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A well- written piece, in my opinion until I read the last line: But to get those things [Muslims] are having to bow to the highest of American values: tolerance and individual freedom. May I remind the author that majority of the Muslim immigrants in the United States are not only loyal to their adopted homeland, but celebrate and appreciate its virtues such as tolerance and individual freedom more than those who have been here for multiple generations. Muslims have fled from oppressive, corrupt and inhumane regimes to build better lives for themselves and their children in a country such as the United States. Please do not mock their understanding of tolerance and individual freedom- it is something that they cherish and respect, as Muslims and certainly as human beings.

Sadly, here is how the Bush Administration honors "the highest of American values: tolerance and individual freedom" :

Massive database on secret surveillance of legal protest activities by Quakers and people participating in peace rallies...out of Iraq rally called potential terrorist activity.

I am from Minneapolis and will be voting in the 5th congressional district election Nov. 7.

Keith Ellison is truly a uniter in this city. He has taken a diverse group of people (black, white, Native American, Jewish, Muslim, Christian, athiest, gay, straight, etc.) and forged a powerful coalition that managed to turn out voters for the primary that historically do not participate in politics.

His slogan has been, "Everyone counts."

He's been attacked on all sides for supposed hate and bigotry, but has the endorsement of a major Jewish organization, many community groups and people of all races and backgrounds.

I've had the pleasure of witnessing Mr. Ellison in action at the state legislature and can think of no one else better suited to bring the values of our district to Washington.

Notably, the former holder of the seat, Martin Sabo, endorsed his long-time congressional aide, who lost the primary to Ellison. Sabo has not come out to endorse anyone officially in the general election, but seems to be giving tacit endosements to an Independent Party candidate.

This kind of behavior indicates the force of change that Mr. Ellison represents. The old-guard DFLers (Democratic-Farmer-Labor, the name of the Democratic party in Minnesota) know they are losing power to the next generation and they're trying to hold on as long as possible.

I am from Ohio and I am an American-Muslim. I have been reading the mid-term election page, an informative section, which I thank the reporters for the good reporting. "But to get those things [Muslims] are having to bow to the highest of American values: tolerance and individual freedom." This quotation, I think, is absolutely unnecessary and gives a bad image for good journalism. I can't believe that a ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ reporter will harbor such sentiments against Muslim-Americans: good citizens who spouse tolerance and individual freedom above and beyond than what Justin Webb (the reporter) would have us believe. Come clean, Mr. Webb!

That's exactly what conservative Germans thought about Hitler and the Nazi Party running for power. Of course, we all know how things turned out there.

I wish all those who see the US as a land of despair, poverty and bigotry could read this post. It truly does remind me of why my former homeland is described as "healing". It may not be perfect, but, as this story shows, there are those within its borders who will always strive to make it a better and more tolerant place. They deserve our support.

I'd like to point out that all us residents of tolerant, healing america are getting the news about our country from ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ online. I do it because I don't like listening to the hate and bigotry from Foxnews or CNN's obliviousness to suffering outside the US.

I think the more realistic thing to say about america is that it is diverse. While, no matter who you are, you can almost always find someplace in the country that will welcome you, you can also find places where you are hated, violently.... no matter who you are. There are places where I would not go because I am white, and many places where I would not go alone because I am female. My friend has been harassed by police because he is black. Another good friend who is female, black, and lesbian has moved to a commune in VA... which seems like a sensible idea.

How can a country that has elected the Bush regime twice be credited with having values of "tolerance and individual freedom"? Has the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳'s reporter forgotten that this regime wants to deny a woman the right to choose? That it owes its existince to a critical electoral base that believes that anybody who does not believe in their God or their values is unpatriotic? That it is the regime behind Guantanamo? That invaded Iraq on a platform lies and fascist style propoganda that it broadcast to the world. And that it 'respects and trusts' its citizens so much that it feels it should have the right to eavesdrop on private conversations with impunity and curtail civil liberties on a whim?

I lived in America for 14 years. I gave back my greencard because the American promise of "liberty" has been "trashed" by this regime. You are free only to believe in the values of the Religious right. And they are not beliefs of tolerance.

Great article, including the last paragraph. Good job, Justin! These are the few times I can read an article about America on ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ without having to cringe or throw up.

I am an immigrant myself and am doing very well, something I believe I probably will not achieve if I had move to Europe.

hmmm... I would not necessarily agree about your statement about Muslims not being loyal or having little opportunities if they lived in Europe. This kind of mentality is the death of integration in Europe. America is no paragon, having lived their I know this for a fact. The glorification of America as this accepting place is true for the most part, until you start living their for more than a year. Things change after that. If Europeans fail to believe that Muslims can not integrate in Europe, then we have already failed. Such negative attitudes and such kowtowing to America will never get anyone anywhere. If we want a future we must compromise, not make silly remarks about veils!

hmmm... I would not necessarily agree about your statement about Muslims not being loyal or having little opportunities if they lived in Europe. This kind of mentality is the death of integration in Europe. America is no paragon, having lived their I know this for a fact. The glorification of America as this accepting place is true for the most part, until you start living their for more than a year. Things change after that. If Europeans fail to believe that Muslims can not integrate in Europe, then we have already failed. Such negative attitudes and such kowtowing to America will never get anyone anywhere. If we want a future we must compromise, not make silly remarks about veils!

Tom Philipose couldn't be farther from the truth. Claiming that America doesn't have a paragon is akin to claiming that the world is a giant, flat disc at the center of the universe. The entire American Ideal was built on the premise of the Protestant work ethic: hard work will achieve results; a better life, a comfortable family, the ability to achieve, to become part of the American body politic. This ethic is understood to immigrants of all stripes, regardless of race, religion, or location. Even the new wave of immigrants from Latin and South America (legal or not) also strive on the same ideals, to work hard, to make it, to become a part of America. They carry their home nations flags, which can be at times controversial. But many others also carry in the other hand the U.S. flag.

Perhaps Mr. Philipose should research New York's own Fiorello LaGuardia--the son of a now-typical American background of a hodgepodge of ethnicities--before trying to sound like an expert on American integration. If what bothers Mr. Philipose is the "kowtowing" to America, one wonders why he even bothered to live there.

American multiculturalism, unlike other nations, such as Canada, which was built on the "mosaic," was built on the "melting pot." In the melting pot, you lose some aspects of your original culture by throwing your ingredients into a 300 million people stew, or spicy burrito, or giant hamburger...whatever you want to call it. You add to this mix; people take from it, and then make it their own. In the end, you yourself become a part of this great mixture of people and cultures, mixing into a giant intercontinenal hodgepodge defined as "Americaness." You can be Greek, or Russian, or Mexican, but ultimately in the end, you are an American.

Furthermore, having been to Europe recently, and seen the dissatisfaction of North African and Turkish immigrants, Americans (as well as Canadians) by far outdo Europeans in bringing immigrant groups into their societies. While North America has had its highly-profiled racial and religous hick-ups, the goal of the continent has ultimately been in the end to unify peoples of diverse backgrounds under a single common identity. Europe, on the other hand, struggles with this question. The scale of Muslim radicalization in places like Bradford, Marseille, and Rotterdam would simply be unthinkable in Dearborn, Sacramento, or Vancouver. America has also had its share of ethnic radicalization, whether it be the Black Panthers, and to a far, far lesser extent, the UFW. Yet in the end, the surviving members of those particular groups have since integrated into American society, becoming professors, running for office, or going into the private sector. Many didn't leave America. They sought to improve it.

In the end, a great article.

Keith Ellison is a phoney, not because he's really an Islamic extremist, but because he's a phoney Muslim. It's sad for the Muslim community in America that their first congressman will just be some kid who converted to be controversial.

>So Muslims are on the way to getting >representation and a voice in Congress. >But to get those things they are having >to bow to the highest of American >values: tolerance and individual >freedom.

Actually this comment is telling particularly because of the following:

1. Mr. Ellison's website and campaign is mum on the rights and issues of Palestinians, something that is a bit of a taboo to openly talk about.

2. Similarly, Mr. Ellison's website puts all of the blame on Hizbullah for the atrocities of Lebanon.

3. Lastly, let it not simply be overlooked that as a former member of Louis Farakkhan's Nation of Islam, few if any Muslims (either Sunni or Shi'ite) would subscribe to the view that a man (WD Farad) is Allah or that Elijah Muhammed is the last prophet.

so Mr. Ellison has done lots of "bowing" however it wasn't on behalf of Muslims or Islam but along the lines for the Democratic party and its PR machine.

What is the meaning of this comment:

"But plonk them down in Europe and the chances are they stay miserable, and stay alienated, and their kids stay that way as well. Plonk them in Minneapolis and transformation is possible."

I think the author never came even near to Europe where people from all over the world are offered the same opportunities. As daughter of Muslim- African immigrant parents I am a prime example and I stronlgy doubt that in the USA I could have finished university without being plunged into a substantial financial debt.
If only Americans would become able to cultivate a less narrow minded worldview not only the USA but by extension the whole world would benefit from this.
On the subject "Mr. Ellison" whom I wish the best of luck in his political and personal life, I need to comment that I strongly doubt he has a notion of Islam when he was for longer then a second a member of the Nation of Islam or ever expressed himself in a sympathetic way concerning this racist and typical American political organisation. The NOI has as much to do with Islam as my goldfish have notions about it.

Greetings.

"Milestone"
Few days ago President Bush said "a milestone in the Iraqi people's efforts to replace the rule of a tyrant with the rule of law."
Now you can read with corraction with "a milestone in the American's people's efforts to replace the rule of a tyrant with the rule of law."
"Millions of American's Want"
"Voice of American's immediate withdrawal of US troops from Iraq"
Keith Ellison, a Democrat, has become the first Muslim to be elected to the US Congress by winning a Minnesota seat in the House of Representatives.
He has called for the " immediate withdrawal of US troops from Iraq"

happy news & congrates Keith Ellison.
start with one n there shud be more coming future depending population. hope he cud stand for rights. god may grace.

The election of Keith Ellison demonstrates that America is a meritocracy where regardless of ones ethnic group or religion or color one is able to achieve their dreams. Americans simple elected the best man for the job. Keith’s election is a testament to the fact that in America regardless of our problems one can rise above adversity and follow your dreams.

Your comment contains words that regretfully are extremely bigoted. Saying Muslims are "having to bow to the highest of American values: tolerance and individual freedom" suggests that Muslims do not inherently uphold those values, which is completely false and without any evidence. There is intolerance and bigotry in every community regardless of religion or ethnic group. Hitler, Mussolini, Milosevic and many other mass murderers who annihilated thousands of people are "Christians" just as much as Osama bin Laden is "Muslim" and the crimes of the former including the holocaust and Genocide were directed at religious and ethnic minorities including Muslims and Jews does not come close to anything someone claiming to be Muslim, could be accused of.

On the other hand throughout history the vast majority Muslims in general have been nothing but tolerant and even times supportive of other religions. Remember that the Jewish Renaissance happened in Muslim Spain not in Christain Europe. Christians have not only survived but thrived in the mainly Muslim middle east as historic communities, while Muslims are new presence in Europe and have never survived as a historic community, thanks to the intolerance of "Christian" rulers and of course the "Christian" church. Muslims have only survived in parts of Europe where they are majority and have governed their own affairs. Every single community that was subjected to the rule of "Christians" has been wiped out. Examples include Muslims of Spain, Sicily etc. So it is indeed surprising that you are lecturing Muslims about "tolerance" and "individual freedom".

As an American muslim, I feel Mr. Justin Webb needs to go back and do his homework before he reveals his arrogance anymore. Tolerance and and individual freedom are granted rights in Islam, yes like any form of freedom, there are limits to ensure that my freedom does not harm another. Don't confuse regimes run by so called muslims with Islam. Learn about Islam as a complete ideology for life, not as a religious movement alone; and yes, most importantly, be "tolerant" and have the "freedom" do think.

Congratulation Keith Ellison! Allah should give you mercy and wisdom to act according laws of Allah. you should take care about humanity as well Muslim voices over the world.

I don't think they're anything wrong with the last sentence in this article. It's a known & easily provable fact that many Muslims around the world aren't particularly fond of Israel, or in some cases Jewish people either.
Not all, but enough to make true the statement that people immigrating from places with predominantly incompatible views with mainstream American political culture have to accept & adapt to the reality that "their man" isn't going to be the one to carry out their prejudices in the political arena.

My message to Mr. Web that he needs to educcate himself about Islam and Mulsim Immigrant. Because education is the only light that elimate the darkness of person heart and mind.

"Education is a progressive discovery of your own ignorance."
- Will Durant

As you said that a history has been made, I would like to add that a history made has to be carried on...All the best Keith for you in the Congress.

There seems to be a lot of controversy regarding the author's statement "But to get those things they are having to bow to the highest of American values: tolerance and individual freedom.". As a Minneapolis resident (and Ellison voter), I couldn't agree more. Recent events in our city have shown a lack of tolerance towards those who have differing views and beliefs.

For instance, it has been reported some cab drivers are regularly refusing to transport passengers carrying alcohol.
Is that not a violation of a paying passenger's individual freedom? What's next? refusing to transport passengers who recently drank alcohol?

Next was the issue of a city bus driver refusing to drive buses with advertisements for a local gay publication. . It should be noted the transit company has since reversed their decision, but these two issues would seem to indicate a lack of tolerance and respect for individual freedoms.

To be fair - some Christians seem to share the same lack of intolerance. I've seen several reports where pharacists are refusing to fill birth control prescriptions due to their religious beliefs.

Mr. Ellison understands the diversity that exists in our city and will be a representative for all people.

In reponse to post 19.

I think someone fell asleep during history class. Here is the truth:

In 711, the Moors invaded Visigoth, Christian Hispania. Under their leader, an African Berber general named Tariq ibn-Ziyad, they brought most of the Iberian Peninsula under Islamic rule in an eight-year campaign. The country then broke up into a number of mostly Islamic fiefdoms. The initial rule of the Moors in the Iberian peninsula under this Caliphate of Cordoba is generally regarded as tolerant in its acceptance of Christians, Muslims and Jews living in the same territories, (here it comes.....) though Jews were expelled in various periods and Christians relegated to 2nd class status under Muslims. The Caliphate of Córdoba collapsed in 1031 and the Islamic territory in Iberia came to be ruled by North African Moors. This second stage started an era of Moors rulers guided by orthodox Islam leaving, behind the more tolerant practices of the past.

In 1212, a coalition of Christian kings under the leadership of Alfonso VIII of Castile drove the Muslims from Central Iberia . However, the Moorish Kingdom of Granada thrived for three more centuries in the southern Iberian peninsula . The remaining Muslims were forced to leave Iberia or convert to Christianity.

Hmmmm, now tell me again how Islam is tolerant???? Who invaded whom?? Who expelled whom??? Who made whom 2nd class citizens???

I've noticed many people responding to the last statement in the article.... "But to get those things they are having to bow to the highest of American values: tolerance and individual freedom." The seat taken by Keith Ellison should encourage Americans to learn more and educate themselves further about their Muslim neighbors and their true belief. I encourage you to read "Toward a Global Civilization of Love and Tolerance" (buy at ) or "The Essentials of the Islamic Faith" both by Fethullah Gulen (buy at ). Today, interfaith and intercultural dialogue is necessary and a must! The election of a diverse group of peoples into office is just a step forward toward this thought.

As a current resident of Minneapolis who has spent considerable time abroad, I really appreciated the first part of Webb's article. Living in Europe, I was often confronted with very negative stereotypes of the U.S. and of Americans. While I agree with the criticisms of current U.S. policy, I think that the international community often loses sight of the complexity of American society. Where my European friends see only problematic ideology (which most certainly exists), I can contrast that with the experience of my day to day life here in Minneapolis, which is far from the intolerant, corrupt, war-mongering view of the U.S. that is often assumed by the international community. Kudos to Webb for capturing some of the complexity of American politics and finding a middle ground between bashing the U.S. or glorifying it.

That said, I was disappointed in the end to Webb's article, which stated, "So Muslims are on the way to getting representation and a voice in Congress. But to get those things they are having to bow to the highest of American values: tolerance and individual freedom." As someone who has worked quite a bit with the East African community in Minneapolis, I have found the community to be not only tolerant, but very open and friendly. Sure there are intolerant Muslims, just as there are intolerant Christians, Jews, and pretty much anything else you can imagine. Tolerance and individual freedom should no more be blanketly ascribed as American values than they should be excluded as Muslim values. In recognizing the complexity of American society, it would have been nice if Webb had allowed for equal complexity within the Muslim community.

We can all be happy that we now have a congressman that represents the "Religion of peace". I am sure AL QEADA and Iran are both thrilled.