What you can do to oppose Islamophobia in Orange County

Those of you who follow my blog know about the "hatefest" that took place in Orange County last month may be wondering what you can do to combat this kind of Islamophobia. See http://laquaker.blogspot.com/2011/03/american-muslims-receive-messages-of.html

Today I received this petition from a Sufi Friend of mine, calling on Congressmen Miller and Royce to denounce calls for violence against fellow Americans

Specifically targeted are Steven G. Thornton (District Director for Gary Miller), Amy Michelle Porter (Chief of Staff to Ed Royce), Darrin W. Schrader (Legislative Director to Ed Royce), see more...Steven G. Thornton (District Director for Gary Miller), Amy Michelle Porter (Chief of Staff to Ed Royce), Darrin W. Schrader (Legislative Director to Ed Royce), Audra L. McGeorge (Communications Director for Ed Royce), Sandra Breitengross Bitter (Legislative Director to Gary Miller), John G. Rothrock (Chief of Staff to Gary Miller), Kevin D. McKee (Executive Director for Gary Miller), Rep. Gary Miller (CA-42), and Rep. Ed Royce (CA-40)


Here's the background:

Last month, a group of protestors picketed a charity event hosted by the relief wing of Islamic Circle of North America. Aiming to raise funds for local women's shelters and combat homelessness, the event featured two highly controversial speakers whose presence drew protests. The rhetoric of the protest was exceptionally bigoted, with chants of "Muhammed was a child molestor," "why don't you go beat up your wife like you do every night," and "you beat your women and  you rape your children."

The hateful insults are nothing, though, compared to comments by Villa Park Councilwoman Deborah Pauly, who mentioned she had a son serving in the Marines and added "I know quite a few Marines who would be happy to help these terrorists to a, uh, early meeting in paradise."

Two congressman - Gary Miller and Ed Royce - spoke at the event.

This call for members of the armed services to murder their fellow citizens is despicable, and it is unacceptable for an elected official in this country to participate in an event calling for violence against American citizens.

Call on congressman Miller and Royce to denounce such comments and apologize to the Muslim community, members of the armed services, and America at large for their participation in this event.

Further information is posted at http://www.salon.com/news/politics/war_room/2011/03/03/orange_county_muslim_protest/

Winning this campaign depends on our ability to call on thousands of supporters like you. After signing this petition, please follow us on Facebook - just click 'Like' at the top of the page.

http://www.change.org/petitions/congressmen-miller-and-royce-denounce-calls-for-violence-against-fellow-americans#?opt_new=f&opt_fb=t