Madre's Missives

Inadvertent and Occasionally Intentional Thoughts

Multiculturalism from Minnesota

Posted On: November 09th, 2006 at 2:00 am

The country's first Muslim was elected as a state representative. From Minnesota of all places.

In a state known for its high voter turnout, Keith Ellison (D) soundly defeated both the Republican and Independence party candidates for his district. Even without running radio or TV ads. Ellison is also the first African American from Minnesota to be elected as a state representative.

Ellison was raised Roman Catholic and converted to Islam in college. During the campaign there was some speculation about post-conversion involvement in the Farrakhan branch of Black Muslims. But Ellison his is a religion of peace and inclusiveness. That must've been how he won an endorsement from a Minneapolis paper called "American Jewish World."

Only in Minnesota.

And in that spirit of diversity, my Vikings will even be happy to catch a few balls from Brett Favre on Sunday.

Edited on: November 09th, 2006 2:02 am

Comments:

Re: Multiculturalism from Minnesota

Posted On: November 09th, 2006 at 12:36 pm by Anonymous
It's about time.

Muslims are adherents to one of the fastest-growing religions in America (0.6% of Americans are currently Muslims), and African-Americans comprise about 5% of Minnesota's population.

In particular, I'm glad that Muslims are finally able to play a part in the lawmaking process -- that is a viewpoint sorely needed in Congress as they debate war in and against Muslim-dominated countries.

Only in Minnesota? I hope not.