Urge U.S. Representatives to Sign 2005 Ramadan Resolution

Ramadan is expected to begin soon, and a resolution acknowledging Muslims is circulating in the U.S. House of Representatives. A resolution expresses the opinion of Congress on an issue, but is not law.

This resolution is an important tool for encouraging dialogue between Muslims and their elected officials, as well as enhancing understanding of the Islamic faith.

After reading the resolution, enter your zip code and call your Representative. Ask him or her to sign the resolution.

Full Text of Resolution Recognizing the Commencement of Ramadan

“Recognizing the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, and commending Muslims in the United States and throughout the world for their faith.

“Whereas since the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, threats and incidents of violence have been directed at law-abiding, patriotic Americans of African, Arab, and South Asian descent, particularly members of the Islamic faith;

“Whereas on September 14, 2001, the House of Representatives passed a concurrent resolution condemning bigotry and violence against Arab-Americans, American Muslims, and Americans from South Asia in the wake of the terrorist attacks in New York, New York, and Washington, D.C.;

“Whereas it is estimated that there are approximately 1,500,000,000 Muslims worldwide;

“Whereas Ramadan is the holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal for Muslims worldwide, and is the 9th month of the Muslim calendar year; and

“Whereas the observance of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan commences at dusk on October 15*, 2005, and continues for one lunar month: Now, therefore, be it

“Resolved, That—

“(1) during this time of conflict, in order to demonstrate solidarity with and support for members of the community of Islam in the United States and throughout the world, the House of Representatives recognizes the Islamic faith as one of the great religions of the world; and

“(2) in observance of and out of respect for the commencement of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting and spiritual renewal, the House of Representatives acknowledges the onset of Ramadan and expresses its deepest respect to Muslims in the United States and throughout the world on this significant occasion.”

*Note: This is an early copy, Ramadan 2005 is expected to commence October 4th or 5th.

http://capwiz.com/cair/callalert/index.tt?alertid=8054916&type=CO

testing e815

KATRINA AND INTERNATIONAL AID

Why is that when countries from all over the world are offering to help in so many ways, that the US is simply turning them away?

Kuwait is offering $500 million in help, Qatar $100 million, third-world/developing countries such as Pakistan and India have also entertained numerious ways to help. Even countries with ill relations with the US are offering a helping hand, such as Iran offering 20 million in oil and even Venezuela and Cuba offering help!!

Yet after so much international help, the US not only has turned them down, it is specifially asking one entity for help, the EU. This makes absolutely no sense and will only prolong the anti-Americanism that is rapidly increasing in all corners of the world.

Close Call

, originally uploaded by sohailstyle.

Perhaps too close?

ONE.org

As some of you may know, there is a G8 Summit currently undergoing in Scotland. This is a meeting of the world's 8 greatest industrialized nations, they have just announced to pledge $50 billion in aid (AIDS, poverty, etc) in Africa for the next year. While this seems like a great number to the average person, in reality, it is not a gernerous amount. Take into account that the US spends nearly $300 billion a year on military expenditures ($276.7 billion, FY99) and then the $50 billion in aid for entire conitent is almost a discrace.

I feel people who are fortunate, and especially ones who are residents of the G8 countries, have an obligation to help people around the world who are born into intolerable poverty, famine, political violence, etc, These people are born into these circumstances which usually beyond their control, so it is our duty as human beings to help our bretheren. There are many charity oriented organizations around the world, so there it's excusable if does not act.

Arguablly the most trustworthy and widely-known is the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (www.ifrc.org), known localy as the the Red Cross (www.redcross.org). But another very important, and with growing popularity is the ONE Campaign. It's main mission: To end world poverty. I fully endorse the ONE Campaign and have donated generously to them. Please go ahead to donate to any of these charities.

I also have the ONE.org bracelets if anyone is interested.

Allahummagh fir-lee warr hamnee wah-dini warr zuq-ni.
O God, forgive me, have mercy on me, guide me aright and grant me sustenance.

Joke!

Q: How many Bush Administration officials does it take to change a light bulb?

A: None. There is nothing wrong with the light bulb; its condition is improving every day. Any reports of its lack of incandescence are illusional spin from the liberal media. Illuminating rooms is hard work. That light bulb has served honorably, and anything you say undermines the lighting effort. Why do you hate freedom?