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Sept 5 , 2008 5 Ramadan, 1429 |
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Ayat of the Day [Surah At-Taubah (9): 20]
CAIR-Houston held its annual banquet on Saturday, August 23 at the Westin Oaks Galleria. The theme was "American Muslims: Communicating Understanding." The keynote speaker was Edward Peck, former ambassador of Mauritania and foreign service officer of Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. The Executive Director Nihad Awad of the CAIR's National office also spoke.
Prominent members in attendance included Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, along with representation from the Houston Police Department, Harris County Sheriff's Department, Congressman Al Green's office and Congressman Nick Lampson's office. A proclamation from Mayor Bill White was read at the banquet declaring August 23, 2008 to be the Council on American Islamic Relations Day. A proud achievement for all supporters of CAIR-Houston.
The
theme was meant to represent the Muslim community's efforts in
educating and informing the public about Islam, with the goals of
erasing ignorance and increasing understanding. Both speakers gave
unique speeches and both conveyed similar messages: The Muslim
community can succeed when we continue to be proactive.
Edward Peck's informative and moving keynote address brought a standing ovation. The audience welcomed Peck's insights on American diplomacy and democracy in other countries. After the event was over the audience walked away with an appreciation for having heard Peck's speech. The speech was followed by Maghrib salaat, after which the program continued. Nihad Awad also gave a inspiring speech. He presented the importance of Muslims being active in the American political process and how it can benefit the community at large. Awad also presented achievements of CAIR, which have made a significant difference. He gave the example of CAIR's campaign against Michael Savage's hateful rhetoric on the radio. The audience was impressed to hear that thirteen major advertisers on Savage's radio show dropped their ads, and that the lawsuit that Savage filed against CAIR was also dropped, a major victory for CAIR and Muslims all over. CAIR-Houston's annual banquet 2008 was a success and CAIR-Houston would like to thank the audience for attending. Additional thanks goes to the volunteers for their hard work and the guest speakers for their wonderful words of inspiration. CAIR-Houston, with the Transportation Security Administration held a community workshop at the ISGH Main Center on Friday, August 15. The goal of the workshop was to better educate community members about the role of TSA in airports.
The audience learned that secondary screenings are always random. Anyone wearing very loose clothing, including dresses and baggy jeans are likely candidates to be asked for secondary screenings Hector Vela, the TSA official who conducted the workshop also explained that one can always ask for a TSA official of the same sex to conduct the screening as well as for a more private setting. CAIR-Houston believes it's important for the Muslim community to be aware of their rights at the airport and to also be informed about security procedures. The better informed the community, the less likely there will be any misunderstandings. CAIR-Houston thanks Hector Vela and all of the members of the TSA at Bush Intercontinental Airport for the workshop. CAIR-Houston staff met with Congressional Candidate, John Wieder on Wednesday, July 30. The meeting's main goal was to inform Wieder and his campaign members about issues that are important the Muslim community.
Some particular issues brought up in the meeting included what who Muslims are, what they believe, some of the misconceptions of Muslims in media today and specific issues that the Muslim community believes strongly in. He was also informed of CAIR-Houston's vision and goals. Our push for a more politically aware and active Muslim community was important to the candidate. CAIR-Houston thanks John Wieder for taking the time out to meet with us. CAIR-Houston also hopes to continue meetings with more congressional candidates.  CAIR Welcomes Dismissal of Michael Savage's Lawsuit
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 7/28/2008) - The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today welcomed a federal judge's decision to dismiss what it termed a "retaliatory" copyright-infringement lawsuit by syndicated radio talk show host Michael Savage. Last year, Savage sued CAIR after the Washington-based civil rights and advocacy group posted audio clips from his October 29, 2007, program on its website. In those clips, Savage, whose "Savage Nation" program airs on more than 300 radio stations nationwide, screamed attacks on Muslims, Islam and the Quran. CAIR called on radio listeners of all faiths to contact companies that advertise on the program to express their concerns about the host's anti-Muslim bigotry. SEE: National Radio Host Goes on Anti-Muslim Tirade In a ruling issued on Friday, U.S. District Judge Susan Illston said members of the public are entitled to take excerpts from programs like Savage's in order to use them for comment and criticism. Judge Illston also dismissed a bizarre racketeering claim against CAIR in Savage's lawsuit. Judge Illston termed Savage's complaint "lengthy" and "redundant" and noted that he may have brought the racketeering allegations in an attempt "to harass the defendant." She also ruled that some of Savage's allegations did not comply with the basic structural form of a lawsuit as outlined in the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. To read the Judge Illston's ruling, click here. "We are pleased with the judge’s strong support for First Amendment rights and with her rejection of the frivolous claims put forward by Mr. Savage’s retaliatory lawsuit,” said CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin. “We believe the real purpose of this baseless suit was to silence discussion of Mr. Savage’s bigoted and hate-filled views.”
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