Friday, October 17, 2008

The Council for Arab-British Understanding expressed it dismay at the statement of US Presidential candidate, Senator John McCain at a rally on 10 October 2008.

He was approached by one of his female supporters at a rally who stated: “I have read about him and he's not, he's not uh…he’s a.. he's an Arab. He's not…?” before McCain responded, “No, ma'am. He's a decent family man …. citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues and that's what this campaign's all about. He's not. Thank you”

Commenting on this, CAABU Director, Chris Doyle stated, “Senator McCain overtly failed to challenge the speaker’s racist and divisive comments thus missing the opportunity to put an end to the anti-Arab and Anti-Muslim rhetoric that has started to characterise his campaign. Instead, McCain left the impression that if Obama was an Arab it would have been a problem. His response implied that, Arabs can neither be decent family people nor proper American citizens. This racist language and behaviour is highly dangerous, and Senator McCain should have made this clear. There should be no room for politicians in a democracy who do not stand full square against racism. ”

The statement can be viewed here.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=w4Xi8JnfAHI

For further information and interviews please contact the CAABU office 0207 832 1320 – doylec@caabu.org. Chris Doyle can be reached on 07968 040 281.

Chris Doyle
Director

CAABU (Council for Arab-British Understanding)

CAABU 40 Year Appeal
http://www.caabu.org/pdf/caabu-40-appeal-beige.pdf