AMERICAN
MUSLIM TASKFORCE ON CIVIL RIGHTS AND ELECTIONS - Political Action
Committee (AMT-PAC)
Dr. Agha Saeed, Chair AMT / AMT –PAC announced the
Muslim Coalition’s decision to call for a protest vote against
oppressive laws, and qualified endorsement for Senator John Kerry.
The full AMT – PAC statement, which was read by Dr. Agha Saeed at the
press conference, is given below.
Muslim Coalition Offers Qualified Kerry Endorsement
AMT-PAC calls for 'protest vote' as
guarantee of civil rights
WASHINGTON, D.C., 10/21/04 - Following careful consideration of
overall U.S. interests, interaction with presidential campaign
officials and extensive input from the Islamic community, the American
Muslim Taskforce on Civil Rights and Elections - Political Action
Committee (AMT-PAC) is calling on Muslims nationwide to cast a protest
vote for Sen. John Kerry.
AMT-PAC is an affiliated political action committee of the American
Muslim Taskforce on Civil Rights and Elections (AMT). AMT is an
umbrella organization representing American Muslim Alliance (AMA),
Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Islamic Circle of North
America (ICNA), Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), Muslim
Alliance in North America (MANA), Muslim American Society (MAS), Muslim
Ummah of North America (MUNA), Muslim Student Association-National
(MSA-N), Project Islamic Hope (PIH), and United Muslims of America
(UMA). SEE: http://www.americanmuslimvoter.net/
Muslims are a potential swing-voting bloc in key battleground states
such as Florida, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. There are
an estimated seven million Muslims in the United States.
In its statement, AMT-PAC said:
"We believe that our vote is the best guarantee of our civil rights and
the best expression of our citizenship.
"Unfortunately, the Bush administration has been insensitive to the
civil liberties and human rights of American Muslims, Arab-Americans
and South Asians. Today, American Muslims are being treated like
second-class citizens.
"American Muslims are also disappointed with a number of domestic and
foreign policies instituted by the Bush administration since the 9/11
terror attacks.
"AMT-PAC appreciates the outstanding role of Ralph Nader in
highlighting the denial of civil liberties to religious and ethnic
minorities.
"We acknowledge the considerable outreach to our community by Sen.
Kerry's campaign, particularly by his campaign co-chair Sen. Edward
Kennedy. We also appreciate the ongoing dialogue with Muslim leaders
about problems posed by the USA PATRIOT Act.
"While the Kerry campaign has critiqued a number of Bush administration
polices, it has so far failed to explicitly affirm support for due
process, equal justice and other constitutional norms. We are also
disappointed that his campaign has shied away from expressing
unambiguous support for principles enshrined in the U.S. Constitution
that prohibit use of ex post facto laws, secret proceedings and secret
evidence.
"Because pluralism is based on partial agreements, support for Sen.
Kerry is premised on our overall effort to help restore liberty and
justice for all.
"Mindful of disagreements with Sen. Kerry on some domestic and
international issues, including the war in Iraq, we are willing to work
with him to help restore due process and equal justice in accordance
with the U.S. Constitution.
"AMT-PAC therefore urges American Muslim voters and their allies in the
struggle for civil rights to focus on the real issues: civil liberties,
human rights, international peace and justice, jobs, education, health
care, economic development of inner cities, and sound foreign policy.
It is vital for the protection of our liberties to vote together, in
high numbers, and for a common purpose."