If President Trump can welcome Zohran Mamdani, why can’t DA Dan Dow? | Opinion
An open letter to San Luis Obispo County District Attorney Dan Dow, in the wake of his public retweets and responses referencing Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and Mr. Mamdani’s recent warm welcome by President Trump at the Oval Office on Nov.21, 2025.
Assalamu Alaikum (May God’s peace be upon you) Dan,
How healing it is to see our president embrace Mr. Mamdani and wish him a successful term, despite having stark differences of opinion and approach, as fellow Americans.
I am skeptical of the fiscal viability of Mr. Mamdani’s campaign promises, but like President Donald Trump, I too wish Mr. Mamdani great success as the mayor-elect of New York City. He seems, in my assessment, to be a man of great integrity and noble intent.
Dan, you were quoted once as saying, “Even when we differ on specific policies, we’re united around the principle that victims deserve justice, no matter their background, identity or community.”
I believe the same holds true for the character assassination of political figures on both sides of the aisle.
Your public reposts two weeks ago attempting to link Mr. Mamdani with 9/11, cast an ugly and defamatory shadow upon all Muslim Americans, including those who you call friends here in San Luis Obispo. Mr. Mamdani was 9 years old on the day our nation was attacked by criminalized religionists.
To attach his mayoral victory in New York to this sinister incident is grossly inaccurate and offensive. It is something for which a public apology is warranted and expected, instead of a defiant public social media response by you, declaring, “I am Charlie Kirk.”
May the rifts in our nation continue to close, and may we endeavor to see the good in one another. It is my contention that diversity of both background and belief is our greatest strength as an “American” people.
May God’s peace be upon our nation. May we be united in purpose, around the principles of our Constitution, and may we all see it as our calling to enjoin what is good and prevent what is harmful.
Rushdi
Dr. Rushdi Cader is a UCLA trained emergency physician, founder of the first Muslim free clinic in the U.S. and served overseas with the International Medical Corps. He also served as a reserve officer with the San Luis Obispo Police Department.