Congressmen support CAIR

http://www.spokesman-recorder.com/News/Article/Article.asp?NewsID=73069&sID=4

Statements of support for CAIR
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
Originally posted 10/11/2006

The following statements from members of both political parties, selected from many listed on CAIR’s website (www.cair.com/whattheysayaboutcair.asp), belie Fine’s allegations that the organization has “ties to terrorists.”


“I would like to salute the Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations as well as the national office for their support and sponsorship of this annual event [Islamic Day] and for contributing to the diversity of the state of Ohio.”
—Ohio Governor Bob Taft (R)


“I salute your efforts to educate and empower. The important work you do to promote awareness and dialogue about Islam helps preserve the mosaic of American culture.”
—Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD)


“I applaud CAIR’s mission to enhance understanding and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.”
—Sen. Paul Sarbanes (D-MD)


“I’m glad that you have established such a strong voice in the community and that you are working to maintain a strong sense of cultural and economic identity.”
—Maryland Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. (R)


“I particularly want to commend CAIR for working to educate others about Islam, a religion of more than one billion people in the world. CAIR also has provided members of the Muslim community in the United States with an important voice in promoting social justice and mutual understanding.

—Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD)


“I commend the Council on American-Islamic Relations for your leadership and dedication.”
—Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD)


“CAIR and I have a long history of cooperation, and my office door is always open to my friends so that I can be of assistance to the causes that CAIR promotes.”
—Rep. John D. Dingell (D-MI)


“Far too often, the remarkable work and achievements of organizations such as CAIR are overlooked.”
—Rep. Bob Filner (D-CA)


“I applaud your efforts in educating and enhancing understanding through open dialogue.”
—Rep. Wayne T Gilchrest (R-MD)


“Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that CAIR is working nationwide and locally…to promote civil rights, civil liberties and free speech…”
—Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH)


“The efforts your organization makes to bring communities together as well as heighten awareness, dialogue, and cultural exchange are truly indispensable to our society.”
—Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA)


“I applaud your organization and its members in your collective efforts to establish connections with the diverse communities of the San Francisco Bay Area to explain Islam and the patriotism and values of American Muslims.”

—Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA)


”Over the past decade, the Council on American-Islamic Relations has worked effectively to advance the public interest in northern Virginia. CAIR’s advocacy on behalf of individuals who have experienced religious prejudice or been the victims of hate crimes is an important service to our community.”
—Rep. James P. Moran (D-VA)


“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to enter into the [Congressional] record, my heartfelt support for the ‘Muslims Care’ campaign, launched by the Council on American-Islamic Relations…”
—Rep. Charles B. Rangel (D-NY)


“Civil liberties at home and human rights abroad do not sacrifice, but strengthen, our security. We need the respected voice of CAIR more than ever now that this principle is threatened in libraries, military academies, and secret prisons all over the world.”
—Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA)


“I am pleased to congratulate CAIR not only for the work it has done to promote and protect the civil liberties and civil rights of all Americans, but also for its ongoing efforts to foster a better understanding of Islam across the United States. Your work continues to make an important difference to our country.”
—Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)


“CAIR-Ohio is committed to educating the public and public officials on important Muslim values such as emphasis on strong families, improving neighborhoods and protecting the civil liberties of all residents so that there may be greater harmony and a better America.”
—Columbus, Ohio City Council