16-2008, 06:45 AM
:sl:

format_quote Originally Posted by Shakoor15
Ya I hate that getting called a Muslim/Arab is a huge insult. Like that lady told McCain that Obama was Arab. And McCain was like NO NO he's a decent man. LOL so ru saying there are no decent Arabs? I thought I was the only one that noticed this cuz I was watching the news and they were talking about what McCain said for hours, but not once was my point brought up. It feels good to finally see an article that talks about that.
I don't think he was implying that Arabs aren't decent family men although I understand how it might come across that way.

:w:
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Keltoi
10-16-2008, 02:20 PM
It also must be understood what the woman, in her rather ignorant way, meant by calling Obama an "Arab". It wasn't a race issue, it was about Obama's allegiance. There have been many false rumors out there about Obama's duel citizenship and his national allegiance. By calling him an "Arab", the woman was casting doubt on his patriotism and calling into question Obama's ties to Kenya and so forth.

It was an ignorant question and statement made by the woman, and McCain answered the question on the woman's level. McCain simply corrected her about Obama being an Arab, and then tried to raise the level of debate by complimenting Obama as a decent human being who he simply has disagreements with. It was in no way about the merits of being an Arab or not being an Arab.
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Fishman
10-17-2008, 09:26 PM
format_quote Originally Posted by seeker-of-light
yes it is sad that it is an insult to be called muslim in america. i think it shows the ugly prejudices in society today. and also what difference does it make if he is an arab? so what?
:sl:In a country which actually criticises people for being intellectuals, that makes perfect sense though...
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Güven
10-17-2008, 10:49 PM
Now this what i call an news reporter :)

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