The nation’s first Muslim congressman called for political change and spoke about how his faith has affected his job in a speech Tuesday at the Georgetown University Law Center.

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) told a packed crowd at the Gewirz Student Center that “the time is now” for political change and reworking.

Ellison, a freshman congressman, is the first African-American to represent Minnesota. He is a member of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, and sits on the Financial Services and Judiciary Committees, overseeing housing, financial and legal systems.

Opening his speech, Ellison cited the words of one of his former law professors.

“If you want to be remembered for what you said, never say more than three things. ... Saying two things is better than three, and saying one thing is best of all,” he said. “I have one thing to tell you: The time is now. It is time to reclaim our country, time to reclaim our world.”

Ellison defended his religious and racial heritage and spoke about remaining strong amidst widespread adversity. He told attendees that he has received over 110,000 pieces of mail accusing him of being a terrorist.

“I can tell you right here, right now, on the day of the Potomac primaries, it’s not looking good for the people who tried to whip up hatred for [Sen.] Barack Obama [(D-Ill.)] just because he has some Muslim heritage.” The point received a standing ovation from most of the room.

The congressman criticized President George W. Bush’s immigration and healthcare policies and the president’s record on social issues.

“Can you imagine this president speaking of social justice? It’s inconceivable that he would speak to anyone other than rich people,” he said.

Ellison called law students “the most important people in Washington D.C.,” and called on them to work to make the necessary progress happen. “Take yourself down to the central kitchen, you’re not too good for that. ... Please be good to each other. Use your law degree for something good.”

Ellison concluded by suggesting that the United States model itself after Norway — a nation, he said, with a culture of peace.
“If there’s one thing that I learned about Congress over the last year, it is that the big dogs don’t have it all figured out. There is room for an energetic, well-directed group of people to do what’s right.”

The event, a dinner and discussion, was sponsored by the Law Center, the Black Law Students Association, Muslim Law Students Association and Georgetown Law Democrats.