Respect- Here to Stay - Listen up

[respect]

Salaam to all :) ,

Its my first post on this board, I’ve just been reading some of the posts made by members of the board and to tell you the truth, I almost wanted to throw up. I assume most people on this board are Muslim, although I do think we have a few non-Muslims pretending to be Muslims, that’s ok, you do what you have to do.

From what I have read, it seems that a lot of people do not have nice things to say about Mr Galloway, and the Respect party, and for me that’s difficult to understand. You have a huge number of people saying oh, but respect are just a bunch of socialists with there own ideas and agenda and do not represents the views of the Muslims - firstly if you want to work with the current politically system then don’t forget the roots of the labour party – from a very socialist background. Secondly, are you honestly saying the Labour party, the Tories and Lib represent the views of the Muslim community any better? DO NOT forget that it is this labour government that has taken this country to 6 wars in the 7 years they have been in power, MORE THEN ANY OTHER PARTY – EVER …. 100,000 of Muslims have Killed because of the actions of this government. Our brother and sister are dying in Iraq, children are not being fed, for what? Our brothers are stuck in Cuba, and took this government more then 2 years to get them out … We still have brothers in Cuba – what is that government doing about this? The laws that have been passed by the government directly affect us as Muslims, and still Muslim support this right wing government!

Fine, Respect are not perfect, nobody is say they are, but don’t let anyone tell you that the likes of Galloway do nothing for Muslims, he is only a few MP that actually has stood up and said he is against the war, we have had MUSLIM MP’s that have done far less the Galloway. He has spent the last 30 years helping Muslims across the Middle East, WHAT has the like on O. King or Tony Blair, Jack Straw and Mike Gapes done?

If you vote for a Pro-War MP in this election, then you will have blood on your hands, you will tell your pro war MP’s that the death of 100,000 of Muslims means NOTHING.

Do the right thing, vote for ANTI-WAR MP’s – Muslim or No-Muslim :help: !!!

(sorry for the bad spelling/english)

A

[Huthaifah]

Asalamu Alaikum,

Just one piece of advice, Do NOT fight over Parties, at the end of the day we ARE Muslims. If in your area you got someone who has the chance of winning and who can best represent you then please go via that, use tactical voting. Not Cultural Voting.

[LookingForPeace]

Finally I read some sense on this board!

Well done Respect.

[Brother F]

So you want us to vote for a Communist who backed the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

So I guess if I vote for him I've got blood on my hands. :rolleyes:

[abdulmojid]

and one who supports batty boys and girls? that would make me gay..... lol only joking

[JIHADI-JEDI]

Why focus on Botty Boys ? all the time -
the world doesn't revolve around homos - concentrate on getting straw out and i will support you on botty boys (also on deporting Omar Bakri back to Syria as he doesnt like the UK and doesn't want British Muslims tom vote).

[ayqazi]

Our vote should do several things:

1) Not benefit any of the parties

2) Benefit Muslims by making it known that they will vote to support their own causes

3) Make the parties realise that to win the Muslim vote they must make their policies more Muslim friendly.

Ideas?

[Suhail]

Our vote should do several things:

1) Not benefit any of the parties

2) Benefit Muslims by making it known that they will vote to support their own causes

3) Make the parties realise that to win the Muslim vote they must make their policies more Muslim friendly.

Ideas?

I am agree with you. only if Muslims show we are willing to fight politically for what we want, will the political parties begin to incorporate more Muslim -friendy policies.

There are almost 2 million Muslims in the UK, in many areas we could be the deciding factor between who wins and who doesnt. Yet, most Muslims do not vote, and this is one of the reasons, most political parties do not need to have policies that will benefit Muslims. The Jewish community majority has one of the highest rates of voting and even though they are few compared to us, the parties realise this and many of their policies benefit them, in particular those concerning Israel.

If we vote in this election tactically, Isha-Allah, the parties will have realised how influential we are and by the next election, will be fighting over our vote.

[LookingForPeace]

Who else can you vote for?

Please, tell?

[abdulmojid]

no one, who would the prophet (saw) vote for?

[WhatNot]

i agree with what Huthiafha says..use tactical voting not cultural..

in my area i shall be voting conservative..

however..overall i want Liberal dems...(they too are against the war)
Respect is just a big distraction..

TONY BLAIR NEEDS TO KNOW WHAT HE DID WAS WRONG..although i feel there are stupid ppl out there who will still vote Labour..

[abdulmojid]

so its about revenge?

[Suhail]

so its about revenge?

Its about showing the people who want to lead our country that they cant follow their own agenda. They must listen to what we want and what we dont want such as the Iraq war. After all this is meant to be a democracy

[sunni]

Interview with Salma Yaqoob from the Respect Party!
In the run-up to the next general elections, muslimyouth.net presents
'Party-Political Broadcasts' from the main parties.


Salma Yaqoob is standing for The Respect Party in the most populous
Muslim constituency of Smallheath / Sparkbrook in Birmingham. A
trained psychotherapist, the 33 year old mother of three is one of
the founding members of Respect, a party which was launched in
January 2004.

The current Chair of the Birmingham Stop the War Coalition and the
Vice Chair of Respect, Salma would become the first Asian female as
well as the first Muslim female MP if she is elected. She tells
Muslim Voice UK why she got involved in politics and which issues she
will be standing up for.

How did you get into politics and why did you join the Respect Party?
I became politically active after 9/11. Just after the attacks a man
spat at me in the street because I was very visibly a Muslim as I
wear a hijab. Then the war on Afghanistan happened. Although the
attacks on the twin towers were terrible, I felt that the war on
Afghanistan was unjustified and was shocked at the fact that a lot
Muslims remained silent on this issue.

I wanted to stand up for justice and do something so I became
involved with Stop the War Coalition. The attacks on Afghanistan
highlighted the double standards that existed; on one hand the two
most powerful nations were mourning the deaths of the 3000 killed in
the 9/11 attacks and on the other hand they killed 20 000 innocent
Afghans. There is so much injustice in this world; I feel that I have
a contribution to make.

After getting 2 million people out to the anti war marches, I felt
that this was not enough. I felt we needed a voice everywhere,
including in parliament. I felt we needed to voice our opinion on all
issues, not just on the war. This led to the formation of the Respect
Party of which I am one of the founding members. I couldn't go back
to the way I was before 9/11.


What has your time been like in politics so far?
It has been very hectic yet still exciting. I have had to make
sacrifices. Being a wife and a mother, I have to try and balance
family life with politics. It is hard but fortunately I have a very
supportive family.

If elected, which local and national issues do you planned to get
involved with?
The constituency where I am standing is the sixth most deprived area
in the country. It has high unemployment, over crowded houses, over
crowded primary schools, problem of rats in the streets and is
poorest in terms of health. I want to tackle all of these issues.

On a national level, I feel strongly about tuition fees; I am a
qualified psychologist today because I received a grant. It is really
wrong that the Labour government has taken grants away from our young
people. I also believe shrinking pensions are wrong; we should keep
the link with average earnings. Privatising the NHS is wrong, which
is what is happening with the introduction of foundation hospitals.
The creeping privatising of the NHS is wrong and creating a two-tier
health system.

The things that made Britain great, its health, education and welfare
systems, are all being attacked. Respect is standing up on all these
issues.


Why should Muslims vote for Respect?
Although Respect is not a party just for Muslims, but for everyone,
it has consistently stood up on issues affecting Muslims. The
anti-terror legislation demonised the Muslim community. Labour
created this climate to justify their own actions. It's not just the
Muslims that are suffering; non-Muslims are suffering too because of
the climate of fear that has been created.
The other political parties are allowing right wing parties like the
BNP to set the agenda for the election. For example, as the BNP are
talking about asylum and immigration, the other parties are trying to
be seen as acting tough on this issue in fear of losing votes. In
fact a Home Office report says that Britain needs more immigration
and that immigrants contribute £2.6 billion to the economy. Asylum
costs only a fraction of this. We have an aging population and more
people are needed in various areas like the NHS, agriculture, the
hotel industry etc.


Islamophobia is on the rise. How can this issue be tackled?
George Bush and Tony Blair's 'war on terror' is the single biggest
reason why we have seen an increase in Islamaphobia these last few
years. The more we expose the 'war on terror' as a smokescreen for US
plans to remap the Middle East in it's own interests, the more we
undermine Tony Blair's ability to support the occupation of Iraq and
US aggression against Iran and Syria, the more we undermine the
threat of Islamabhobia. In the coming period there are two practical
things we as Muslims can do. Firstly, we need to fully engage with
the anti-war movement to ensure that opposition to the war in Iraq
continues to haunt Tony Blair. The next national Stop the War
demonstration on March 19th is an ideal opportunity, just before the
General Election, to do so. Secondly, we need to use our vote at the
General Election to make sure that New Labour pays a heavy price for
the contemptuous manner in which they have dealt with Muslim
communities both here and abroad.

One of the biggest problems is voter apathy, especially amongst
Muslims. How are you tackling this issue in view of the forthcoming
general election?
There is a lot of voter apathy because most people realise there
isn't much difference between the parties on the most important
issues. People don't bother voting because they think nothing will
really change.

However, Respect is managing to inspire people to vote. With very
little media coverage, we still got around 250 000 votes in the
European elections last year. In some constituencies we had the
highest number of votes. Had that been the general election, Respect
would have had a few MPs. People of all ages can identify with our
party, from students to pensioners; they know we are standing up for
all of them.

[kosovan]

How could any Muslim choose George Galloway over Oona King.
In Kosovo he supported the Serb Police.

[UmmZakariya]

In Kosovo he supported the Serb Police.

can you provide proof of this pls?

[kosovan]

Galloway described Kosovo as "an internal Yugoslavian matter".
What is that but support for the "internal" (Serb) security forces.
In addition he opposed NATO acion to stop the ethnic cleansing of Kosovo.
In 2003 he claimed on BBC radio that there had been "no mass murders in Kosovo"

In addition he even condemned the action against the Serb artillery around Sarajevo under the "lift and strike operation"

[UmmZakariya]

i think your assuming a little bit what was his position on Bosnia? If is didnt support serbs there why woudl he support them in kosovo? But he does need to be questioned on this...

[kosovan]

As he said he regarded Kosovo as an intrinsic part of Yugoslavia.
Galloway also regarded the KLA as a terrorist movement.
Hence his support for the Serbs.
In Bosnia he did not support the Bosnian Serbs but opposed all military action against them.

[UmmZakariya]

can you post links to back that up or tell us who reported it, or even ask him if you dislike him so much have you given him a chance to explain, i once heard him speak very movingly of what happened in Bosnia so i doubt he woudl turna blind eye to kosovo...

[br ash]

Kosovan, first of all welcome to the thread.

I have come across number alleged statement made against Galloway.

Every one that i have dealt with, i have proven wrong and misleading.

Now going by your name you seem to know a lot about what Galloway has stated on this issue. Please can you provide facts to support them. I hope it is not like one uniformed brother, i admire his passion that he has against Galloway, but all he did was post missives that were either incorrect or were highly misleading facts.

Could you inform us, was the Nato Action considered legal?

Also can you please provide some sort of evidence, I am sure you will have some lying around.

Salaam


Ash

[kosovan]

The Kosovan action was illegal as the Russians blocked all action against Serbia in the UN

this link is Galloways own words on Kosovo.
He was against outside intervention.
Thankfully he was ignored.

http://www.themuslimweekly.com/newspaper/viewfullstory.aspx?NewsID=TW00002450

On Bsnia he argued that the operations against the Bosnian Serbs were "imperialist".
Sadly the appeasers of the Major Government were in power so nothing was done.
Galloways anti imperialism and Stalinism (see his support for the Soviet Union)
and his knee jerk support for dictatorships override the stopping of Genocide.

[br ash]

The Kosovan action was illegal as the Russians blocked all action against Serbia in the UN

this link is Galloways own words on Kosovo.
He was against outside intervention.
Thankfully he was ignored.

http://www.themuslimweekly.com/newspaper/viewfullstory.aspx?NewsID=TW00002450

On Bsnia he argued that the operations against the Bosnian Serbs were "imperialist".
Sadly the appeasers of the Major Government were in power so nothing was done.
Galloways anti imperialism and Stalinism (see his support for the Soviet Union)
and his knee jerk support for dictatorships override the stopping of Genocide.

thank you for the article

Salaam


Ash

[br ash]

On Kosovo his responce was as follows:


I opposed an American British invasion of Yugoslavia, but not because I was against the Kosovans, in fact I was, as the record shows, I was the very first Member of Parliament to raise the plight of the Kosovan Albanians when Belgrade closed down their parliament, 15 years ago. I visited Kosovo twice, when most people in the British society and the parliament didn’t know whether a Kosovo was something you drove, eat or drank. I walked he streets of Pristina and elsewhere in Kosovo highlighting the disastrous policy of Belgrade of seeking to centralise their country rather than to let the different constituencies of Yugoslavia have their autonomy. But if you ask me if I supported Bill Clinton and Tony Blair bombing Yugoslavia the answer is no and I’m proud of that. Not least because I knew that the war in Yugoslavia will be used as template for future wars to come. It was the first of the new imperialist wars and I knew it would not be the last.

Salaam


Ash

[br ash]

The Kosovan action was illegal as the Russians blocked all action against Serbia in the UN

this link is Galloways own words on Kosovo.
He was against outside intervention.
Thankfully he was ignored.

http://www.themuslimweekly.com/newspaper/viewfullstory.aspx?NewsID=TW00002450

On Bsnia he argued that the operations against the Bosnian Serbs were "imperialist".
Sadly the appeasers of the Major Government were in power so nothing was done.
Galloways anti imperialism and Stalinism (see his support for the Soviet Union)
and his knee jerk support for dictatorships override the stopping of Genocide.


Blair was also so called appeaser. The only reason why Blair agreed, was his mate Clinton was having a few problems. This was nothing other than a type of "Wag the Dog" distraction. Something to do with Sex scandal. That is the one of reason as to why Blair agreed with Clinton.

Saying that, the most important issue is the lives of Muslims were saved



Salaam


Ash

[kosovan]

Nonsense.
Blair and Cook (and George Robertson) were the main movers behind Kosovo.
Galoways opposition was typical.
In a choice between his own Stalinist/anti imperialist position and stopping genocide he chose the former.

[br ash]

Nonsense.
Blair and Cook (and George Robertson) were the main movers behind Kosovo.
Galoways opposition was typical.
In a choice between his own Stalinist/anti imperialist position and stopping genocide he chose the former.

I am not interested in Galloways oppostion. Its about Loony Tony .

The issue is why did America attack. Simply it was "Wag the Dog" at the time that is what the America CNN etc were all going on about. It was nothing to do with Blair, he has no power to Influence, yes you scratch my back i scratch your back. At that time of Clinton Blair had not done anything for Clinton, for Clinton to listen to Blair. The only reason why Clinton went was to do with Sex Scandal. Therefore attacking the Serbs it is nothing to do with Blair, never has been, and never will be.

Give you an example Grenada, Margaret Thatcher, was peeved off that America with out consulting Britain invaded a Member of the British Commonwealth. Why, to recover America pride after the humiliation it suffered after the disastrous rescue of its kidnapped citizens in Iran.


America does what it wants, when it wants, and How it wants.


Salaam


Ash

[kosovan]

Are you not interested in Galloway who claims to "fight for Muslims" being an appeaser of genocide.
His Stalinism even led to him supporting the coup in Pakistan.

[br ash]

Are you not interested in Galloway who claims to "fight for Muslims" being an appeaser of genocide.
His Stalinism even led to him supporting the coup in Pakistan.

I am for Mushraff, he is the best person currently for Pakistan.

The issue currently is Iraq War 2003. That is what we are dealing with. If you and any one had issue regarding Galloway, no one Muslim Galloway, when he was making his Speeches and fighting for Iraqi lives.

Had the Muslim community stated that Galloway your words do mean anything because of you situation regarding the Serbs etc. That would have been great. Not one Muslim. Ho no, the Muslim people in the UK adored Galloway. Even the Bangledeshi people adored Galloway, for his speeches.

Now, dont vote Galloway, vote for the Muslim Conservative Candidate, then. The most important is to punish Oona Phoona. Oona Phoona out. That’s all.

Salaam


ash

[kosovan]

You seem to believe Galloway supported Iraqis.
I don't think you mean Kurds or Shias do you.

[br ash]

You seem to believe Galloway supported Iraqis.
I don't think you mean Kurds or Shias do you.

He listened to the views of the Muslims, that is all that matters. He went to the degree of sacerficing his political career. He has walked his talk on the Palestinian issue, unlike your Oona Phoona:D

In relation to the Kurds, the Kurds, months before America Attack had Israeli on the ground helping the Kurds.

Sadam Bhati parties consisted of Christian, Sunnis and Shias. I have also been told Kurds:D

I do not know what you are talking about. :)

Salaam

Ash

[kosovan]

10 years after Halabja Galloway was campaigning for the Iraqi air force to be able to fly again over Halabja.
And the Arab Marshes.
A sick man.

[br ash]

10 years after Halabja Galloway was campaigning for the Iraqi air force to be able to fly again over Halabja.
And the Arab Marshes.
A sick man.

I am sure like every one on this form, the most sickest person is one that allowed the killing of killing of innocent people. Like Oona Phoon. That is not sick. But then when Oona Phoona makes out that she is for Palestinian issue, she does not vote against the Apartheid wall. Now that is SICK.

Halabja what’s so significant about that. Even Sin had his nickers in a twist regarding Halabja. He shut up when he was shown on a thread that all the American intelligence points towards Iran on this issue. So why are you going on about Halabja. :D

By the way, in the first Gulf War, newspapers also stated that Sadam soldiers also killed many babies by removing them from incubators. No different from Halabja.

Like Sin and others who discuss number of issues, you do not know what you are talking about.:D

Salaam

Ash

[kosovan]

How did Galloway vote on the "apartheid" wall?

Even Galloway admits Halabja was the work of the Iraqi Government

So does Mr "Chemical" Ali.

You prefer to believe "American Intelligence". Odd

You seem to defend the mass murder of kurds and ignore Galloways support for the Serbs in Kosovo

[br ash]

How did Galloway vote on the "apartheid" wall?

Even Galloway admits Halabja was the work of the Iraqi Government

So does Mr "Chemical" Ali.

You prefer to believe "American Intelligence". Odd

You seem to defend the mass murder of kurds and ignore Galloways support for the Serbs in Kosovo

Tell me where Chemical Ali has made such a statement.:D

The reasons as to why the CIA stated this, was simply Iraq did not have that that strain of chemical, Iran did.

The reason why, that Intelligence stated and people who carried out the research kept on saying that. And there reports were over looked and ignored.

Other than that there is no evidence that Iraq caused Halajba. But then you must be like the American nutters who still believe that over three hundred babies were killed by Iraqis, when they were taken out of the incubators.

I have not defended the mass murder of Kurds. Neither do i defend the idiots who think the world shines oona khyber pass, who says one thing and support the mass murder of innocent Iraqis:Dlike some.


Salaam

Ash

[kosovan]

http://www.theage.com.au/news/Iraq/Chemical-Ali-faces-Baghdad-court/2004/12/19/1103391638052.html?oneclick=true

[nishath_786]

Br Ash, you sound like a Saddam apologist! The man was an apostate! That's why so many "terrorists" like Al Zawarhiri and Bin Laden hated him!

In Galloway's autobiog, he says (I'm pretty certain) that reprisals against Kurds/Shia in Iraq and the Bosnians/Kosovars in Yugoslavia were 'internal affairs' and did not need outside intervention.

[br ash]

Br Ash, you sound like a Saddam apologist! The man was an apostate! That's why so many "terrorists" like Al Zawarhiri and Bin Laden hated him!

In Galloway's autobiog, he says (I'm pretty certain) that reprisals against Kurds/Shia in Iraq and the Bosnians/Kosovars in Yugoslavia were 'internal affairs' and did not need outside intervention.

I am not a Sadam apologist, i would have preferred that the American had shot Sadam the moment they found him. I have no liking for him what so ever.:D

Secondly, i am not bothered about Kosovo, that is not the issue now, had it been that is another matter. Like i have already stated Muslims should have questioned Galloway, there and then, they had not. The only reason that this issue has been brought by the Oona Phoon Leeming squad, that all they have :D, unfortunately you have fallen for it, which is indeed a piety.

By the way you do not have to tell me, that Al Zawarhiri and Bin Laden hated him. We know that:D Many people hated him, that is not knew.

The issue fundamentally is that Oona Phoona constitutes, were against the war, they elected her, she should have listened to them. That is the issue. Like the way Roger Godseff listened to his constituents, despite being Pro Iraq war. That is the issue. Nothing more nothing less.

Salaam

Ash

[kosovan]

So you're voting for the pro war tory party but believe people should only vote for anti war candidates?
Not very bright.

[Yahya]

I'm no fan of Galloway, I doubt he all that sincere, but RESPECT isn't just about one man. As far as I understand it (I'm new here) MPAC is a lobby group. Its purpose is to work in the political mainstream to make Muslim opinion count, like the Zionist lobby groups which have done so much to turn the USA into their political playground.

In that case we should be glad if RESPECT makes a political breakthrough because its views are nearest to our own about Palestine, Iraq, Muslim rights, the BNP etc. I didn't agree with the left-wing groups views on Kosovo but I don't question their motivation. They disagree with US unilateralism on principal. I know some Muslims were taken in by Bill Clinton because of the war on Serbia, but he didn't do it for our sake and he sold out the Palestinians as soon as he could.

RESPECT isn't standing in many places, so why not vote for them where they stand a chance and support the Liberals elsewhere. I can't see how anyone can back Labour or the Tories this time.

Meanwhile, politics isn't just about elections. Why is there no serious nationwide campaign for Palestine. Can't we get the people who opposed the war to fight for justice - sanctions on Israel.

[br ash]

So you're voting for the pro war tory party but believe people should only vote for anti war candidates?
Not very bright.

Nothing of the sort, if Muslims do not support the very people who have gone to the nth degree, to back them. I do not blame politican, in the future sayings Muslims can not back them, why then suport them, why should MPs waste there time Muslim issue, because at the end of the day, Muslims are all talk and they are a waste of time. I would not blame MPs in the future saying that. That is the issue.

The issue is to see Oona Phoona go. that is all. The is the goal. No matter what.

Salaam


Ash

[kosovan]

Your entire political existence is devoted to the removal of Oona King?

[respect]

Are nishath_786 & kosovan the same person?

Y do you 2 try to make out that King is perfect ... Y is it you say everything against galloway and nothing against king? double standards!

King out ... Straw out ... Gapes out ...

[kosovan]

If you want to vote for the Stalinist on the make fair enough.
I don't think the supporter of Serb Special forces in Kosovo deserves Muslim votes.
Or any more cash.