Rivers of Exile

What does the Arab American Institute stand for exactly? April 18, 2006

Posted by Delilah in : So-called Democrats, Maryland , trackback

I was ~~surprised~~ shocked and mightily disappointed, yesterday, when I called AAI to ask them to help spread the word about Kevin Zeese’s run for MD Senate. The response I got was that “AAI’s policy is that we encourage our members to participate in the two major political parties, and we invite only the Democratic and Republican candidates to speak at our candidate events.”. Excuse me, WHAT?

Here is the note Kevin sent them as a result - which I support completely:

What have the two old parties done for the Arab American community? They consistently underwrite the cost of Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestine. In fact they give more money to Israel that all of Latin America, the Carribean and Subsaharan Africa combined! They protect Israel from international sanctions at the UN. They pass laws that undermine your civil liberties — indeed all of our civil liberties. Set up immigration rules that divide families and make immigration based on prejudice — often denying immigration without any explanation. They invade Arab countries based on false and exaggerated ‘intelligence.’

What do you hope to get by supporting Ben Cardin (D) or Michael Steele (R) — my likely opponents? I really want to know?

I sincerely hope for the opportunity to meet with your group to discuss these issues. I want to see Arab Americans advance politically, but staying in the two parties — both of whom oppose your interests on major issues — is a sure way to be taken for granted and treated as if you don’t exist by the political powers that be.

I do hope AAI will reconsider its rather unfair and counterproductive policy and open the door to worthy candidates who can help us advance our agenda.