Welcome to My World, Obama
July 15th, 2008
Although I agree that Obama has snubbed Muslim voters, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for Obama reading the article. American Muslim leadership takes a couple big whacks at him, saying he “betrayed” them. Being disapproved of by American Muslim leadership? I am a charter member of that club, and it looks like Obama just joined. He and I will chase the elusive approval of the American Muslim community. Unlike Obama, I would love to speak at a mosque or a Muslim conference and, on rare occasion, do, but I generally do not meet leadership’s rigid standards.
On the other side, I have right-wingers and religious zealots who think that Muslims’ secret mission is to enslave Christians and establish Muslim rule. Even otherwise polite people I am meeting for the first time and non-professionally will ask me offensive questions, like why haven’t you Muslims condemned 9/11?
I appreciate that politicians have to balance their message and actions with lip service to the evangelicals and hardliners in society. But even President Bush, whose policies have hurt many Muslims, visited a mosque at the time American Muslims needed a visit the most—right after 9/11. Seeing Bush and Secret Service remove their shoes at the mosque entryway, per Islamic custom, touched a place in my heart. I will never forget watching that live broadcast.
I know Obama can remove his shoes and move me too. I, and Muslims around the world, are just waiting for it.
What are you waiting for Obama to do? And if he doesn’t, do you think he is taking your vote for granted?
—Asma
P.S. In our new poll, we want to know if you would vote for Cindy McCain or Michelle Obama. Tell us here.
