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Hernando Today

Islamic resolution draws criticism

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By MICHAEL D. BATES | Hernando Today

Published: November 11, 2009

BROOKSVILLE - As they do every year before Thanksgiving, county commissioners Tuesday presented a resolution to local Muslims for distributing food baskets to the needy.

The event coincides with the Muslims' holy season of Ramadan.

The board recognized the "caring spirit of the Islamic community" and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Florida chapter.

The Islamic community started the annual food basket drive after the Sept. 11 attacks as a way of giving back to the community and fulfilling the spirit of Ramadan, which emphasizes good will and sharing.

United Way and Publix help with the food drive.

But this year, the event drew criticism from one resident who said it is not fair that only one group is being singled out for recognition.

Michael Burmann told commissioners there are other groups even larger than this whose members do just as much and their efforts go unrecognized by the county.

"Why not a general resolution recognizing all of them, rather than isolating one specific group?" Burmann asked.

To the average person, Burmann said, this looks as if the county commissioners either have some kind of connection to the group through donations or that the Islamic group is trying to "improve their image" through this effort.

Burmann made the remarks during the citizen input portion of the meeting.

County Administrator David Hamilton, who responds to citizens' remarks afterward, did not comment on Burmann's comments.

Reporter Michael D. Bates can be reached at 352-544-5290 or mbates@hernandotoday.com.

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