The death of Osama bin Laden has created a new opportunity to ease tensions between the United States and the Muslim world. So it is no surprise that President Barack Obama has decided to reach out to the Muslim community in the wake of, not only Bin Laden’s death, but the wave of uprisings currently taking over the Middle East.
STORY: Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf: “Bin Laden Did Not Represent Islam”
This might be the best time to reach out the Muslim community and put an end to the thinking that al-Qaeda speaks for all of Islam. So who will President Obama have in his coalition of Muslim outreach?
STORY: We Killed Osama & Now Islamophobia Is Back In Full Effect!
Certainly they have to be people that will stimulate the conversation and bridge the gap of the dividing worlds. They have to be controversial and not afraid to speak their minds.
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Real Time:
Who better to bridge the gap between the U.S. and the Muslim world than comedian and talk show host Bill Maher? Yes, Maher doesn’t dig on religion, but his knowledge on the subject is truthful and honest.
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The Representative:
If there is anyone who is in need of learning something about Islam and Muslims it’s Peter King, the U.S. Representative for New York’s 3rd congressional district. Instead of holding hearings to investigate possible radicalization of Muslim-Americans, King would be better off learning something about Muslim-Americans.
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The Imam:
The Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf has faced the harshest of criticisms being at forefront of the controversial Park51 “Ground Zero Mosque,” a Muslim community center blocks away from the World Trade Center. President Obama should call him up to join his coalition.
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The Journalist:
Obama will need someone to tell a story, so who better than veteran CNN journalist, Soledad O’Brien. O’Brien’s CNN special “Unwelcome: The Muslims Next Door” told the story of a town divided over the building of a mosque.
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The Congressman:
Obama needs someone who can bring a first hand account of facing discrimination as well as diplomatic status, Congressman Keith Ellison, the first Muslim-American elected to Congress.
