MPAC Commends Secretary Colin Powell for Remarks on Muslim Americans

October 19, 2008

Colin Powell on
Colin Powell on "Meet the Press"

The Muslim Public Affairs Council today commended Fomer Secretary of State Colin Powell, who addressed the issue of Islamophobia in the current election cycle on NBC's "Meet the Press" this morning. Secretary Powell, who served both as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President George H.W. Bush and Secretary of State under President George W. Bush's first term, has dedicated his life to the service of our country.

SEE VIDEO: Colin Powell on "Meet the Press"

His pointed words resonate with millions of Americans who see no place for divisive language and Islamophobia in the electoral process. Of significant importance was Secretary Powell's recognition of so many Muslim Americans who serve their country in various capacities. 

I'm also troubled by, not what Senator McCain says, but what members of the party say. And it is permitted to be said such things as, "Well, you know that Mr. Obama is a Muslim." Well, the correct answer is, he is not a Muslim, he's a Christian. He's always been a Christian.  But the really right answer is, what if he is?  Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer's no, that's not America.  Is there something wrong with some seven-year-old Muslim-American kid believing that he or she could be president?  Yet, I have heard senior members of my own party drop the suggestion, "He's a Muslim and he might be associated with terrorists." This is not the way we should be doing it in America. I feel strongly about this particular point because of a picture I saw in a magazine.  It was a photo essay about troops who are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.  And one picture at the tail end of this photo essay was of a mother in Arlington Cemetery, and she had her head on the headstone of her son's grave.  And as the picture focused in, you could see the writing on the headstone.  And it gave his awards -- Purple Heart, Bronze Star -- showed that he died in Iraq, gave his date of birth, date of death. He was 20 years old. And then, at the very top of the headstone, it didn't have a Christian cross, it didn't have the Star of David, it had crescent and a star of the Islamic faith.  And his name was Kareem Rashad Sultan Khan, and he was an American. He was born in New Jersey.  He was 14 years old at the time of 9/11, and he waited until he can go serve his country, and he gave his life.

With a record number of Muslim American voters expected to turn out to the polls in November, the Muslim Public Affairs Council is holding "Rock the Muslim Vote" Townhall Forums, Canvassing and Phone Banking efforts in cities across the country to educate and empower Muslim American voters on the issues shaping the election. Click here to get involved.

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