Islam+in+America

Acceptance of Muslims in American Government
In the American government, there is a firm acceptance of Muslims. The Democratic Party especially supports Islamic and people of all religions holding positions in the government. Keith Ellison, the democratic representative of Minnesota is Muslim, and proudly so. As a member of congress, Ellison has been nothing but supportive and influential. In fact, Ellison strongly promotes and advocates for peace, prosperity for the common laboring family, civil as well as human rights and environmental stability. These values, along with Ellison's priorities reflect the state of Islam in American government through their acceptance and the widespread agreement that they must be acted upon. []

Repulsion of Muslims in American Government
The American government consists of two major parties, The Republican Party and The Democratic Party. The Democratic party openly supports Muslims in our government while Republican aren't as supportive of the idea. So when an opportunity came up in 2006 when Keith Ellison, a Muslim democrat from the 5th district of Minnesota, defeated his Republican counterpart to represent Minnesota in Congress, controversy erupted. Upon the coming days before his turn to be sworn into office, Ellison told the media he would be sworn in putting his hand on the Qur'an (the holiest Islam book) instead of the Bible. Republicans began to lash out at Ellison and a representative from Virginia named Virgil Goode issued a letter to his constituents stating that "the values and beliefs traditional to the United States of America...[and] if American citizens don’t wake up and adopt the Virgil Goode position on immigration there will likely be many more Muslims elected to office and demanding the use of the Koran." This, like other letters sent at the time, created national outrage across the America. On the day he was going to be sworn into Congress, Ellison, against extreme amounts of criticism from his Republican counterparts, was sworn into office by putting his hand on the Qur’an instead of the Bible. During the event though, multiple Republicans were seen getting up and leaving which was extremely disrespectful. Later on though, people realized the Democrats were at fault also. Multiple Democrats chose to not show up which is against common protocol of such an important event. Both Democrats and Republicans are at fault for not showing the proper respect for Muslims.



Acceptance of Muslims in American Society
Ever since the introduction of Islam to the Unites States, it has been steadily progressing. Especially in recent years, it has seen a spike in interest in Americans to the point of being the fastest growing religion in the United States. More and more citizens are converting to Islam, in the late 80s to late 90s alone the Muslim population in the US grew an amazing 25%. These new converts display the effect of Islam on America, its popularity is increasing, and with it, its population. Not only is the number of Muslims growing in the US, but the number of mosques as well. since 1994, the amount of mosques in America has risen 25%, totaling well over 1000. These statistics are a clear portrayal of what is the most progressive religion in America, and why the converts and mosques are a testament to its acceptance by American society.



Repulsion of Muslims in American Society
September 11th, 2001 was and still is the most horrific act of war America has been a part of in the last few decades. Muslim extremists from a group called Al-Qaeda flew two planes into the World Trade Centers in New York causing the massive skyscrapers to tumble, killing thousands. Ever since that day, all Muslims have been viewed as threats and are frequently being tagged as “anti-American”. So when an idea was proposed by American Muslims to create a holy center only two blocks away from one the most devastating areas when the towers collapsed, people were in outrage. People lined the streets in protest against this holy center which Muslims claim is a holy-place. Because of the act of multiple Islamic extremists on American soil, all Muslims are being labeled as terrorists and a threat.