As a constituent of Keith Ellison’s district, I have to say that I disagree with your dissatisfaction with Keith’s vote of “present.” I think it behooves the Muslim American populace to recognize the nature of politics is not synonymous with that of political activism. If Keith is not careful, he will not be reelected and his long term work on behalf of improving relations between Muslim and non-Muslim spheres, American or otherwise, will be torn up. I found most Muslims, unfortunately, reacted with a mentality that would rather see Keith make a decision which would detriment his efficacy in Congress, than a smart choice that was much better than a ‘yes,’ vote. Jon Stewart can do what he does because he is not subject to public vote, other than ratings. He does not legislate and is therefore politically irrelevant. It’s time for Muslims to have a much more nuanced viewpoint on these things and unless we know the details behind and underlying Keith’s decision-making, we shouldn’t point fingers.

Also, nobody should support Keith just because he’s Muslim. They should afford him his rights of husn-adh-dhann because he is, though. I, for one, believe he despises the situation, like any person who believes in justice and humanity, but that he cannot react in singular condemnation in the atmosphere of realpolitik.

And Allah knows best.
-Taqee

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHMDUFRVQOg&feature=related

This was maybe one year ago? Can you imagine how it is now

One of the reasons Muslims should not be anti-Semites but instead be just as our religion instructs us.