CAIR-Chicago Attends Question & Answer Session with Congressman Dan Lipinski

CAIR-Chicago took part in an engaging question & answer dinner session with Congressman Dan Lipinski on Thursday, January 26, 2006 hosted by the Arab American Democratic Club at Nikko’s Restaurant in Bridgeview. Congressman Lipinski (D-IL) of the 3rd Congressional District which has one of the largest Muslim and Arab enclaves in the Chicagoland area, addressed a full house and entertained questions from the audience. When asked about his position on U.S. foreign policy toward Iraq, Lipinski stated that he thinks intervention is necessary to restore peace in the Iraqi region. In addition, he spoke extensively on education policies, promising reform and easier access to all individuals. When CAIR-Chicago’s Governmental Relations Coordinator Sadiya Ahmed asked him to clarify his vote for the PATRIOT Act Conference Report last December despite opposition from his large Muslim and Arab American constituency, Lipinski was unable to deliver a clear reason other than his belief that the legislation is necessary to fight the war on terrorism. His response left the audience unsatisfied and wanting a clearer answer. Finally, as he was leaving, the Congressman promised to appoint someone as the liaison between his office and the Arab American Democratic Club. Other dignitaries present at the event included: the Honorable Judge William James Haddad and President of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago Terry O’Brien.

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