Michigan Democrat Rashida Tlaib has won a midterm election to become one of the first Muslim women elected to Congress. The Democratic Socialists of America, a burgeoning left-wing group, endorses her. Rashida was elected without opposition, to replace John Conyers, who stepped down following allegations of sexual misconduct.
The eldest daughter of Palestinian immigrants, Tlaib became the first Muslim woman in Michigan's Legislature a decade ago. She served from 2008 to 2014, before reaching term limits. During her tenure, she helped to secure millions of dollars for free health clinics, Meals on Wheels programs for seniors, and school education funds. She authored laws to protect homeowners and stop scrap metal thieves. Tlaib's victory symbolizes the systematic build-up of political power.
An attorney at the Sugar Law Center for Economic and Social Justice and a single mother of two boys, Tlaib prefers to view her faith as one of the many aspects of her identity. She supports a minimum-wage policy, medical insurance for all, and the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement law. Her priorities are equal pay rules for women, immigration reforms, environment protection, and promoting higher education.
Rashida believes that walls do not work. She does not intend to pander to any community or faith. She believes in the policy of inclusion and attributes her victory to her ability to connect with the needs of a population who wish to be governed by progressive candidates.
Tlaib's achievement is symbolic of a rise of female representation in the Congress. It is likely to encourage more women to enter the US political space. Tlaib's victory comes at a time when anti-Muslim sentiments are rife in America. It indicates a departure from the anti-Muslim discourse. It becomes apparent that issues, not individuals, are key concerns to Americans. As a Congresswoman, Tlaib's responsibility is to be the voice of Muslim-Americans and counter the sentiment of Islamophobia.
Tlaib is the first member of the Arab-American activist cadre to break deep into the political mainstream. The Palestinian community expects her to give voice to Palestinian rights in the Congress. But the political reality is that Tlaib is supported by JStreetPAC, a pro-Israel organization. The endorsement comes if one does not challenge US military aid to Israel, and supports a two-state solution. Thus, Tlaib supports the U.S. policy of supplying military aid that Israel uses to kill thousands of Palestinians. The idea of opposing aid to Israel would not work for the Congress. It would not work for Tlaib's political career either.
Conditioning aid to Israel according to human rights may be a goal worth striving. It may not be possible for Tlaib and her colleagues to achieve this goal in two years. But she could initiate the groundwork for such a position in the long-term.
Saturday, January 19, 2019
What do you think will be the potential ramification of Rashida Tlaib's election as the first Muslim woman to congress and the potential impact on the institution?
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