It is evident that the upcoming elections for the Mayor of London will be an indicator of the political will and strength of the Muslim community. As a Northerner, even I am beginning to feel a tad uncomfortable about the outcome. The political climate in London will undoubtedly have far reaching consequences and will set the pace for anti-muslim fuelled rhetoric for the rest of the country. If Boris Johnson does indeed get approval by the citizens of London there will be an implicit understanding that the uninformed tabloid driven hate campaign is justified. After all, he is supposed to be representing the views of the people of London and it would indicate if he is voted in that they agree with his sentiments.

For those who would question why Muslims are so sensitive about any form of criticism of Islam. We are not. But what we do need to realise is that the Freedom of Speech does not equate to a Freedom to Slander, Incite Hatred and Abuse. My own personal feeling is that you may say whatever you want about Islam and Muslims as long as it is the truth. I would say that is pretty fair.

So for all the Londoners out there. We are relying on you. Please make the effort to go out on the 1st May 2008 and make the Muslim voice heard. Grumbling afterwards that politics does not work is useless if we do not engage in the process. You might not like politics but quite frankly there is no other alternative. I would implore you to remember that Ken Livingston has stuck his political neck on the line on behalf of Muslims on numerous occasions and we need to recognise this.

‘The ballot is stronger than the bullet’.
Abraham Lincoln

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