Chicago Tribune religion writer Manya Brachear reports that some in the Muslim world–well, one person, at least–is calling on Barack Obama to denounce Americans’ anti-Muslim bias as he attempts to dispel false rumors that he’s a Muslim.
The key graphs:
“At this point, he should call out people’s bigotry,” said Salam al-Marayati, executive director of The Muslim Public Affairs Council. He and other religious leaders defended Obama when the rumor mill first fired up last year. A letter signed by 11 Jewish, Christian and Muslim leaders denounced the rumors as a calculated attempt to “divide us as children of God.”
As the attacks continue, though, Obama should denounce “this kind of religious litmus test in politics which is anathema to our Bill of Rights and reframe the conversation,” al-Marayati said. Being labeled a Muslim isn’t an insult, he said.
A source familiar with the Obama campaign said that’s unlikely to happen. It’s not the Muslim characterization that bothers Obama. It’s that his faith, which plays a significant role in his life, has been mischaracterized. Period.
“The primary goal is truth,” the source said. “It’s important to set the record straight.”
God-o-Meter notes that in its Obama interview this week, the Illinois Senator did have some kind words for Muslims and noted that he’d be less likely to demonize them because of his background:
….I absolutely believe that having lived in a country that was majority Muslim for a time and having distant relatives in Africa who are Muslim, that I’m less likely to demonize the Muslim faith and more likely to understand that they are ordinary folks who are trying to figure out how to live their lives and raise their kids and prosper just like anybody else. And I do think that that cultural understanding is something that could be extremely valuable.
And in his interview with CBN’s David Brody this week, Obama said that just because he’s never been a Muslim doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with them:
I think that those who are of the Muslim faith are deserving of respect and dignity, but to try and feed into this fear-mongering and try to question my faith commitments and my belief in Jesus Christ, I think is offensive. And I want to make sure that people are absolutely clear about what’s going on with this, and if they get another one of these e-mails that they’re deleting it and letting their friends know that it’s nonsense.
A full-throated defense of Muslims? Not exactly. But with polls showing that so many Americans have negative views of Muslim candidates, can you blame him?
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posted January 23, 2008 at 7:37 pm
I HOPE YOU WIN TO BE THE NEXT PRESIDENT, I THINK YOU DESERVE IT. I E-MAILED N.N.C.P. TO VOTE FOR YOU.AND I WILL VOTE FOR YOU. BILL DOE’S NOT HAVE ANY RIGHTS TO BE THE FIRST LADY. IT’S STUPID JUST LIKE DR.MARTIN LUTHER KING SAID, HE HAD A DREAM. I TO HAVE A DREAM EVERYONE TO GET ALONG AND STOP SAYING COLORS WE ARE ALL GODS CHILDREN AND ALOT OF PEOPLE WOULD’NT AGREE WITH ME BECAUSE, THEY NEVER HAD A AFRICAN AMERICAN FIRST LADY. AND HILLARY, ONLY HAS THE MONEY TO PUT HER IN THE WHITE HOUSE. IT’S A SHAME, WHO EVER HAS THE MOST MONEY SEEMS TO WIN. AND WE HAVE ENOUGH IN THE U.S.A. TO PROTECT WE NEED OUR TROOPS TO BE SENT HOME AND STOP KILLING 18YRS OLD KIDS. NOW ITS TIME FOR A CHANGE. I KNOW YOU WILL HELP US AND THE TROOPS COME HOME TO THEIR LOVED ONES IF YOU CAN TRY TO FIX THE WAR, IKNOW YOU WOULD. SINCERLEY, SUSAN
posted January 23, 2008 at 7:47 pm
I ALSO SAY DON’T PAY ATTENTION WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT YOU THEY ARE ONLY TRYING TO WIN THEY WAN’T TO SAY THINGS THAT ARE NASTY ABOUT YOU AND YOUR WIFE DON’T LISTEN TO THEM I BELIEVE IN YOU! I THINK IT’S REALLY DIRTY TRICK TRYING TO HURT YOUR FAMILY BUT LOOK WHAT BILL DID AND BUSH DID WITH THIS WAR SIGN FREEDOM OF SPEECH IF WE STILL HAVE IT. SINCERLEY,SUSAN
posted January 24, 2008 at 12:47 am
No I do not think that he will call out bigotry ,he is
to big a person for that ,two wrongs do not make a right!!!!!!!
He is just setting the record straight he is not of muslim
religion………………………………………….
posted January 24, 2008 at 1:45 pm
I believe that Mr. Obama is our best hope for change in this country which is badly needed, this coming from a Republican of many years.
He definitely needs to be aware of the Clintons. They will do anything to destroy their opponents. I pray this will not happen.
posted February 3, 2008 at 11:22 pm
I believe that Mr Barback Obama isn’t good to do for best change in this country, He’s hypocrisy his pratice alike he playing games his religion, also no have to right in country for muslim, and practice how to opponents any kind own people’s religion not allow share with Muslim and Islam are not right for prayer anywhere in town and school, and beleive in Christ for us protecting Ameirca our country. Aware that Clintons and Obama are not right for fighting for change in conutry, have to protceted our peace have eqauitly no need to fighting for troops our country, No not need bad for Him He’s needs to leave our country and have to running for own right the law. Put not your trust in princes, Nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help, I dont trust in you because you have no help another to do saves us and no have any your powers nothing, you are not my princes our country, one thing, no needs to running by equality of the racism, not want hear your words your opitions, No needs destory anywhere our mankind the earth, if you do dare that one, you will be next sorrow anything of your opitions the way. God protect our america and be change the world in 21 centuries this year.
posted February 11, 2008 at 8:35 am
Obama, you are what this country needs for a leader. We need a country that is not involved in war and I believe you will give us a war free country. We need a leader who is idealistic, hopeful, and will bring change to the people who are tired of war, umemployment, jobs moving oversea, people can’t afford healthcare, and division amongst each other; I belive you will provide those things. May God lead you to leadership of this country and protect you along the way. It is time for change now. God bless you.