Why Georgia Muslim advocates are meeting with tea party groups
We want to be a fly on that wall: Georgia Muslims are meeting with tea party groups around the state to counter Donald Trump's rhetoric.
Faced with calls from the Republican nominee to temporarily ban Muslim immigrants and ask would-be citizens if they believe in Shariah law, the Georgia chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations said it has begun outreach with GOP chapters and tea party members. The goal is deliver an “Islam 101” presentation and soothe concerns about terrorism.
“During the 2000 presidential election, many American Muslims voted for George W. Bush,” said Edward Ahmed Mitchell, the group’s Georgia director. “However, the rise of violent extremism overseas and of Islamophobia here at home led some conservatives to fear and even loathe their neighbors. Georgia Muslims – who love God, family and country as much as any other American – hope to put those fears to rest by addressing them head-on at their source.”
There have been no meetings yet, but Mitchell said he’s hoping the conservative groups accept his invite.
About the Author
Greg Bluestein is the Atlanta Journal Constitution's chief political reporter. He is also an author, TV analyst and co-host of the Politically Georgia podcast.
