Arabisto: Blogs, Christina Zola reporting from the Campaign Trail

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March 17, 2010 08:54PM CST

Christina Zola reporting from the Campaign Trail

Christina is currently Director of Communications at the Arab American institute. She posts for b5 media and spearheads the Yalla Vote initiative. Christina has extensive background in communications, journalism, and Marketing.

5 Weeks Until the Election!

09/25/2008 - 5:38 p.m. CST -- by Christina Zola

5 Weeks Until the Election!
September 25, 2008

Step Three: Vote Early
Not looking forward to those lines at the voting booth? At least 34 states, plus the District of Columbia, allow residents to vote before November 4th. Absentee voting means mailing your ballot; early voting is when voters cast their ballots in person at the offices of county clerks or other approved voting stations. Find out which states allow early voting and what their guidelines are by clicking here.

Don't forget! The deadline to register to vote is October 4th in most states. Make sure you and everyone you know is registered in time to vote on November 4th. Not sure if you are? Click here to find out...

Candidates' Nights Continue...
As you get ready to watch the presidential debate this Friday, do you wish you could be the one asking the questions? [Read More]

"Obsession: Radical Islam's War Against the West"

09/23/2008 - 6:15 p.m. CST -- by Christina Zola

"Obsession: Radical Islam's War Against the West" will hit over 28 million homes this month in battleground states in the midst of an election already loaded with slurs, innuendoes, and backpedaling on issues that most concern Arab Americans. While the timing of this propaganda campaign crassly exploits the strong emotions associated with the seventh anniversary of September 11, 2001, the list of states targeted for distribution of the film reveals an effort to inflame passions in order to influence voters.

On the surface, "Obsession" resembles an educational DVD, but scratch that surface and you'll find a propaganda tool wielding fear and hatred in a direct attempt to influence America's vote. While the shadowy backers of this massive and costly enterprise have not been revealed, their political motives are all too clear. And what we can learn from the list of those who have circulated and endorsed this DVD is that they are using it to advance an anti-Arab, anti-Muslim agenda.

Many Arab Americans and American Muslims from different backgrounds have called and written to us expressing their deep concern about the impact that this video may have in their communities. What should our response be? We believe it should be a call to action. America needs a balanced understanding of Islam, not disinformation and fear. Our voices must be heard, now more than ever.

SPEAK OUT NOW

09/15/2008 - 11:00 a.m. CST -- by Christina Zola

Majid Al-Bahadli, Obama delegate from Washington State, danced on the floor of the Democratic National Convention, cheered on by members of his state's delegation, this past August. How he came to be there, the only Iraqi delegate on the floor, is an inspiration to us all.

Born and raised in Iraq, the budding political activist knew the risks of opposing Saddam's regime: in 1980, his uncle and cousins, and many other family members, were executed for it. When Saddam invaded Kuwait in 1991, Majid heeded the United States' call to... [Read More]

Are you registered to vote?

09/15/2008 - 9:05 a.m. CST -- by Christina Zola

If you're wondering how to register and vote in the 2008 elections, AAI has the answers you need.

For those of you living abroad, or if you know someone living overseas, there is a great website to help you get registered and ready to vote: VoteFromAbroad.org. Vote from Abroad is a non-partisan website that will help you get out the vote when you're away from home. The site's easy, step-by-step interface will walk you through every requirement to register as an overseas voter, and request an absentee ballot form. See our full Yalla Vote article, "More information on how to vote while overseas" at http://www.yallavote.org/2008/09/more-information-on-how-to-vote-while-overseas/

If you live here in the U.S., registering to vote is as easy as a click: go here (https://ssl.capwiz.com/arab/e4/nvra/?action=form&state= ) Time is running out to participate in this year's elections, so don't delay.

... [Read More]

Your Arab-American Candidates

08/21/2008 - 9:21 p.m. CST -- by Christina Zola

Get Involved!
Candidates
2008 Arab American Candidates
Posted on Tuesday July 8, 2008

ARIZONA
• Senator Paula Aboud (D-28th District) for re-election
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CALIFORNIA
• U.S. Representative Darrell Issa (R-49th District) for re-election
www.issaforcongress.com

• Ferial Masry (D-37th District) for State Assembly
www.ferialmasryforassembly.com

• Sam Wakim (R-2nd District) for State Assembly
Campaign suspended for personal and family reasons
www.samwakim.com

• Wafaa Aborashed for San Leandro City Council (District 6)
June 3 election results: 5th of 5 with 6.5% of the vote

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COLORADO
• Rima B. Sinclair for nomination for State Representative (R-6th House District)
www.sinclairdenver.com
Election Date: August 12 primary

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CONNECTICUT
• State Senator David Cappiello (R-5th CD) for nomination for U.S. Rep.
www.davidcappiello.com/dc

• State Representative William Hamzy 78th District) for re-election

• State Representative Selim Noujaim (R-74th CDistrict) for re-election
www.friendsofselim.com

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FLORIDA
• Duval County School Board member Tommy Hazouri for re-election
Ph: 904-260-4850

• Angela Corey (R-4th Judicial ... [Read More]

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