politics

This Fourth of July we must assess our patriotism and ask ourselves: what kind of commitment to America will benefit our children, our compatriots, the world, and us? 

The following speech was given by United States Attorney General Eric Holder at the annual dinner for the organization Muslim Advocates in December 2010 in Milbrae, California. He was the keynote speaker at the event.

We pray that new Muslim democracies will keep the purpose of Sharia in mind along with the fact that God sent all Prophets to help people stand up to establish justice (Quran 57:25).

America's reaction to the torturous sexual abuse of Iraqi prisoners of war is a sign of a nation living its ideals. Although they are reacting to something extremely abhorrent and horrible, it gives me confidence in humanity and in America.

Islamophobia is today's accepted form of racism. It will require Muslims to fight hard against it. Muslims are neither solely responsible for its creation, nor will they be able to fight it on their own. It is a collective responsibility for all bridge-builders of the world.

Although the American Muslim voter has been voting overwhelmingly Democratic in the past two Presidential elections, most voters view themselves as politically moderates.

"Obama is not a Muslim, he's a Christian. He's always been a Christian. But the really right answer is - what if he is? Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer's no, that's not America."