U.S. Muslims regret support for Bush, won’t repeat it in ’04

Wilmington Star ^ | 9-1-03 | Staff

[veronica]

Even before the Sept. 11 attacks and the crackdown that followed, American Muslim leaders generally had come to believe they had made a mistake.

In 2000, they made their first unified endorsement in a presidential race, backing George W. Bush. Many thought he would take a harder line against Israel, and, based on statements he made while campaigning, would protect the rights of immigrants facing deportation.

Muslims say they were disappointed on both counts. Now, feeling the additional sting of being scrutinized in the domestic hunt for terrorists, they are mobilizing to express their anger at the polls in 2004.

At their largest convention of the year, which ends today, national Muslim leaders announced plans to register 1 million Muslim voters and make civil rights a top issue in any endorsement of a presidential candidate.

"A defining moment of Islam in America is approaching," said Nihad Awad, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a civil rights group based in Washington. "We cannot surrender our future and our destiny to hate in this country."

Agha Saeed, head of the Muslim American Congress, led the crowd in a chant. "I am an American, I am a Muslim and I vote," he said, joined by thousands gathered for the Islamic Society of North America meeting.

After the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, Mr. Bush won points with American Muslims by visiting a mosque and declaring Islam a peaceful religion.

But since then, the federal government has detained hundreds of immigrants, shut down U.S. Muslim charities suspected of terrorist ties and gained broad new powers to monitor citizens under the USA Patriot Act.

The Bush administration said these moves have been crucial for U.S. security. American Muslims say they are being scapegoated.

A White House spokesman referred questions about the presidential race to the Bush campaign, whose spokeswoman did not immediately reply to a request for comment Sunday.

It is unclear what effect Muslims can have in the 2004 elections.

Estimates of the number of U.S. Muslims vary dramatically from 2 million to 6 million. But immigrant Muslims generally are highly educated professionals with the means to make significant campaign donations.

Also, their community has matured dramatically in the past four years.

The assault on Islam that followed the suicide hijackings that killed thousands in New York and Washington compelled Muslims around the country to defend their faith.

National Muslim organizations, including Mr. Awad’s, reported a dramatic increase in donations and membership.

[trebb]

Heck, if the Muslims hate him, that's good enough reason for me to vote for him again...

[Salvey]

The assault on Islam that followed the suicide hijackings that killed thousands....<

WHAT ??!!

[veronica]

On the other hand...

Jewish leaders praise Bush support for Israel

---SNIP---"Republicans are already seeing big-ticket Democratic Jewish donors joining their ranks: California business executive Roland Arnall hosted a Bush-Cheney fundraiser at his home with Vice President Dick Cheney three weeks ago and raised $1 million for the re-election campaign.

Arnall's wife, Dawn, gave the Republican National Committee $1 million last October, the largest single contribution the group has ever received. Before their foray into Republican politics, the Arnalls had given nearly $1.5 million to Democratic Party causes over the last two years. The American Jewish Congress' Rosen, another regular Democratic Party contributor, gave the RNC $100,000. New York real estate mogul Michael Sonnenfeldt gave the RNC $10,000.

The Arnalls, in a statement released at the time of their donations, said they felt compelled to give to the Republican Party because "America finally has a leader with great integrity and courage who will rid the world of the scourge of terrorism."

An increase in Jewish contributions and a potentially higher Jewish turnout for Bush won't be enough for him to capture a community that has traditionally voted Democratic, political analysts say. But it could cut into the Democratic base and make states with high Jewish populations more competitive.

"Jews are not a deciding vote, but they are a swing vote," said Hank Sheinkopf, a New York-based Democratic political consultant. "If they move Republican, they can cause problems (for Democrats) in such electoral college states like Florida, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Michigan."

[oceanview]

sad to say but true: the Dems will receive 85% of both the jewish and muslim vote in 2004.

[af_vet_1981]

Estimates of the number of U.S. Muslims vary dramatically from 2 million to 6 million. But immigrant Muslims generally are highly educated professionals with the means to make significant campaign donations.

Whatever you do, don't donate lots of money to Democrats and publicize it. Please don't do it. Not that, anything but that, don't throw me in that Briar Patch ...

[CROSSHIGHWAYMAN]

After the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, Mr. Bush won points with American Muslims by visiting a mosque and declaring Islam a peaceful religion.

They know better!

No one likes being lied to!!

[Let's Roll]

"The assault on Islam that followed the suicide hijackings that killed thousands...."

I have a cat like that ... if she even thinks you're going to step on her, trip over her etc., she starts squalling and whining.

[Peach]

Heck, if the Muslims hate him, that's good enough reason for me to vote for him again...

I feel the same way, reading this article.

[veronica]

The Dems did not get 85% of the Jewish vote last time, and they will get far less than that the next time. Course I never believed Bush got the Muslim vote last time either. If he had, he would have won Michigan.

[RobbyS]

For most American Jews, social democracy is their true religion. If they didn't think of Israel as a kind os socialist oasis in the Middfle East, ythey wouldn't support it. When its government is not in the hands of the Labor Party, their interest flags. If a crisis appears, their interest spikes but soon drops back to normal levels.

[truthandlife]

Get ready for the Bush administration to throw another bone to the Palestinians. Israel will be the loser out of this poll.

[DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet]

There are peaceful Muslims - I live two houses away from a family that is a good example - however, if the radical crowd says they're not voting for President Bush because we dared strike back after being attacked, I can only imagine that enhances his credibility with most people.

[autoresponder]

The democrats now the official party of Islamic terrorists?

Now we have their names all avaliable on public access registration lists.

The great deportation coming up.

[null and void]

Huh?

Did I blink and miss the "support"?

As far as the "crackdown" goes, has anyone ever seen a møøselimb getting frisked at the airport? I don't fly much, I've never seen it happen. Granny and 3 year olds yes, 20 something islamists, never.

I'd really like to know if any FRequent fliers have seen this crackdown?

[weegee]

The article mentions that muslims feel betrayed over President Bush's support of Israel but doesn't elaborate.

Let's see the Democrats add the muslim take on Israel as plank of their party platform.

[debg]

jihad comes in all forms: violence, political, social

God help us.

[Mr. Mojo]

Now, feeling the additional sting of being scrutinized in the domestic hunt for terrorists, they are mobilizing to express their anger at the polls in 2004.

I have a better idea:

Mobilize to get the hell outta the country.

[veronica]

For most American Jews, social democracy is their true religion. If they didn't think of Israel as a kind of socialist oasis in the Middle East, they wouldn't support it. When its government is not in the hands of the Labor Party, their interest flags. If a crisis appears, their interest spikes but soon drops back to normal levels.

It's obvious you have no clue about American Jews and their attitude toward Israel. Save for the most leftwing Jews, no Jew I have ever met only supports Israel as a "socialist oasis" and American Jewish support for Israel under Sharon is as rock-solid as can be. Read up before posting.

[Spruce]

The more these goblins push themselves on me, the more I will reject and dislike them.