ASK GEORGIA CANDIDATE TO MEET WITH MUSLIMS OVER ‘TERRORIST’ REMARK

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 8/9/06) - CAIR is calling on American Muslims and other people of conscience to contact Georgia congressional candidate Hank Johnson and ask that he meet with American Muslim and Arab-American leaders to discuss his recent remarks implying that all voters with Arabic names may be “terrorists.”

In a televised debate with Rep. Cynthia McKinney, Johnson said: “...But since we’re talking about Middle East policy I will say that the abundant number of contributors to Mrs. McKinney’s campaign are, have Palestinian and Arab surnames, now I could accuse her of being under the control of terrorists.” Johnson won Tuesday’s runoff for Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District.

Johnson’s remarks may be viewed at:
http://www.rawstory.com/news/2006/VIDEO__Opponent_implies_Rep._McKinney_0804.html

In a letter to Johnson, CAIR Government Affairs Director Corey Saylor wrote:

“This comment seems to suggest that Arab-American and Muslim participation in the political process has sinister connotations and that having an Arabic name somehow indicates a propensity for violence.”

Saylor requested that Johnson meet with Muslim and Arab-American community leaders to discuss their concerns about his remarks.

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUESTED:

Call, fax or e-mail Hank Johnson’s campaign headquarters and insist that he apologize for the remarks and agree to meet with Muslim and Arab-American leaders within the next few days.

(Remember, remain POLITE at all times. Hostile comments hurt our efforts. CALLS ARE BEST.)

TEL: 770-323-HANK (4265) (Ask for Press Secretary Deb Speights.)
FAX: 678-418-2079
E-MAIL: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or http://www.hankforcongress.com/feedback
COPY TO: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

MAILING ADDRESS:

Hank Johnson for Congress
5240 Snapfinger Park Drive, Suite 140
Decatur, GA 30035