[Marxism] A Muslim Candidate's Run for Congress

[Jeffrey Thomas Piercy, El Pato Comunista]

I went to his campaign site (http://www.keithellison.org/). He's very 
interesting. He wants immediate withdrawal from Iraq, is apparently 
pro-choice in every way*, invokes the names of Martin Luther King and 
Malcolm X, and lots of other good-sounding things. He goes out of his 
way to make it clear that he isn't in any way saying gay marriage is 
/okay/, but he's opposed to an amendment banning it because "we're too 
busy" doing things that have practical implications. But what really 
disappointed me is this:

"The template set forth by the roadmap for peace currently provides the 
best outline for achieving a two-state solution to bringing about a 
lasting settlement. Right now Hamas represents the *greatest* [my 
emphasis] obstacle to this path, and until Hamas denounces terrorism, 
recognizes the absolute right of Israel to exist peacefully and honors 
past agreements, it cannot be considered legitimate partners in this 
process. Sensible and moderate elements in Palestinian society could 
possibly provide credible negotiating partners."

Does this really sound like one of those "rare exceptions" - a Cynthia 
McKinney, a Democrat worth supporting? Personally, I haven't made up my 
mind. (Not that my support means anything, of course.)


-Jeff




* "I am pro choice. I am in favor of comprehensive sex education, which 
includes information about abstinence, but goes far beyond that. I am 
against legislation that would impose a waiting period on women who seek 
a safe and legal abortion, and I am against legislation that would 
restrict the information that a physician can share with a patient 
regarding reproductive choices."