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First Muslim Congressman Speaks of Faith, Change.
The Hoya.com ^ | 2/15/08 | Natalie Lescroart

Posted on 02/17/2008 11:39:11 AM PST by Pikamax

First Muslim Congressman Speaks of Faith, Change Minnesota Democrat Says Norway Good Model for U.S.

By Natalie Lescroart | Feb 15 2008

The nation’s first Muslim congressman called for political change and spoke about how his faith has affected his job in a speech Tuesday at the Georgetown University Law Center.

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) told a packed crowd at the Gewirz Student Center that “the time is now” for political change and reworking.

Ellison, a freshman congressman, is the first African-American to represent Minnesota. He is a member of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, and sits on the Financial Services and Judiciary Committees, overseeing housing, financial and legal systems.

Opening his speech, Ellison cited the words of one of his former law professors.

“If you want to be remembered for what you said, never say more than three things. ... Saying two things is better than three, and saying one thing is best of all,” he said. “I have one thing to tell you: The time is now. It is time to reclaim our country, time to reclaim our world.”

Ellison defended his religious and racial heritage and spoke about remaining strong amidst widespread adversity. He told attendees that he has received over 110,000 pieces of mail accusing him of being a terrorist.

“I can tell you right here, right now, on the day of the Potomac primaries, it’s not looking good for the people who tried to whip up hatred for [Sen.] Barack Obama [(D-Ill.)] just because he has some Muslim heritage.” The point received a standing ovation from most of the room.

The congressman criticized President George W. Bush’s immigration and healthcare policies and the president’s record on social issues.

“Can you imagine this president speaking of social justice? It’s inconceivable that he would speak to anyone other than rich people,” he said.

Ellison called law students “the most important people in Washington D.C.,” and called on them to work to make the necessary progress happen. “Take yourself down to the central kitchen, you’re not too good for that. ... Please be good to each other. Use your law degree for something good.”

Ellison concluded by suggesting that the United States model itself after Norway — a nation, he said, with a culture of peace. “If there’s one thing that I learned about Congress over the last year, it is that the big dogs don’t have it all figured out. There is room for an energetic, well-directed group of people to do what’s right.”

The event, a dinner and discussion, was sponsored by the Law Center, the Black Law Students Association, Muslim Law Students Association and Georgetown Law Democrats.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Foreign Affairs; News/Current Events; US: Minnesota
KEYWORDS: 110th; blackmuslims; catholicschools; georgetownu; keithellison
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Comment #21 Removed by Moderator

To: F15Eagle

you are correct....it is so terribly sad....the People (Citizens) of this Nation, will have to witness the events which are yet to come, because of their ignorance. Of course, if those persons (the uneducated about islam) would come here to Free Republic and read, maybe, just maybe the WARNING would be spread....and the truth would come into being....(but... buts) are not candy and nuts...and a Merry Chistmas will not be had by all... because of the buts.... (sigh)


22 posted on 02/17/2008 12:29:19 PM PST by no-to-illegals (God Bless Our Men and Women in Uniform, Our Heroes. TLWNWNTTRS)
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To: no-to-illegals

Why can’t people SEE that?


23 posted on 02/17/2008 12:36:14 PM PST by nmh (Mike Huckabee the "religious" humanist that pushes socialism! (Clinton/Carter combo))
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Comment #24 Removed by Moderator

To: Pikamax
The nation’s first Muslim congressman called for political change......

Yep. If muslimes have their way there'll be change.....
Like this.......

KILL The Infidel! It's In The Koran!

25 posted on 02/17/2008 12:44:04 PM PST by Fiddlstix (Warning! This Is A Subliminal Tagline! Read it at your own risk!(Presented by TagLines R US))
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To: nmh

I truly haven’t a clue....unless people simply want peace, as all God fearing people do...want peace. The only problem is...islam does not not offer peace, only war, if one is not of or refuses to be of islam. I guess, I have to fall back on people want peace. Truth is I do not like war either, but (candy and nuts) sometimes war is the only way to achieve peace....so many simply do not realize the facts, I suppose, or as I said, “Some people haven’t a clue, like me.” Clue for all...our leaders continue to say so...islam is a religion of peace....peace (a code word) is powerful... a peaceful people, like the people of the civilized world always want peace....perhaps this is why islam uses this slogan when islam practices the opposite. Another form of deception to advance their war and way against a people only desiring peace.


26 posted on 02/17/2008 12:47:53 PM PST by no-to-illegals (God Bless Our Men and Women in Uniform, Our Heroes. TLWNWNTTRS)
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To: F15Eagle

scary...yes....but America is not defeated yet. God sends TESTS to all of us....islam is of the devil so therein lays the TEST....God knows such....and God knows a civilized people desire peace. I do not believe God is against us (those desiring peace) but rather I believe God is with us, and this enemy (islam) will not prevail, in spite of what our leaders in D.C. say and do to advance the enemy’s lies....mho


27 posted on 02/17/2008 12:54:15 PM PST by no-to-illegals (God Bless Our Men and Women in Uniform, Our Heroes. TLWNWNTTRS)
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Comment #28 Removed by Moderator

To: Pikamax
He told attendees that he has received over 110,000 pieces of mail accusing him of being a terrorist.

Gee. How many letters does W get accusing him of being a "terrorist". Quit whining you big BABY.

29 posted on 02/17/2008 12:57:53 PM PST by LiberConservative
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To: Pikamax

Our ancestors left England to escape a State sponsored religion.

We do not wish to have another such government.

The pedophile inspired, female abusive, backward thinking Islamic theocracy is not welcome here! Not in my America!


30 posted on 02/17/2008 1:05:33 PM PST by airborne (For ENGLISH, press '1' . For SPANISH, hang up and learn ENGLISH!)
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To: F15Eagle
I truly believe the fight will not be easy F15Eagle, but if it were easy to fight and win, the victory would not be appreciated. Victory will come for America, or America and America's Patriots will die fighting to attain that Victory. I have to believe this, for to think otherwise would be to surrender to our enemies. Keeping my eyes on the prize of Victory is always where I will go, when the going gets tough, just as I know you also will do. Good Luck and God's Speed to us all, FRiend.
31 posted on 02/17/2008 1:07:02 PM PST by no-to-illegals (God Bless Our Men and Women in Uniform, Our Heroes. TLWNWNTTRS)
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To: no-to-illegals

What I know is this ... peace will not be achieved by giving into evil. Sometimes diplomacy doesn’t do it. There are times when WAR is needed to bring about peace. It won’t be a permanent peace ... but it will suffice for awhile. True peace will only happen when Christ returns. I admire the military to no end for their SELFLESS bravery to bring about peace ... their deaths are not in vain - diplomacy and war are the best we can do to beat EVIL down.


32 posted on 02/17/2008 1:12:33 PM PST by nmh (Mike Huckabee the "religious" humanist that pushes socialism! (Clinton/Carter combo))
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To: nmh; F15Eagle
I too, Thank God for our Military Men and Women. Our Military Men and Women are our Heroes. Our Military Men and Women volunteered to go out and meet the enemy in battle. Our Military Women and Men did not have to take this fight to the enemy, they could have stayed home and let someone else take the fight to the enemy, but Our Military Women and Men did not do such... and for their Honor, their Sacrifice, their Spirit, and so many other things our Military Women and Men do to Protect and Defend our Nation, I too cannot surrender....for I would be dishonoring each of Our Military Women and Men....God Bless Each of Them and Protect Them, Please. These young Women and Men are America's BEST and each one deserves the peace only the battlefield will bring this time....Protect Them Lord. Our Military Women and Men are our Heroes. Once D.C. fully realizes Americans refuse to surrender, perhaps D.C. will allow our Military the Victory, which America and America's Military Women and Men deserve. I tear up when I think of how D.C. denies our Military their God given right to Victory, (for this enemy could be easily defeated) if D.C. would get out of the way, but I realize also....God said..Victory is never easily attained.

Thank you, for your posts to me...your posts gave me a chance to vent. Once again, Good Luck and God's Speed, FRiends.

33 posted on 02/17/2008 1:32:21 PM PST by no-to-illegals (God Bless Our Men and Women in Uniform, Our Heroes. TLWNWNTTRS)
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To: no-to-illegals

I tear up when I think of how D.C. denies our Military their God given right to Victory, (for this enemy could be easily defeated) if D.C. would get out of the way, but I realize also....God said..Victory is never easily attained.
Thank you, for your posts to me...your posts gave me a chance to vent. Once again, Good Luck and God’s Speed, FRiends.

Much love your way. You articulate our thoughts.

For those that believe ... and gave all ... they will be rewarded in eternity for the injusice on earth.

May God Bless YOU!


34 posted on 02/17/2008 1:34:43 PM PST by nmh (Mike Huckabee the "religious" humanist that pushes socialism! (Clinton/Carter combo))
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To: nmh

Thank you for those comments....I do not deserve your praise instead only our Military deserves our praise...May God Continue to Bless our Nation and our Military...and YES, God, will reward our protectors. Much love, your way also! Thank you again, ...but (smiling) Thank You!


35 posted on 02/17/2008 1:50:30 PM PST by no-to-illegals (God Bless Our Men and Women in Uniform, Our Heroes. TLWNWNTTRS)
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To: Pikamax
Obama...12th Imam
36 posted on 02/17/2008 2:10:41 PM PST by HighlyOpinionated (http://auntiecoosa.blogspot.com -- read, learn, blog, or get out of my way.)
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To: Pikamax
The event, a dinner and discussion, was sponsored by the Law Center, the Black Law Students Association, Muslim Law Students Association and Georgetown Law Democrats.

In broad terms, conservatives believe in themselves, create businesses and wealth. While we create plenty, the rat culture in law, academia, government and entertainment slowly work to eliminate all that is good in our country.

37 posted on 02/17/2008 2:17:05 PM PST by Jacquerie (Islam is a barbaric social and economic system in religious drag.)
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To: Pikamax
Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) changed his faith from socialist/Marxist to Muslim? What changed? He replaced one false ideology with another malignant one. Where's the change, Keith? He's doing his best to spread the Islamic cancer far and wide.
38 posted on 02/27/2013 12:32:19 PM PST by MasterGunner01
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