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Michigan’s Arab Americans Show Support for Bush/Cheney Re-Election

Posted on Thursday October 14, 2004

Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham addressing the crowd.

WASHINGTON – More than 100 Arab Americans filled an over-crowded meeting room in Sterling Heights, Michigan to pledge their support for the re-election of President George W. Bush. The diverse gathering, which included Arab Americans of Lebanese, Iraqi, Egyptian, Syrian and Palestinian descent, listened while Secretary Spencer Abraham highlighted the President’s vision for America—a vision that includes Arab Americans.

“George Bush deeply cares about this community…He wants to make sure that we have a strong voice in this country,” said Secretary Abraham. The first President to ban racial profiling, George W. Bush has also appointed more Arab and Muslim Americans to senior positions than any other President.

Thanking those present for their support of the President, Secretary Abraham touched on the President’s record of global leadership. “The President wants to see democracy and Freedom in the Middle East…We’re seeing it now in Afghanistan…the same is going to happen in Iraq…We need to give him four more years to get the job done.”

While some suggest that the Arab and Muslim world may not be ready for democracy, President Bush has stood firm continually reminding the world that, “In the Middle East, as elsewhere, the path to peace is the path of liberty.” Expanding on that moral commitment during yesterday’s event, Congressman Darrel Issa recalled his travels to the region. “As I have traveled throughout the Middle East, the one consistent message I hear from region to region is that the people of Arab nations will only find a way to build lasting institutions of freedom, justice, and democracy through America’s leadership. While past presidents said they wanted change, President Bush has shown a unique strength and desire to help build these institutions for lasting change.”

Farmington Hills City Councilman John Akouri, an American of Lebanese descent, also reflected on the President’s record of accomplishment. “This president has done more for our community than any other administration in history. We have the ear of President Bush.” Akouri continued, “His leadership has spurred the economic recovery we are experiencing today. His tax cuts have helped our families. We are a family-oriented community with an entrepreneurial spirit. The President understands that.”

George Salem, Chair of Arab American Republicans and former Solicitor General for Labor under President Reagan, added “What we saw today was a coming together of the Arab American community in support of this President. He was the first President to endorse a Palestinian State; after 9/11 he made it clear that violence and discrimination against Arab Americans would not be tolerated. He stands on principle not because it is popular, but because it is right. With this President, Arab Americans know where they stand and we are going to work hard to make sure he is re-elected.”