Samar Jarrrah, the Palestinian-born American author of "Arab Voices Speak to American Hearts," strikes a more optimistic note. She believes that candidates will eventually acknowledge the American Muslim community and that the political influence of that community will grow over time.
She told us, “It is an uphill battle, but it will never be as tough as it was for the Jews, black Americans, and women. Our interests as American Muslims are intertwined with millions of Americans who care for the constitution, justice as well as fairness in foreign policy.” She believes the time will come when candidates will stop feeling that “endorsing a Muslim group is a kiss of death.”
Maybe so. But it’s clear that such a time is still well over the horizon. And will likely just stay there until politicians and their campaign advisors no longer think they can score political points by pandering to our civic ignorance.(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
