Tag Archives: Community leaders

And now for something completely different

In contrast to the insulting misrepresentations of Rep. Peter King and Rep. Frank Wolf during Thursday’s hearing, Deputy National Security Advisor Denis McDonough recognized the tremendous contributions of the American Muslim community to combatting domestic terrorism. From his remarks at the ADAMS Center on March 6:

Imam Magid is among the many Muslim leaders who have been recognized by the Director of the FBI for their efforts to strengthen cooperation between Muslim communities and law enforcement.

To counter the propaganda videos from the likes of al-Awlaki, Imam Magid even joined with other clerics and scholars to make their own videos, which have gone viral, explaining that Islam preaches peace, not violence. Most Americans never hear about these efforts, and, regrettably, they’re rarely covered by the media. But they’re going on every day—and they’re helping to keep our country safe.

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Irony alert – can I get a witness?

Back in 2005, a new program designed to remove impediments to cooperation between local Arab, Muslim and Sikh communities and law enforcement agencies was presented to the FBI. The Partnership for Prevention and Community Safety (PfP), “developed with considerable input from law enforcement and local communities, quickly gained the support it needed within the agency and was green-lighted for funding.”

But then a powerful member of Congress stepped in and, with one blow, killed the initiative. According to those with knowledge of the program, the congressman acted at the behest of an influential and strident anti-Muslim propagandist. This week, in an ironic twist, that same congressman is slated to speak at a congressional hearing looking into the allegation that American Muslims are insufficiently cooperative with law enforcement.

The “powerful member of Congress” was Frank Wolf. Continue reading

A better idea for a Homeland Security hearing

Sadly, it appears we have attracted a commenter who would like to have a tiny (in so many respects) Loudoun version of Rep. Peter King’s execrable hearings, hearings that further target a minority community already in the crosshairs of a profoundly ignorant hate movement. The small-minded individual in question has been placed on moderation for using exactly the kind of slurs that are the premise of those hearings, scheduled to begin on Thursday.

Eugene Robinson calls this exactly what it is:

Rep. Peter King, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, is about to convene hearings whose premise offends our nation’s founding ideals and whose targets are law-abiding members of a religious minority. King has decided to investigate Islam.

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Return of the Loudoun Alternative Gift Fair

It’s heartening to see (thanks, Paradox) that such a large majority of us think an appropriate role of government is that activity we sort of blandly refer to as “providing human services.”

Besides our collective ~cough~ responsibility to help each other, individuals can choose to support these agencies by shopping for the gift of a service to someone in our community who needs a hand. Here are some examples:

  • $25 provides a textbook and supplies to enable one ESOL, GED or basic literacy student to participate in tutoring or classes (Loudoun Literacy Council).
  • $10 will provide the gift of transportation to and from a doctor appointment, shopping or an errand to a frail senior citizen or disabled adult who is unable to drive or use public transportation (Loudoun Volunteer Caregivers).
  • $50 will give the gift of a rental subsidy to a Loudoun neighbor. People with chronic mental illnesses want food, clothing, shelter, friends, money in their pockets, recreation – the things we all want. Among all of these, stable and affordable housing is the cornerstone of their being able to live successfully in their own communities and reach their full potential (Friends of Loudoun Mental Health).

In addition to these, there are seven other local nonprofits represented, and 100% of the proceeds will help deliver services to Loudoun residents in need. An “any amount” option makes it easy for both a small child and a large donor to give according to their ability. What’s not to like?

Loudoun was just (again) named as the most affluent county in the nation, so chances are pretty good that you either are someone or know someone who does not need or want another “thing.” If you think it’s time to say no to compulsory consumerism, giving a meaningful gift is a great way to go. Check it out.

This project is made possible by a partnership between Loudoun Interfaith BRIDGES and  Loudoun Cares.