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Sheriff Lee Baca, enjoying his popularity among American Muslims for being a friendly face and voice of common sense among his fellow Republicans, recently went to New York to preach the benefits of Muslim outreach on a panel about national security. Robert Faturechi of the Los Angeles Times went along, observed Baca being admired, and found a sheriff who walks the walk.
"Did you see those girls? Do they look like terrorists to you?" he said of the gaggle of young Muslim women who greeted him. "They're not terrorists. I know my public."The events of 9/11 quickly took Baca in an unusual direction. When many politicians chose an arms-length approach to Muslims, Baca chose the Koran — literally. In the black sedan that ferried him from one engagement to another, he pored over the book, reading it from front to back, memorizing passages.
Within days of the terrorist attack, Baca met with local Muslim leaders, promising them protection. Responding to reports that Pakistani store owners were being hassled, Baca ordered his deputies "to go by the 7-Elevens and offer support."
His empathy for a persecuted minority, he says, isn't rooted in any sort of shared experience as a Mexican American but in an unusual childhood.
Previously on LA Observed:
Baca speaks up for Muslims at Congress hearing *
Sheriff Baca comes to Washington, goes away mad