If there is any group of Americans that understands what Muslims have gone through post-9/11 in the United States, it's Japanese-Americans. The parallels are striking.
About 50 Iraqi Muslim scholars representing the country's Shia and Sunni communities met on October 19, 2006 in Makkah and signed an edict (Fatwa) making attacks on Muslims in Iraq a sin.
Shia-Sunni violence has been on the rise in the last few years, particularly in Iraq and Pakistan. Every month, it seems, scores of Shias and Sunnis are killed in a vicious tit-for-tat between extremists on both sides. Many of the victims are killed as they pray or are in mosques.
It is imperative that the Muslim community in the United States actively and methodically engage in critical dialogue and education concerning Shia-Sunni Dialogue to Save Lives.
Isn't it sad that extremists on both sides dominate the news and it is innocent Muslims who have problems traveling because of their skin color, faith and country of origin? Americans are fearful of traveling to most parts of the world. Muslims are afraid of coming back to their own homes.
This weekend, in the interest of America and the future of this great country, I ask you to dedicate these two precious days, just 48 hours, to encourage your circle of control, that is your family, friends and community, to vote in Tuesday's elections. Here are a few easy things you can do that can make a difference.