Yesterday, Representative Carson Andre, one of only two Muslims in congress walked out of the Cannon House Office building to taunts of the 'N-word'.
Congressman Andre was not alone in this, as his African-American colleague and lawmaker, Representative John Lewis (D-GA) was also present for this reprehensible behavior.
It is reported that Tea Party members were at Capitol Hill to protest the health care reform plan. This is their right as American citizens, of course, but people are saying the Tea Party protesters need not "turn back the clock" on the civil rights movement on account of health care. Or for any other reason, most would say.
The Center for American Islamic Relations (CAIR) has stepped to the forefront of this issue, demanding that "Republican leaders repudiate racist taunts by tea party opponents of health care reform targeting a Muslim congressman and another African-American lawmaker on Capitol Hill yesterday."
Director of CAIR's Michigan branch, Dawud Walid, shared this disturbing report with the community in a mass email yesterday.
It is important that Muslims, African-Americans, and Humanists stand up for what is right and be vocal about what is wrong. Please contact the local CAIR office near Detroit to find out what you can do to help deal with this issue in an equitable manner.
CAIR-Michigan 2700 Northwestern HWY Suite 1199, Southfield, MI 48075 Telephone:248 559 2247
In the meantime, here is a thoughtful article about Congressman Andre and religion in politics: Read
