Photos & Video: Protest Against Islamophobia with Saqib Ali, Ike Leggett, Kumar Barve & Robin Ficker // Lowes Gaithersburg MD

Maryland Juice readers Amit Mistry and Robin Ficker (CD6 GOP candidate) have sent in photos from Sunday's protest at Lowes Home Improvement in Gaithersburg, Maryland. As we noted previously, the event was organized by former Delegate Saqib Ali over complaints that Lowes had caved in to Islamophobia:

Last week Lowes Hardware store caved in to rank Islamophobia by withdrawing its commercials that were scheduled to run during the TLC TV show "All American Muslims." Lowes did this because a fringe right-wing hate-group called the "Florida Family Association"  complained that the depiction of American Muslims as normal people was actually “propaganda clearly designed to counter legitimate and present-day concerns about many Muslims who are advancing Islamic fundamentalism and Sharia law." Lowes' shameful decision has sparked a huge national controversy.

The Montgomery Village Patch had video of the event, which they say was attended by approximately 60 protestors:

You can also see photos of the event at Maryland Juice's Facebook Page:

MoCo Juice Blender: Leggett Joins Lowes Protest, #1 Influential Councilmember, Huge Police Overtime & Corporate Welfare

UPDATE: Maryland Juice just received the following email from a CD6 GOP candidate: "Robin Ficker for Congress and Jobs will join his friend Saqib in the protest on Sunday too!" Interesting that a GOP candidate from Montgomery should reject extremist fear-mongering and join a protest against Islamophobia. 

Also, earlier today, Maryland Juice reader Dave Kunes sent us a Klout influence ranking for Montgomery County's State Legislators. #1: Heather Mizeur.

Here's a random blend of political tidbits from recent Montgomery County news, starting with an update from former Delegate Saqib Ali on his protest against Lowes:

Juice #1: Saqib Ali's Email Message Announcing Ike Leggett Joins Lowes Protest: Last week Lowes Hardware store caved in to rank Islamophobia by withdrawing its commercials that were scheduled to run during the TLC TV show "All American Muslims." Lowes did this because a fringe right-wing hate-group called the "Florida Family Association"  complained that the depiction of American Muslims as normal people was actually “propaganda clearly designed to counter legitimate and present-day concerns about many Muslims who are advancing Islamic fundamentalism and Sharia law." Lowes' shameful decision has sparked a huge national controversy. You can read about it here.

This decision has been condemned by prominent people from Rap Moghul Russel Simmons to Actress Mia Farrow to Newark Mayor Corey Booker. People from all walks of life are outraged that Lowe's kow-towed to such un-American demands. Imagine for a second if Lowes had pulled its commercials from a show just because it depicted Catholics or Jews as normal people. This is no different.

Saqib Ali Organizes Protest Against Montgomery County Lowes // Former MD Lawmaker Calls Out Caving to Islamophobia

UPDATE:  Saqib Ali just sent the following update: "Many people have already RSVPed, including the Majority Leader of the MD State House of Delegates Kumar Barve." Maryland Juice contacted Mr. Barve to confirm his attendance, and we received the following response: "Yes, I'll be there unless I have the flu (which everyone else seems to be getting)."

Maryland Juice just received the following email from former Maryland Delegate Saqib Ali:

Lowes Hardware store has decided to cave in to rank Islamophobia by pulling its commercials during the TV show "All American Muslims" http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/11/showbiz/all-american-muslim-lowes/index.html. They did this because some people complained that the show falsely depicts American Muslims as "normal people".

This decision has been condemned by politicians, activists and show-business celebrities. All kinds of people from all walks of life are outraged. Imagine for a second if Lowes had pulled its commercials from a show that depicted Catholics or Jews as "normal people". This is no different.

We will be picketting a Lowes store in Montgomery County, MD on Sunday December 18th. The exact location will be announced shortly. Please visit the Facebook page for this event by clicking here: http://on.fb.me/vtxEnt

- Saqib Ali

We'll update you on this story when we hear more!