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So what if Obama were a Muslim or an Arab?

Thursday, 16 October 2008

"So what if Obama was Arab or Muslim? So what if John McCain was Arab or Muslim? Would it matter?" - Campbell Brown

You may find it hard to believe that this remains an issue in this campaign, but it does.

The candidates, both candidates, are still getting questions about Barack Obama's ethnicity and religion. If you are even semi-informed, then by now you already know that of course, Barack Obama is an American.

Of course, Barack Obama is a Christian. Yet just a few days ago, there was a woman at a rally for John McCain incorrectly calling Obama an Arab:

Woman at rally: I don't trust Obama. I have read about him and he's an Arab.

Sen. John McCain: No ma'am, no ma'am. He's a decent family man, citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues. That's what this campaign is all about. He's not, thank you.

Now, I commend Sen. McCain for correcting that woman, for setting the record straight. But I do have one question -- so what if he was?

So what if Obama was Arab or Muslim? So what if John McCain was Arab or Muslim? Would it matter?

When did that become a disqualifier for higher office in our country? When did Arab and Muslim become dirty words? The equivalent of dishonorable or radical?

Whenever this gets raised, the implication is that there is something wrong with being an Arab-American or a Muslim. And the media is complicit here, too.

We've all been too quick to accept the idea that calling someone Muslim is a slur.

I feel like I am stating the obvious here, but apparently it needs to be said: There is a difference between radical Muslims who support jihad against America and Muslims who want to practice their religion freely and have normal lives like anyone else.

There are more than 1.2 million Arab-Americans and about 7 million Muslim-Americans, former Cabinet secretaries, members of Congress, successful business people, normal average Americans from all walks of life.

These are the people being maligned here, and we can only imagine how this conversation plays in the Muslim world. We can't tolerate this ignorance -- not in the media, not on the campaign trail.

Of course, he's not an Arab. Of course, he's not a Muslim. But honestly, it shouldn't matter.

Campbell Brown

Courtesy : CNN

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Campbell Brown Speaks the trut

Bahaadur AbdulAhad (165.166.94.xxx) 2008-10-17 16:57:25

I agree with this totally, I'm a Muslim and this so true.we they hear the word Muslim, first thing they thinking Terrorist. The Holy Qur'an do not teach this. Muslims aren rightly guided. The Qur'an teaches and say oneday, they will wish they were Muslims. IT DOES NOT MATTER, BECAUSE WE AS MUSLIMS, KNOW WE HAVE THE TRUTH.
Peace-Ahad1One

Anonymous (117.193.34.xxx) 2008-10-17 19:30:41

I have read in some newspapers, I remember Times of India, that he is a Murtadh. He was a Muslim!

-
Abu Jandhal

Thank You Campbell

Hediyah Al-Amin (75.76.85.xxx) 2008-10-17 19:45:32

Thank you Campbell Brown for putting this in perspective. I hope more people will hear what you are saying. As one of the 7 million Muslim-Americans, I wish more reporters had the insight and the guts to say what you are saying here. Kudos to you!

Campbell is right but......

Maksudur Rahman (86.40.234.xxx) 2008-10-18 00:16:32

Islam-is a religion of PEACE.That's the only one thing we believe in,that's what we taught from holy Quran and our Prophet (PBUH).Obama is against war,he will bring back soldier from Iraq,he will do more thing for peace in palestine and israel.So not only muslim but also all people who want peace should support Obama.Pray for him for the shake of peace not for the shake of HE WAS A MUSLIM or whatever.Almighty ALLAH bess you all.

How about a Hindu ?

peter peter (86.96.226.xxx) 2008-10-18 07:41:59

A lot of problems come from one person or group claiming that only THEY are right - indirectly implying that others are wrong.

It is a complex world ( unlike the eras when the great religions were born ) with different races, religions and cultures intermingling. For any one faith to claim that they are right and others wrong is a dangerous presumption that can only lead to a clash of ideas and wills.

We all hate it when a rich and powerful country like USA pushes its weight around claiming that it is RIGHT. It is the same with us if we go about claiming only WE have the truth. We should be humble enough to accept that we believe what we believe to be true , but we also respect what others believe.

With this will come trust and co-operation rather than suspicion and conflict.

Whatever

shubby (41.220.75.xxx) 2008-10-19 05:25:20

Bush was not one, yet the biggest calamity america ever had

Finally Someone in the Media s

Bahaadur AbdulAhad (165.166.94.xxx) 2008-10-22 12:19:58

Campbell brown, thank you for speaking the truth, and standing up for Right, You are a great mind and sister, I see you on T.V. Tell Obama, to tighten up his security and all supporter's. Keep up the great work,Showing and speaking the Truth against the ELITE. Peace