FAQs: Why should Muslims vote for Obama?


These questions are actual questions asked by some Muslims. Always respond to questions in your own words. Do not forward or distribute this document.

  1. Is Obama offended about being called a "Muslim"?

    Ans: No. He is not anti-Muslim and considers the diversity of America as its strength and not its weakness. Obama is a practicing and committed Christian and was raised by his mother and grandparents who were Christians. During a Larry King Live interview (7/15/08), Obama publicly praised Muslim Americans by saying, "You know, this [New Yorker cover] is actually an insult against Muslim Americans, something that we don't spend a lot of time talking about. And sometimes I've been derelict in pointing that out. You know, there are wonderful Muslim Americans all across the country who are doing wonderful things."

    Learn more: http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0807/15/lkl.01.html http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/fightthesmearshome
     
  2. Did Obama refuse to allow scarf/hijab wearing women to be photographed with him during a rally?

    Ans: No, but a few of his campaign volunteers did. During a June rally in Detroit, volunteers from the Obama campaign did not permit two Muslim women to sit within the camera's view because they were wearing a scarf/hijab. Upon learning about the incident, Obama was upset, called the women directly to apologize, and publicly stated that the actions of the volunteers were contrary to his position that everyone has the right to dress according to his/her beliefs. In fact, Obama noted that the only time his Mom would become very upset with him is if he resorted to ethnic stereotyping.

    Learn more: http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-06-19-rally-apology_N.htm
     
  3. Did Obama force Mazen Asbahi to resign?

    Ans: No. Obama never asked Mazen to resign. Mazen voluntarily resigned his volunteer position as National Coordinator for Arab American Outreach because he didn't want the campaign to be distracted by hate-mongers and bigots who raised guilt by association claims against him pertaining to an imam from Chicago who has alleged ties to some organizations abroad.

    Learn more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/omid-safi/obama-and-the-kevin-bacon_b_118694.html
     
  4. Why hasn't Obama made more efforts to connect with the Muslim community?

    Ans: Since bigots are propagating false statements about Obama being a "hidden" Muslim and because of his father's heritage, his campaign advisors have been very cautious about providing any additional fuel to the fire. However, Obama has publicly praised the contributions of Muslim Americans (Larry King Live: 7/15/08) and has hired a full time Muslim American outreach coordinator.

    Learn more: http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/aahome
     
  5. Faith based initiatives tend to disproportionately benefit certain groups, does Obama support these initiatives and how will he handle the disparity among the various faiths?

    Ans: Our constitution guarantees that there shall be no state religion and that no particular faith shall be favored over others. Since Obama is a constitutional lawyer and a professor, with experience as a community organizer in the inner city, he certainly knows about the importance of providing equal opportunity to all groups. While Bush abused his faith-based initiative to forward his own goals, we are confident that Obama will ensure that our Constitution is upheld. Muslim participation is essential in ensuring that the Constitution is upheld and that any violations to the Constitution are strongly opposed. This is an important part of our civic duty.
     
  6. Does Obama support anti-terrorism policies that single out Muslims or Muslim communities in the U.S. for increased surveillance and monitoring? What assurances will mosques and Muslim organizations have against unwarranted and excessive intrusions by the government?

    Ans: Obama is against racial, ethnic or religious profiling. He is and has been a leader in advancing the cause of civil rights. In fact, democrats have historically been the standard-bearers of the civil right movement. In his keynote address at the Democratic National Convention in 2004, Obama stated, "If there's an Arab American family being rounded up without benefit of an attorney or due process, that threatens my civil liberties." By contrast, McCain has been much less so and seemingly militaristic. Organized efforts, building coalitions and grassroots movements will ensure the government's respect for the individuals' civil rights.
     
  7. How will Obama resolve the crises of the uninsured (healthcare)?

    Ans: Obama and Hillary Clinton have worked together to offer the best healthcare program possible. It is not perfect but is far better than McCain who wants corporate backed insurance programs. Obama wants healthcare available to all people and considers it as a national responsibility.
     
  8. How will Obama help students with the rising costs of higher education?

    Ans: This is very personal to Obama. His parents and grandparents were able to obtain their education through government programs, like the GI Bill that provided educational opportunities to a generation of Americans returning from World War II. To make college affordable for American families, Obama will enact a new law that will ensure that the first $4000 of a college education is completely free for most Americans, and will cover two-thirds the cost of tuition at the average public college or university.

    Learn more: http://www.barackobama.com/issues/education/#higher-education
     


    9. Foreign policy

  9. How can Obama claim to be a fair and honest broker in the Israeli-Palestinian issue when he has claimed unqualified support for Israel to the Israeli lobby and consults Dennis Ross about Mideast issues?

    Ans: Unlike McCain who only went to Israel during his recent trip to the Middle East, Obama's trip included the Palestinian Territories and a meeting with President Mahmoud Abbas. In the U.S., there are serious risks for a candidate in being balanced regarding the Arab-Israeli conflict. Obama cannot be expected to take any unreasonable political risks; instead, he has resorted to engaging with multiple advisors and doesn't rely on any particular advisor. If Muslims, Christians, Jews and other voters are educated about how a just peace for Palestinians is in the interest of America, eventually candidates will take a better and balanced position on this issue.
     
  10. How can Obama claim to be a fair and honest broker in the Israeli-Palestinian issue when he has offended Muslim sentiments by saying that Jerusalem must remain the undivided capital of Israel?

    Ans: Since making that statement, he has amended it to mean that a negotiated settlement is needed between the Palestinians and Israelis regarding the status of Jerusalem.

    Learn more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/05/AR2008060503510.html
     
  11. How can we trust Obama to not wage a war against Iran since he has stated in very strong terms that Iran's nuclear program should be stopped?

    Ans: Obama has clearly stated that he prefers diplomacy to war and is against unilateralism and conditional conversations. In addition, he has stated that he wants to meet with all leaders without any pre-conditions. McCain does not believe in this and is very critical of Obama for talking about diplomacy. However, while Obama has always advocated diplomacy, the Secretary of Defense Gates has just now requested an increase in the diplomacy budget and the US has gone as far as opening an office in Tehran after nearly 30 years of cold relations. Since McCain wants the same as the old militaristic Bush policies, there is a greater chance that he will enter into a war with Iran.

    Learn more: http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/05/19/mccain.free.trade/
     
  12. How can we trust Obama to not wage a war against Pakistan since he has stated that we should carry out military strikes inside Pakistani territory?

    Ans: Unfortunately, U. S. is already carrying on air strikes inside Pakistan, whether it acknowledges this or not. Obama's position on going after al-Qaeda in Pakistan is consistent with US policy currently. It is not a change for the worse. Obama will partner with Pakistan to fight terrorists and will help Pakistan tackle critical challenges like illiteracy, poverty, and lack of health care by substantially increasing US aid in these areas. Moreover, he will stand up for democratic institutions, civil society and judicial independence. Refocusing attention on Pakistan and South Asia is a key priority in Obama's foreign policy. On the other hand, McCain is extremely hawkish. Unlike Obama he has very little interest in diplomacy. Therefore, McCain is more likely to worsen the situation regarding Pakistan.

    Learn more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7611287.stm
     
  13. What is Obama's position on establishing permanent U.S. military bases in Iraq?

    Ans: The U.S. maintains its military bases all around the world including Pakistan, Japan and Qatar in order to project its power and promote trade. It is the responsibility of the local population to determine if the military bases serve their interests. Obama wants to force a timetable for U.S. troop withdrawal which Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki is also insisting upon.

    Learn more: http://www.barackobama.com/issues/iraq/
     


    14. Economic policy

  14. As a physician, should I be concerned about Obama's plans for universal healthcare?

    Ans: There is a consensus in America that the current healthcare system is broken with 40 million individuals uninsured. Obama wants everyone to have the same health insurance as the members of Congress. Each individual will be free to use their own insurance and their own means to access the best medical care available. Obama will strengthen antitrust laws to prevent insurers from overcharging physicians for their malpractice insurance. Obama will also promote new models for addressing physician errors that improve patient safety, strengthen the doctor-patient relationship, and reduce the need for malpractice suits. Ultimately, Obama's healthcare plan is about lowering healthcare costs, and providing affordable, high quality healthcare for all Americans.

    Learn more: http://doctorsforobama.net/
     
  15. As a taxpayer, should I be concerned about Obama's plans to raise taxes?

    Ans: Obama actually wants to cut taxes for majority of the Americans while maintaining a fiscally responsible budget. Warren Buffett, the third-richest man in the world, has criticized the US Tax system for allowing him to pay a lower rate than his secretary and his cleaner. Obama will protect tax cuts for poor and middle class families, but he will reverse most of the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest taxpayers.

    Learn more: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/money/tax/article1996735.ece http://www.barackobama.com/issues/economy/#tax-relief
     


    16. Immigration policy

  16. What is Obama's position on immigration?

    Ans: Obama feels strongly about a comprehensive immigration reform which provides a path to citizenship while protecting the borders. Obama believes that our broken immigration system can only be fixed by putting politics aside and offering a solution that strengthens our security while reaffirming our heritage as a nation of immigrants.

    Learn more: http://www.barackobama.com/issues/immigration/
     

 
 
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