Assalamu Alaikum

Congressman Peter King's hearings on Homeland security started on February 8th and are expected to continue for 5 to 6 weeks. The part dealing with the 'radicalization of American Muslims" will commence around March 8th.  It is feared that Islamophobes will use the hearings to spread hatred and fear against American Muslims.

Already the Islam-bashers are using the media interest in Egyptian democracy movement to spread hatred and fear about Islam, Islamic groups and "caliphate".

How do we deal with this threat to our children and future?

A multifaceted and multi-phase plan is being put into action.

After the training summit of peace activists organized by the Muslim Peace coalition, the New York area inter-faith leaders have already written to Mr. King demanding a meeting and asking him to be fair in his hearings.

We have mobilized the antiwar movement to take this issue. They have been in the forefront of demonstrating for Egyptian democracy movement all over the US. They have promised to take a firm stand against discriminatory hearings.

Academic experts and student activists are being approached for mobilization in support of the Muslim community and for civil rights and democracy.

Media campaign has already resulted in our voice and message being covered.

We are working with national Muslim organizations and civil rights groups who are contacting different members of congress including other members of the homeland security committee and media in Washington DC.

A lot of decent, noble and courageous non-muslims are standing up for us. Should we not stand with them!

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

Please spend a few minutes every day talking to your youth, family members, co-workers and neighbors.

Contact your Congressperson, Senators and media about the hearings, Islamophobia and the Middle East democracy movement.

Twice a week call the White House asking them to support the Egyptian democracy and to speak against the demonization of Muslims in the US.

White House Tel: 202-456-1414

START MOBILIZING FOR THE APRIL 9th RALLY IN NEW YORK CITY AGAINST WAR AND ISLAMOPHOBIA.

LET US STAND WITH THOSE WHO ARE STANDING UP FOR US.

The Majlis- ash- Shura of New York has endorsed the April 9th rally.

 

TALKING POINTS

It is unfortunate that at a time when the Arab masses have risen up to claim their freedoms and human dignity, Islamophobes are abusing the Congressional hearings on 'Homeland security" to spread fear against American Muslims. Supporting the democracy movement in Muslim countries and not fear-peddling about the American Muslims should be the means of strengthening security in the US and the world.

A recent report has shown that violent acts by American Muslims, which were a minor proportion of such acts to begin with, has fallen. At the same time the threat of violence by right wing groups such as armed militia has grown. Surprisingly King is not focusing on this threat even after his colleague Congresswoman Giffords was shot and critically wounded.

Homeland security can be best secured by investigating the bigger threats such as the right wing militias, eradicating root causes of anger and frustration in Muslim lands such as wars, occupation and political and religious repression.

American government including members of Congress joining fearmongering has the potential of alienating and radicalizing the Muslim youth in the US and Muslim countries.

REMEMBER YOU ARE TAKING THIS STAND TO SERVE TRUTH AND TO PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN. THIS IS ALSO THE PATRIOTIC THING AS WE ARE WORKING TO SPREAD PEACE AND JUSTICE AND TO PROTECT AMERICA.

Let us not allow the democracy movement to be crushed or defeated through broken promises by tyrannical rulers.  Establishment of representative governments in Arab countries will help regional stability and world peace. It will decrease Islamophobia in the US eventually. Tyranny, corruption, occupation, war, terrorism, islamophobia are all related.

You have a historic opportunity. Can't you spend a few minutes every day for such a noble and vitally important cause?