The Muslim Public Affairs Council, a civil right group, held it's winter conference down in Long Beach today. Around 1200 people attended to network, go to panel discussions, and get educated.
I didn't really attend, as I was hipped to this event the day before, and my buddy Vik and I decided to have lunch, and then check it out. It was impressive, and being ignorant about issues facing their communities, I gladly took all the educational material offered. The panel presentation on USA PATRIOT was rousing, and had several standing ovations.
The situation for Muslim Americans is dire these days, and it's good to know that they are standing up for their rights -- not only via rallies, but at all levels of politics. Progressives need to follow their lead, and support them in this time of great need.
Amy Goodman was there taping the events so it might be on Democracy Now tomorrow or soon. (
http://www.democracynow.org) Ralph Cole of Justicevision is going to offer tapes of the events as well. (
http://www.justicevision.org)