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Last night I attended the Muslim-American Public Affairs Council (MAPAC) candidate forum and Ramadan dinner at Method Park Community Center. This was the first time I had ever attended one of these MAPAC events and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it! The hosts were kind and gracious, and went out of their way to make me feel welcome. One of the MC's upon learning of my Presbyterian affiliation hugged me and insisted that Presbyterians are "God's angels", and even introduced me as such to those in attendance. I was touched.

Many candidates for city council and board of education from many municipalities were in attendance. All but one of the Raleigh at-large candidates were there. I had an opportunity before dinner to speak to some of my positions on tax and spending restraint, and protection of greenspace. District B candidate Rodger Koopman took a walk through history, sharing some of the major contributions the Arab civilization has made to the world. I mentioned another important contribution, our number system, and quipped that I hoped the numbers on election day ended up in my favor. That seemed to get some chuckles.

In this modern political day unfortunately most civic groups have disengaged themselves from politics. They "don't do" politics, and the consequence of that has been a diminishing discussion of ideas and issues, and narrowcasting of politics and the rise of special interests. The MAPAC forum last night is a glorious exception to this. I wish more civic groups similarly engage with local politics and city leaders. I'm sure our process would be the better for it.