March 14, 2007
As a sub plot in a recent NYT article about the criticisms aimed at CAIR, the largest Muslim  advocacy organization in America, we read a telling story about how Representative Barbara Boxer (D-CA), cowering to Islamophobic pressure, revoked a commendation she has bestowed a upon an executive of the Sacramento, CA  Chapter  of CAIR, the Council on Islamic Relations. The  NYT reports on how the Congresswoman was overwhelmed by the amount of emails, criticisms both public and private demanding the revocation of  the "Certificate of Appreciation" commendation to an American Muslim. The problem was not with  the recipient's qualifications but, critics  argue, rather with CAIR itself  which is the target of a persistence defamation scheme by right wing groups and pro Israeli pundits.  While CAIR may not do or say  everything right, it certainly has had an impressive, persistently moderating role in disseminating information about our community. If CAIR is considered with such disdain, then it bode ill tidings for our community's political future and aspirations.  The NYT article explains how our institutions have to tread ever lightly on their path to public acceptance. If CAIR is not acceptable to Washington and no more on the invited list to the White House Ramadan Iftar, then we ought not be so surprised as to why Washington has failed so miserably in dealing with our community here and around the world. Read More