Today's Washington Post editorial praises Colin Powell for pointing out that Muslim Americans are indeed Americans. (Despite what some of John McCain's supporters think.)
Powell's words are a super-timely reminder that we can hand a strong defeat to racism in 14 days by defeating U.S. Rep. Virgil Goode (R-VA), who's in the election fight of his life against Tom Perriello--who you can donate to here.
The Washington Post famously headlined an op-ed about Goode: "A Bigot in Congress" after Goode said the 2006 election of the first Muslim American to Congress (Keith Ellison) was bad for the country and proposed curtailing legal immigration specifically so fewer minorities would get elected to office.
Seriously! He said: "if American citizens don’t wake up and adopt the Virgil Goode position on immigration there will likely be many more Muslims elected to office..."
And just recently...
...as RaisingKaine points out, Goode discolored the face of Perriello in a TV ad—a clear attempt to awaken racist fears.
A recent poll shows Perriello is within single-digits of Goode, and Goode below 50. A local article today shows both candidates have spent $1 million, but Goode has more cash on hand for the final stretch. This is a time for progressives to chip in and help defeat a racist.
Tom Perriello, in addition to not being Virgil Goode, is actually a bold progressive champion. Some facts: He founded Avaaz.org, the international MoveOn. He also helped prosecute warlords and dictators in the Hague, and promoted human rights and social justice around the world, including in Afghanistan. He currently teaches law at the University of Virginia.
Perriello currently has 1,908 supporters and $343,831 through ActBlue--how about we try to get him to 2,000 supporters? Can you spare a couple trips to Starbucks and help defeat a racist in Congress? (Then please recommend.)