Opponent Criticizes Massachusetts Governor For Statements At Muslim Forum

In Massachusetts, state Treasurer Timothy Cahill who is running as an Independent candidate for governor this fall has strongly criticized Gov. Deval Patrick for his performance last Saturday at a forum at the Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center in Roxbury. Some 1100 people attended the event at the Center that was opened last year. Yesterday's Worcester Telegram & Gazette reported on developments. According to last Sunday's Boston Herald, Patrick was given one minute to answer yes or no to seven questions. He answered yes to all, promising among other things to move on cultural awareness training for law enforcement officers and to urge public and private employers to accommodate Muslims' need to attend religious services on Fridays. Cahill yesterday issued a statement that says in part: "Governor Patrick should stop playing politics with terrorism and focus on protecting all the citizens of this Commonwealth.... Now is the time for Governor Patrick to look radical Islamic terrorism full in the face, call it what it is...."