First Black Muslim Congressman Snubs White House 'Buffoon'

While his fellow incoming freshman were attending a private White House reception with President Bush Monday night, Rep.-elect Keith Ellison had what he considered a more important appointment to keep.

"I went to the AFL-CIO reception, because I wanted to meet and greet leaders of labor, and get to know them," Ellison, D-Minn., said in an interview during a break from freshman orientation Tuesday. "Those are the people who I came here to support."

"It wasn't even a close call," added Ellison, who is replacing the retiring Rep. Martin Sabo, a Democrat. "Maybe one day I'll get to meet the president. He's the president, and I respect him in his role as the president, but I have exceedingly sharp differences with him on a policy level."

Ellison is one of four new lawmakers who will represent Minnesota next year. He'll be the first black lawmaker from Minnesota, and the first Muslim to ever serve in Congress.

Ellison, meanwhile, said he's angling for spots on the Energy and Commerce; Education and the Workforce; and Judiciary committees.

"Middle class prosperity is a crucial issue to me -- that means tax justice, a livable minimum wage, the right to organize a labor union," he said.

The Kid Rasta 8)

 

I love that man. Oh and by the way, why is Bush trying to get all cosy with black leaders and Democrats or both in his final two years of office? It's been bugging me. Since the beginning of the year, he's been getting on with black leaders. He has met with Jesse Jackson and Big Al, is good friends with Bob Johnson and finally agreed to speak to the NAACP. Something fishy is going on.