McCain Goofs, Calls Himself a Liberal
Maybe all the criticism from Rush Limbaugh is sinking in.
Republican presidential hopeful Sen. John McCain almost called himself a liberal on Thursday, getting ahead of himself as he contrasted himself with the Democratic candidates.
“I’m a proud, conservative, liberal Republi- Hello! Easy there,” McCain said, laughing along with his audience at Texas Instruments Inc.
He corrected himself immediately. “Let me say this: I am a proud, conservative Republican, and both of my possible or likely opponents today are liberal Democrats.”
A “liberal” label is sometimes applied to McCain by conservative foes such as Limbaugh who dislike some of his moderate stances and his willingness to work with Democrats. Still, the Arizona senator has made inroads with many critics since becoming the GOP nominee-in-waiting.
McCain was answering a question about whether he would aggressively campaign against Democratic Sens. Barack Obama or Hillary Rodham Clinton.
“Yessir, I will, but I also want to say, I think Americans are a little bit tired of all these negative ads,” McCain said. “I want to assure you that I have in this primary, and in my past election campaigns, and in this one, I will conduct a respectful debate.”
Then he made one more slip: “Now, it’ll be dispirited — it’ll be spirited, because there are stark differences,” McCain said.
He concluded: “So there will be strong differences of views and policies in the future of America.”
Pertinent Links:
1) McCain Goofs, Calls Himself a Liberal
Showing posts with label texas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label texas. Show all posts
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Friday, February 08, 2008
DAR AL HARB - U.S.A.: SHARI'AH LAW ENFORCED IN AMERICAN COURTS?!?
Sharia Law Enforced in Texas!
Read all about this (and Osama is even involved). But wait, it's also in Minnesota. And in New Jersey (Nat'l Group for Communications & Computers Ltd. v. Lucent Technologies Int'l, Inc., 331 F. Supp. 2d 290 (D.N.J. 2004)).
Oddly enough, the American courts treat this as a perfectly normal matter. In the first two cases I cited, the parties entered into a contract that provided for Sharia arbitration; the courts considered challenges to the arbitral process, and upheld the awards. The third case involved a contractual provision expressly stating that disputes about the contract would be resolved under Saudi Arabian law; the court then dutifully investigated what the Saudi rules (which are built on Sharia) would call for, and rendered judgment "based upon this Court's review of various academic texts, the testimony of the experts, the submissions of the parties, and the Court's understanding of the fundamental principles of Islamic law as they would be interpreted by a court in Saudi Arabia."
...
Pertinent Links:
1) Sharia Law Enforced in Texas!
Read all about this (and Osama is even involved). But wait, it's also in Minnesota. And in New Jersey (Nat'l Group for Communications & Computers Ltd. v. Lucent Technologies Int'l, Inc., 331 F. Supp. 2d 290 (D.N.J. 2004)).
Oddly enough, the American courts treat this as a perfectly normal matter. In the first two cases I cited, the parties entered into a contract that provided for Sharia arbitration; the courts considered challenges to the arbitral process, and upheld the awards. The third case involved a contractual provision expressly stating that disputes about the contract would be resolved under Saudi Arabian law; the court then dutifully investigated what the Saudi rules (which are built on Sharia) would call for, and rendered judgment "based upon this Court's review of various academic texts, the testimony of the experts, the submissions of the parties, and the Court's understanding of the fundamental principles of Islamic law as they would be interpreted by a court in Saudi Arabia."
...
Pertinent Links:
1) Sharia Law Enforced in Texas!
Friday, July 27, 2007
DAR AL HARB - U.S.A.: SABOTAGE AT N.A.S.A.
NASA Shaken by Sabotage, Alcohol Claims
...
Gerstenmaier had more news. He revealed that an employee for a NASA subcontractor had cut the wires in a computer that was about to be loaded into the shuttle Endeavour for launch.
The subcontractor, which he wouldn't name, contacted NASA 1 1/2 weeks ago, as soon as it learned that another computer had been damaged deliberately, Gerstenmaier said. Had the contractor not discovered the problem, NASA would have uncovered it by testing the computer before launch, Gerstenmaier said. Safety was not an issue, he added.
He refused to speculate on the worker's motive. He also wouldn't say where the sabotage occurred. He said it did not happen in Florida and had nothing to do with an ongoing strike at the Kennedy Space Center by a machinists' union.
NASA hopes to fix the computer in time for launch next month. It's intended to be installed inside the space station to collect data from strain gauges on a major outside beam.
...
1) Name the subcontractor...
2) Name of the employee that was responsible for the sabotage...
I am very curious to learn if there are any hints of the moslem jihad...
***UPDATE***UPDATE***UPDATE***
FOXNEWS reporting:
INVOCON INC. is the company that is the subcontractor...
Pertinent Links:
1) NASA Shaken by Sabotage, Alcohol Claims
...
Gerstenmaier had more news. He revealed that an employee for a NASA subcontractor had cut the wires in a computer that was about to be loaded into the shuttle Endeavour for launch.
The subcontractor, which he wouldn't name, contacted NASA 1 1/2 weeks ago, as soon as it learned that another computer had been damaged deliberately, Gerstenmaier said. Had the contractor not discovered the problem, NASA would have uncovered it by testing the computer before launch, Gerstenmaier said. Safety was not an issue, he added.
He refused to speculate on the worker's motive. He also wouldn't say where the sabotage occurred. He said it did not happen in Florida and had nothing to do with an ongoing strike at the Kennedy Space Center by a machinists' union.
NASA hopes to fix the computer in time for launch next month. It's intended to be installed inside the space station to collect data from strain gauges on a major outside beam.
...
1) Name the subcontractor...
2) Name of the employee that was responsible for the sabotage...
I am very curious to learn if there are any hints of the moslem jihad...
***UPDATE***UPDATE***UPDATE***
FOXNEWS reporting:
INVOCON INC. is the company that is the subcontractor...
Pertinent Links:
1) NASA Shaken by Sabotage, Alcohol Claims
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
DAR AL HARB - U.S.A. - TEXAS: DALLAS NATURAL GAS EXPLOSIONS - - - CHIEF DEPUTY SAYS: "TERRORISM IS NOT RULED OUT"
Liquefied Natural Gas Explosion, Dallas: "Terrorism Not Ruled Out"
by Mike Baron
Terrorism has "not been ruled out" in the liquefied natural gas explosion in downtown Dallas, Texas, according to the Chief Deputy.
Chemicals at the plant were referred to as "very dangerous" at a news conference on the massive gas plant fire explosion, and Officials will not send in firefighters until they're sure it's safe. The firefighters are currently unable to get close enough to the fire to put it out because of the constant explosions at the plant.
The chemicals "very dangerous" gases ware several different medical gases, liquefied natural gas, hydrogen, propane, and acetylene. The deputy Chief explained that officials have set up secure perimeter around the plant using officers from 6 patrol divisions. Several highways have been closed down and they don't if anyone was working in the plant at the time of the explosion.
The Chief Deputy also said that "terrorism has not been ruled out", as police have not been able to investigate the scene.
Pertinent Links:
1) Liquefied Natural Gas Explosion, Dallas: "Terrorism Not Ruled Out"
by Mike Baron
Terrorism has "not been ruled out" in the liquefied natural gas explosion in downtown Dallas, Texas, according to the Chief Deputy.
Chemicals at the plant were referred to as "very dangerous" at a news conference on the massive gas plant fire explosion, and Officials will not send in firefighters until they're sure it's safe. The firefighters are currently unable to get close enough to the fire to put it out because of the constant explosions at the plant.
The chemicals "very dangerous" gases ware several different medical gases, liquefied natural gas, hydrogen, propane, and acetylene. The deputy Chief explained that officials have set up secure perimeter around the plant using officers from 6 patrol divisions. Several highways have been closed down and they don't if anyone was working in the plant at the time of the explosion.
The Chief Deputy also said that "terrorism has not been ruled out", as police have not been able to investigate the scene.
Pertinent Links:
1) Liquefied Natural Gas Explosion, Dallas: "Terrorism Not Ruled Out"
Monday, July 16, 2007
DAR AL HARB - U.S.A. - TEXAS: "HOLY LAND" CHARITY GOES ON TRIAL
Trial to begin for Texas-based Muslim charityGroup and five of its officers are accused of funding Hamas
By THOMAS KOROSEC
DALLAS — A Richardson-based Muslim charity and five of its officers are scheduled to go on trial here today on charges related to claims that it funneled at least $12.4 million to Hamas, a Palestinian group the U.S. government says is a terrorist organization.
The trial comes at the end of a long-running federal investigation that began with FBI agents surveiling officials of the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development at a 1993 meeting in Philadelphia.
A 2004 federal indictment alleges the group was set up in 1988 to provide financial and material support to Hamas, a radical Islamist group that sponsors suicide bombings in Israel and has gained political power in the Palestinian territories.
President Bush closed the charity by executive order in December 2001 and froze $4 million of its assets. At the time it was the largest Muslim charity in the U.S.
Leaders of the foundation have maintained they aided only health clinics, orphanages and others in need.
"This case involves whether humanitarian assistance in Palestine is going to be treated as a crime," said defense lawyer John Boyd, who is representing both the charity and its chief executive and co-founder, Shukri Abu Baker, a 48-year-old Garland resident.
"There is no allegation that the Holy Land Foundation gave money to Hamas or that any of its funds were used for terrorism," Boyd said.
The 42-count indictment alleges that the foundation supported Hamas through donations to charity committees and other organizations in the West Bank and Gaza under Hamas' control. It also accuses the group of funding "family members of individuals who were either 'martyred' or jailed for terrorist related activities."
The group's intent was allegedly to "effectively reward past, and encourage future suicide bombings and terrorist activities" by Hamas.
"Not only did HLF operate to support the Hamas agenda, but it was created for that very purpose," a government brief contends.
...
[and]
N. Texas Muslims say Holy Land case is political
Family speaks of a decade of searches, interrogations, arrests
By JASON TRAHAN
For many North Texas Muslims, the Holy Land Foundation investigation is a saga fueled by prejudice.
Local Muslim leaders have long decried the government's "witch hunt" of what they say was a charitable foundation dedicated to helping Palestinian refugees caught up in the Arab-Israeli conflict.
They say the investigation and the trial of Holy Land and seven of its organizers is a product of "Islamophobia," which was the focus of a conference last weekend in Dallas sponsored by the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
"This politically driven indictment will break new ground and potentially make new law by attempting to criminalize humanitarian aid," said Khalil Meek, president of the Plano-based Muslim Legal Fund of America, which is helping pay for the Holy Land defendants' attorneys.
For the family of Ghassan Elashi, the trial is the latest in more than a decade of troubles with the federal government. Investigations have included interrogations, searches, arrests and the wiretapping of conversations.
"The trial has taken over my thoughts during the day and my dreams during the night," said Noor Elashi, daughter of Mr. Elashi and a reporter at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Prosecutors accuse Mr. Elashi and his co-defendants of using Richardson-based Holy Land to funnel millions of dollars to the terrorist organization Hamas.
But for the 21-year-old, the case is about her father's name and reputation.
"While I'm driving, while I'm working, while I'm eating, it's all I think about," she said. "I keep asking myself, 'How can my father and the other co-defendants be accused of supporting heinous acts of violence when all they did was feed, clothe and help educate Palestinian orphans and widows?' "
Today's trial is the third involving her family members. In 2004 and 2005, her father and uncles defended themselves against accusations that they did business with terrorist nations by shipping computer equipment to Syria and Libya.
Defense attorneys argued that the government's accusations were overblown because the men were Muslim and amounted to nothing more than minor export violations that should have been handled with a fine.
They were also accused of having financial dealings with a high-ranking Hamas member, Mousa Abu Marzook, who is married to a cousin of the Elashis. The family says the money was actually an annuity investment in InfoCom by Mr. Marzook's wife. She used the monthly proceeds to pay living expenses, attorneys for the brothers said.
The juries returned convictions in both trials.
"It's unimaginable that a man who loves America so much would face such tribulations in the country he now calls home," Ms. Elashi said.
Ms. Elashi said her father was uprooted from his childhood Palestinian home in 1967, along with his parents and four brothers. The family settled in the U.S. about 25 years ago and has called it home since.
"America is the only home that my five siblings and I have ever known – from my brother who lives and breathes skateboarding, to my teenage sister, whose favorite show is Gilmore Girls."
...
Pertinent Links:
1) Trial to begin for Texas-based Muslim charityGroup and five of its officers are accused of funding Hamas
2) N. Texas Muslims say Holy Land case is political
By THOMAS KOROSEC
DALLAS — A Richardson-based Muslim charity and five of its officers are scheduled to go on trial here today on charges related to claims that it funneled at least $12.4 million to Hamas, a Palestinian group the U.S. government says is a terrorist organization.
The trial comes at the end of a long-running federal investigation that began with FBI agents surveiling officials of the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development at a 1993 meeting in Philadelphia.
A 2004 federal indictment alleges the group was set up in 1988 to provide financial and material support to Hamas, a radical Islamist group that sponsors suicide bombings in Israel and has gained political power in the Palestinian territories.
President Bush closed the charity by executive order in December 2001 and froze $4 million of its assets. At the time it was the largest Muslim charity in the U.S.
Leaders of the foundation have maintained they aided only health clinics, orphanages and others in need.
"This case involves whether humanitarian assistance in Palestine is going to be treated as a crime," said defense lawyer John Boyd, who is representing both the charity and its chief executive and co-founder, Shukri Abu Baker, a 48-year-old Garland resident.
"There is no allegation that the Holy Land Foundation gave money to Hamas or that any of its funds were used for terrorism," Boyd said.
The 42-count indictment alleges that the foundation supported Hamas through donations to charity committees and other organizations in the West Bank and Gaza under Hamas' control. It also accuses the group of funding "family members of individuals who were either 'martyred' or jailed for terrorist related activities."
The group's intent was allegedly to "effectively reward past, and encourage future suicide bombings and terrorist activities" by Hamas.
"Not only did HLF operate to support the Hamas agenda, but it was created for that very purpose," a government brief contends.
...
[and]
N. Texas Muslims say Holy Land case is political
Family speaks of a decade of searches, interrogations, arrests
By JASON TRAHAN
For many North Texas Muslims, the Holy Land Foundation investigation is a saga fueled by prejudice.
Local Muslim leaders have long decried the government's "witch hunt" of what they say was a charitable foundation dedicated to helping Palestinian refugees caught up in the Arab-Israeli conflict.
They say the investigation and the trial of Holy Land and seven of its organizers is a product of "Islamophobia," which was the focus of a conference last weekend in Dallas sponsored by the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
"This politically driven indictment will break new ground and potentially make new law by attempting to criminalize humanitarian aid," said Khalil Meek, president of the Plano-based Muslim Legal Fund of America, which is helping pay for the Holy Land defendants' attorneys.
For the family of Ghassan Elashi, the trial is the latest in more than a decade of troubles with the federal government. Investigations have included interrogations, searches, arrests and the wiretapping of conversations.
"The trial has taken over my thoughts during the day and my dreams during the night," said Noor Elashi, daughter of Mr. Elashi and a reporter at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Prosecutors accuse Mr. Elashi and his co-defendants of using Richardson-based Holy Land to funnel millions of dollars to the terrorist organization Hamas.
But for the 21-year-old, the case is about her father's name and reputation.
"While I'm driving, while I'm working, while I'm eating, it's all I think about," she said. "I keep asking myself, 'How can my father and the other co-defendants be accused of supporting heinous acts of violence when all they did was feed, clothe and help educate Palestinian orphans and widows?' "
Today's trial is the third involving her family members. In 2004 and 2005, her father and uncles defended themselves against accusations that they did business with terrorist nations by shipping computer equipment to Syria and Libya.
Defense attorneys argued that the government's accusations were overblown because the men were Muslim and amounted to nothing more than minor export violations that should have been handled with a fine.
They were also accused of having financial dealings with a high-ranking Hamas member, Mousa Abu Marzook, who is married to a cousin of the Elashis. The family says the money was actually an annuity investment in InfoCom by Mr. Marzook's wife. She used the monthly proceeds to pay living expenses, attorneys for the brothers said.
The juries returned convictions in both trials.
"It's unimaginable that a man who loves America so much would face such tribulations in the country he now calls home," Ms. Elashi said.
Ms. Elashi said her father was uprooted from his childhood Palestinian home in 1967, along with his parents and four brothers. The family settled in the U.S. about 25 years ago and has called it home since.
"America is the only home that my five siblings and I have ever known – from my brother who lives and breathes skateboarding, to my teenage sister, whose favorite show is Gilmore Girls."
...
Pertinent Links:
1) Trial to begin for Texas-based Muslim charityGroup and five of its officers are accused of funding Hamas
2) N. Texas Muslims say Holy Land case is political
Monday, June 11, 2007
DAR AL HARB - U.S.A. - TEXAS: THE DEADLY MARRIAGE OF ISLAM & FASCISM
Baptists Warned About Islam, Atheism
By ERIC GORSKI
SAN ANTONIO (AP) - Watergate figure Chuck Colson warned a gathering of Southern Baptist pastors Sunday night against what he described as two dire threats: the deadly marriage of Islam and fascism and a new, militant atheism growing in popularity in the West.
Colson, a former Nixon "hatchet man'' who became a born-again Christian and founded an evangelical ministry to prisoners, called on Christians to do a better job of explaining their religion's worldview.
Colson, 75, spoke at a conference that precedes the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention, which begins here Tuesday.
At one point, Colson said "Islam is a vicious, evil ... "and then before finishing the sentence, said, "Islamo-fascism is evil incarnate.''
"Islamists,'' Colson said, "are very different. We will die for what we believe. They will kill for what they believe.''
"The problem isn't terrorism,'' Colson said. "The problem is an ideology that is mixed with fascism ... We are in a long war, a long struggle.''
...
Pertinent Links:
1) Baptists Warned About Islam, Atheism
By ERIC GORSKI
SAN ANTONIO (AP) - Watergate figure Chuck Colson warned a gathering of Southern Baptist pastors Sunday night against what he described as two dire threats: the deadly marriage of Islam and fascism and a new, militant atheism growing in popularity in the West.
Colson, a former Nixon "hatchet man'' who became a born-again Christian and founded an evangelical ministry to prisoners, called on Christians to do a better job of explaining their religion's worldview.
Colson, 75, spoke at a conference that precedes the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention, which begins here Tuesday.
At one point, Colson said "Islam is a vicious, evil ... "and then before finishing the sentence, said, "Islamo-fascism is evil incarnate.''
"Islamists,'' Colson said, "are very different. We will die for what we believe. They will kill for what they believe.''
"The problem isn't terrorism,'' Colson said. "The problem is an ideology that is mixed with fascism ... We are in a long war, a long struggle.''
...
Pertinent Links:
1) Baptists Warned About Islam, Atheism
Thursday, June 07, 2007
DAR AL HARB - U.S.A. - TEXAS: MOST MOSLEM IMMIGRANTS HAVE NO DESIRE TO ASSIMILATE IN AMERICA, THEY WANT TO ISLAMIZE IT
Muslim call to prayer an alarm
Americans had best heed
Muslim muezzins (pronounced myoo ez-ins) are a unique fraternity. They call the faithful to prayer five times a day.
The first time I heard one, I was in northern Galilee, trying to study. The man in the minaret had a bullhorn.
The student next to me whispered, "What is he saying?"
"He's welcoming me to his country," I whispered back.
Since then, I've learned to take Muslims and their muezzins more seriously. In his book "America Alone," author Mark Steyn writes, "Someday soon, you might wake up to the call to prayer from a muezzin. Europeans already are."
A few years ago, I would have scoffed at the idea of muezzins plying their trade on the High Plains. Not now. Not after witnessing Islamic anger firsthand. I'm convinced more than ever that it's just a matter of time before we're waking up to their shrill call to prayer.
After four years of direct contact with Middle Eastern Muslim immigrants, I've concluded that most of them are committed to transforming American culture. Most of the ones I've interacted with are not interested in assimilation into American culture.
I came to this opinion slowly, gradually. The first time I considered the idea was in 2001, shortly after Sept. 11. I was speaking to an English as a Second Language class, explaining that there were still people trapped beneath the rubble of the Twin Towers. When I told the group that these people were using their cell phones to say goodbye to their families, the Muslims laughed. They thought it was funny.
I suggested it was inappropriate to laugh at such things. One of them sneered and said something in Arabic to the others.
Again, my opinions about Muslims have been shaped by direct experience, firsthand knowledge. I've had Muslims into my home on several occasions. I've been in their homes. I've helped them with numerous tasks outside the classroom.
What I've seen and heard has convinced me that Middle Eastern Muslim immigrants don't want to be part of our culture - they want to transform it.
Once, during school, a roar ricocheted through the building and into the room I was in. I rushed to my door, looked out and saw a Muslim student with eyes bulging, looming over my small, quaking colleague. His chest heaved like bellows. Spittle lined the sides of his mouth. His teeth were clenched, his jaws rippling.
My frightened coworker refused to look at him, so he screamed again in an attempt to resolve his problem. She was silent. He muttered something in an unknown tongue and roared.
This wasn't the first time this man had done this. Apparently, he believes women deserve to be verbally abused when his needs aren't met. Regrettably, my colleague and I placated the apoplectic student instead of calling the campus police.
Some may say these are mere anecdotes, fodder for a political tract. But this is the consistent behavior of the Muslims I have come into contact with during the past five years. Recently, I had to catch a flight out of Amarillo. While standing in line to have my boarding pass and identification checked, I noticed that the security clerk behind the podium was of Middle Eastern descent. He had the black hair, dark skin and familiar accent of my students.
I smiled and asked, "Where are you from?"
He stared and said, "Where are you from?"
"Sacramento," I replied.
He smirked. "That is where I am from then."
Part of my problem is that I want to think the best of Middle Easterners. And that makes me kind of na�ve. I wasn't certain whether this guy was being a smart aleck until I looked at my boarding pass. He had written something in Arabic on it.
"What is this?" I asked.
He smiled and said, "English," then turned to help another customer.
I went through security and notified the supervisor. I'm uncertain if anything was done.
Are my numerous unpleasant encounters unrelated flukes or part of a consistent pattern of behavior characteristic to a particular group - Middle Eastern Muslim men?
My experience lends itself to another question: Can America insist that Muslims homogenize?
What if they refuse, as they have already done in Ontario, Canada? The Islamic community there demanded that sharia be recognized as a legitimate form of civil law, and the provincial government acquiesced.
Still unconvinced?
Reference the recent story about the basins installed at Kansas City International Airport so Muslims can wash their feet before prayer. Whatever happened to so-called separation of church and state?
Our commitment to multiculturalism and tolerance is giving an Islamic republic the opportunity to establish itself on American soil.
It already has happened in Europe - because Europeans slept through the muezzins' call to prayer.
Pertinent Links:
1) Muslim call to prayer an alarm
Americans had best heed
Muslim muezzins (pronounced myoo ez-ins) are a unique fraternity. They call the faithful to prayer five times a day.
The first time I heard one, I was in northern Galilee, trying to study. The man in the minaret had a bullhorn.
The student next to me whispered, "What is he saying?"
"He's welcoming me to his country," I whispered back.
Since then, I've learned to take Muslims and their muezzins more seriously. In his book "America Alone," author Mark Steyn writes, "Someday soon, you might wake up to the call to prayer from a muezzin. Europeans already are."
A few years ago, I would have scoffed at the idea of muezzins plying their trade on the High Plains. Not now. Not after witnessing Islamic anger firsthand. I'm convinced more than ever that it's just a matter of time before we're waking up to their shrill call to prayer.
After four years of direct contact with Middle Eastern Muslim immigrants, I've concluded that most of them are committed to transforming American culture. Most of the ones I've interacted with are not interested in assimilation into American culture.
I came to this opinion slowly, gradually. The first time I considered the idea was in 2001, shortly after Sept. 11. I was speaking to an English as a Second Language class, explaining that there were still people trapped beneath the rubble of the Twin Towers. When I told the group that these people were using their cell phones to say goodbye to their families, the Muslims laughed. They thought it was funny.
I suggested it was inappropriate to laugh at such things. One of them sneered and said something in Arabic to the others.
Again, my opinions about Muslims have been shaped by direct experience, firsthand knowledge. I've had Muslims into my home on several occasions. I've been in their homes. I've helped them with numerous tasks outside the classroom.
What I've seen and heard has convinced me that Middle Eastern Muslim immigrants don't want to be part of our culture - they want to transform it.
Once, during school, a roar ricocheted through the building and into the room I was in. I rushed to my door, looked out and saw a Muslim student with eyes bulging, looming over my small, quaking colleague. His chest heaved like bellows. Spittle lined the sides of his mouth. His teeth were clenched, his jaws rippling.
My frightened coworker refused to look at him, so he screamed again in an attempt to resolve his problem. She was silent. He muttered something in an unknown tongue and roared.
This wasn't the first time this man had done this. Apparently, he believes women deserve to be verbally abused when his needs aren't met. Regrettably, my colleague and I placated the apoplectic student instead of calling the campus police.
Some may say these are mere anecdotes, fodder for a political tract. But this is the consistent behavior of the Muslims I have come into contact with during the past five years. Recently, I had to catch a flight out of Amarillo. While standing in line to have my boarding pass and identification checked, I noticed that the security clerk behind the podium was of Middle Eastern descent. He had the black hair, dark skin and familiar accent of my students.
I smiled and asked, "Where are you from?"
He stared and said, "Where are you from?"
"Sacramento," I replied.
He smirked. "That is where I am from then."
Part of my problem is that I want to think the best of Middle Easterners. And that makes me kind of na�ve. I wasn't certain whether this guy was being a smart aleck until I looked at my boarding pass. He had written something in Arabic on it.
"What is this?" I asked.
He smiled and said, "English," then turned to help another customer.
I went through security and notified the supervisor. I'm uncertain if anything was done.
Are my numerous unpleasant encounters unrelated flukes or part of a consistent pattern of behavior characteristic to a particular group - Middle Eastern Muslim men?
My experience lends itself to another question: Can America insist that Muslims homogenize?
What if they refuse, as they have already done in Ontario, Canada? The Islamic community there demanded that sharia be recognized as a legitimate form of civil law, and the provincial government acquiesced.
Still unconvinced?
Reference the recent story about the basins installed at Kansas City International Airport so Muslims can wash their feet before prayer. Whatever happened to so-called separation of church and state?
Our commitment to multiculturalism and tolerance is giving an Islamic republic the opportunity to establish itself on American soil.
It already has happened in Europe - because Europeans slept through the muezzins' call to prayer.
Pertinent Links:
1) Muslim call to prayer an alarm
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
DAR AL HARB - U.S.A.: THE RELEASE OF A CONVICTED TERRORIST
US accused over release of convicted terrorist
Mark Tran and agencies
Cuba and Venezuela today accused the US of double standards after a judge threw out immigration charges against a former CIA operative and convicted terrorist.
In a surprise move, Kathleen Cardone, a US district judge in El Paso, Texas, dismissed the charges against Luis Posada Carriles on the grounds that the US government case was based on statements obtained from the 79-year-old under false pretences.
Mr Posada - who was to stand trial later this week - thought he was in an immigration interview that was actually a criminal interrogation, his lawyers said.
...
Pertinent Links:
1) US accused over release of convicted terrorist
Mark Tran and agencies
Cuba and Venezuela today accused the US of double standards after a judge threw out immigration charges against a former CIA operative and convicted terrorist.
In a surprise move, Kathleen Cardone, a US district judge in El Paso, Texas, dismissed the charges against Luis Posada Carriles on the grounds that the US government case was based on statements obtained from the 79-year-old under false pretences.
Mr Posada - who was to stand trial later this week - thought he was in an immigration interview that was actually a criminal interrogation, his lawyers said.
...
Pertinent Links:
1) US accused over release of convicted terrorist
Thursday, April 05, 2007
DAR AL HARB - U.S.A. - TEXAS: TEXAST SENATOR PATRICK BOYCOTTS THE PRO-KHOMEINI IMAMS PRAYERS
Houston senator boycotts imam's prayer
By TERRENCE STUTZ
The Dallas Morning News
AUSTIN – A Republican senator boycotted an opening prayer in the chamber by a Dallas Islamic spiritual leader on Wednesday, saying he didn't want his presence viewed as an endorsement of the man and his views.
Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, said while he had no problem with Imam Yusuf Kavakci delivering the invocation, he didn't want to be on the Senate floor during the prayer.
"It is important that we are tolerant of all faiths as a people, but that does not mean we have to endorse all faiths – and that was my decision," said Sen. Patrick, also a radio talk show host on stations in Dallas and Houston.
...
Sen. Shapiro dismissed the criticism of her invitation, noting that every other senator – Democrat and Republican – had no problem at all with the choice of Dr. Kavakci to give the daily morning prayer. "Our country prides itself on freedoms; the most relevant today is freedom of religion," Sen. Shapiro said in introducing Dr. Kavakci, one of her constituents.
Dr. Kavakci, born and raised in Turkey, is resident Islamic scholar for the Dallas Central Mosque in Richardson and is spiritual leader for the Islamic Association of North Texas, which serves more than 150,000 Muslims. Sen. Shapiro, who is Jewish, said she was asked about three months ago to authorize Dr. Kavakci's Senate prayer.
Sen. Patrick sought to clarify his actions by delivering a speech just before the Senate adjourned for the Easter weekend, saying he was "greatly impacted by what happened earlier today."
"In many parts of the world, Jews and Christians would not be given that same right" afforded Dr. Kavakci, he said.
This is an update on the story I posted the other day titled: A Pro-Khomeini Imam to Pray in Texas Senate...See link below...
Pertinent Links:
1) Houston senator boycotts imam's prayer
2) A Pro-Khomeini Imam to Pray in Texas Senate
By TERRENCE STUTZ
The Dallas Morning News
AUSTIN – A Republican senator boycotted an opening prayer in the chamber by a Dallas Islamic spiritual leader on Wednesday, saying he didn't want his presence viewed as an endorsement of the man and his views.
Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, said while he had no problem with Imam Yusuf Kavakci delivering the invocation, he didn't want to be on the Senate floor during the prayer.
"It is important that we are tolerant of all faiths as a people, but that does not mean we have to endorse all faiths – and that was my decision," said Sen. Patrick, also a radio talk show host on stations in Dallas and Houston.
...
Sen. Shapiro dismissed the criticism of her invitation, noting that every other senator – Democrat and Republican – had no problem at all with the choice of Dr. Kavakci to give the daily morning prayer. "Our country prides itself on freedoms; the most relevant today is freedom of religion," Sen. Shapiro said in introducing Dr. Kavakci, one of her constituents.
Dr. Kavakci, born and raised in Turkey, is resident Islamic scholar for the Dallas Central Mosque in Richardson and is spiritual leader for the Islamic Association of North Texas, which serves more than 150,000 Muslims. Sen. Shapiro, who is Jewish, said she was asked about three months ago to authorize Dr. Kavakci's Senate prayer.
Sen. Patrick sought to clarify his actions by delivering a speech just before the Senate adjourned for the Easter weekend, saying he was "greatly impacted by what happened earlier today."
"In many parts of the world, Jews and Christians would not be given that same right" afforded Dr. Kavakci, he said.
This is an update on the story I posted the other day titled: A Pro-Khomeini Imam to Pray in Texas Senate...See link below...
Pertinent Links:
1) Houston senator boycotts imam's prayer
2) A Pro-Khomeini Imam to Pray in Texas Senate
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
DAR AL HARB - U.S.A. - TEXAS: AN PRO-KHOMEINI IMAM TO PRAY IN THE TEXAS SENATE
Plan for Muslim prayer in Senate angers some
Harris County Republican chair questions why the event is so close to Easter
By R.G. RATCLIFFE
AUSTIN — The first prayer ever by a Muslim cleric in the Texas Senate will be delivered today — outraging some conservatives because it is occurring just before Easter.
The invocation will be delivered by the Imam Yusuf Kavakci of the Dallas Central Mosque at the invitation of state Sen. Florence Shapiro, R-Plano. Shapiro is Jewish.
Shapiro spokeswoman Jennifer Ransom Rice said the invitation was extended to Kavakci because Wednesday is the Texas Muslims Legislative Day at the Capitol.
Harris County Republican Chairman Jared Woodfill said the timing of the Muslim prayer outraged him.
"I'm shocked that the day before the Easter recess that a Muslim is leading the prayer," Woodfill said. "They should be having a celebration about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ."
The holidays for Christians are Good Friday and Easter Sunday. This also is Passover, a major Jewish holiday.
Woodfill said the invocation should be delivered by someone who represents Judeo-Christian values.
...
WorldNetDaily.com has the following concerning the 'imam':
Pro-Khomeini imam to pray before Texas Senate
'Moderate' scheduled to deliver today's invocation participated in ayatollah tribute
The Texas Senate will open today with its first Islamic prayer, offered by a Dallas imam who has been criticized for participating in a "tribute to the great Islamic visionary," Ayatollah Khomeini.
Imam Yusuf Kavakci of the Dallas Central Mosque is scheduled to be welcomed by Texas' Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Sen. Florence Shapiro, the Senate's senior Jewish member and sponsor of Kavakci's invocation.
According to an announcement by the Dallas-Forth Worth chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the occasion will be broadcast live on the Texas Senate website and attended by a number of faith-based groups, including Texas Impact, Baptist General Convention of Texas' Christian Life Commission, Texas Conference of Churches and Texas Islamic Council.
"Don't miss the next milestone event for the Texas Muslim community!' DFW-CAIR's announcement read. "On April 4, 2007, the first Muslim imam will open the Texas Senate with an Islamic prayer."
Kavacki, who has served in Dallas area for nearly 20 years, has been seen as a moderate voice among U.S. Muslims, but he has not gone uncriticized for some of his activities.
WND reported in 2005 on the nonpartisan Freedom House report documenting Saudi-sponsored hate literature, originating with the government and Saudi-financed sources that reflected "extremist Wahhabi ideology," being disseminated through mosques in the U.S.
One of those mosques, according to a critical editorial in the Dallas Morning News, was Kavacki's:
"Unfortunately, this kind of thing is not altogether alien to this mosque," it read. "Last spring, it hosted a youth quiz competition, sponsored by two national organizations closely tied to the worldwide Islamist movement. Kids were tested on the work of premier jihad ideologist Sayyid Qutb.
"The mosque's imam, Dr. Yusuf Kavakci, has publicly praised two of the world's foremost radical Islamists, Yusuf Qaradawi and Hasan al-Turabi, as exemplary leaders. Dr. Kavakci also sits on the board of the Saudi-backed Islamic Society of North America, described in congressional testimony as a major conduit of Wahhabist teaching. Yet Dr. Kavakci tells The Dallas Morning News he rejects Wahhabist teaching. Something doesn't add up.
"Sayyid Qutb is the author of "Milestones," the Mein Kampf of the global jihad movement – and it's highly disturbing to learn that Muslim children are being indoctrinated with this foul work of fascist xenophobia, in the United States.
In 2004, Kavakci was a guest speaker at a seminar sponsored by Irving, Tex., Muslims paying "tribute to the great Islamic visionary," Ayatollah Khomeini, the leader if Iran's 1979 revolution.
Kavakci and others shared the roster with Mohammed Asi, a radical Washington imam whom, according to The Washington Post, U.S. officials suspect of being an Iranian agent.
Seminar organizer Imam Shamshad Haider told the Dallas Morning News Khomeini has been unjustly portrayed in the Western media. Earlier Haider had complained on television that Khomeini had been unfairly judged on only one aspect of his personality.
Kavakci declined two invitations from the Morning News to explain why he would attended such a conference.
...
Pertinent Links:
1) Plan for Muslim prayer in Senate angers some
2) Pro-Khomeini imam to pray before Texas Senate
Harris County Republican chair questions why the event is so close to Easter
By R.G. RATCLIFFE
AUSTIN — The first prayer ever by a Muslim cleric in the Texas Senate will be delivered today — outraging some conservatives because it is occurring just before Easter.
The invocation will be delivered by the Imam Yusuf Kavakci of the Dallas Central Mosque at the invitation of state Sen. Florence Shapiro, R-Plano. Shapiro is Jewish.
Shapiro spokeswoman Jennifer Ransom Rice said the invitation was extended to Kavakci because Wednesday is the Texas Muslims Legislative Day at the Capitol.
Harris County Republican Chairman Jared Woodfill said the timing of the Muslim prayer outraged him.
"I'm shocked that the day before the Easter recess that a Muslim is leading the prayer," Woodfill said. "They should be having a celebration about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ."
The holidays for Christians are Good Friday and Easter Sunday. This also is Passover, a major Jewish holiday.
Woodfill said the invocation should be delivered by someone who represents Judeo-Christian values.
...
WorldNetDaily.com has the following concerning the 'imam':
Pro-Khomeini imam to pray before Texas Senate
'Moderate' scheduled to deliver today's invocation participated in ayatollah tribute
The Texas Senate will open today with its first Islamic prayer, offered by a Dallas imam who has been criticized for participating in a "tribute to the great Islamic visionary," Ayatollah Khomeini.
Imam Yusuf Kavakci of the Dallas Central Mosque is scheduled to be welcomed by Texas' Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Sen. Florence Shapiro, the Senate's senior Jewish member and sponsor of Kavakci's invocation.
According to an announcement by the Dallas-Forth Worth chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the occasion will be broadcast live on the Texas Senate website and attended by a number of faith-based groups, including Texas Impact, Baptist General Convention of Texas' Christian Life Commission, Texas Conference of Churches and Texas Islamic Council.
"Don't miss the next milestone event for the Texas Muslim community!' DFW-CAIR's announcement read. "On April 4, 2007, the first Muslim imam will open the Texas Senate with an Islamic prayer."
Kavacki, who has served in Dallas area for nearly 20 years, has been seen as a moderate voice among U.S. Muslims, but he has not gone uncriticized for some of his activities.
WND reported in 2005 on the nonpartisan Freedom House report documenting Saudi-sponsored hate literature, originating with the government and Saudi-financed sources that reflected "extremist Wahhabi ideology," being disseminated through mosques in the U.S.
One of those mosques, according to a critical editorial in the Dallas Morning News, was Kavacki's:
"Unfortunately, this kind of thing is not altogether alien to this mosque," it read. "Last spring, it hosted a youth quiz competition, sponsored by two national organizations closely tied to the worldwide Islamist movement. Kids were tested on the work of premier jihad ideologist Sayyid Qutb.
"The mosque's imam, Dr. Yusuf Kavakci, has publicly praised two of the world's foremost radical Islamists, Yusuf Qaradawi and Hasan al-Turabi, as exemplary leaders. Dr. Kavakci also sits on the board of the Saudi-backed Islamic Society of North America, described in congressional testimony as a major conduit of Wahhabist teaching. Yet Dr. Kavakci tells The Dallas Morning News he rejects Wahhabist teaching. Something doesn't add up.
"Sayyid Qutb is the author of "Milestones," the Mein Kampf of the global jihad movement – and it's highly disturbing to learn that Muslim children are being indoctrinated with this foul work of fascist xenophobia, in the United States.
In 2004, Kavakci was a guest speaker at a seminar sponsored by Irving, Tex., Muslims paying "tribute to the great Islamic visionary," Ayatollah Khomeini, the leader if Iran's 1979 revolution.
Kavakci and others shared the roster with Mohammed Asi, a radical Washington imam whom, according to The Washington Post, U.S. officials suspect of being an Iranian agent.
Seminar organizer Imam Shamshad Haider told the Dallas Morning News Khomeini has been unjustly portrayed in the Western media. Earlier Haider had complained on television that Khomeini had been unfairly judged on only one aspect of his personality.
Kavakci declined two invitations from the Morning News to explain why he would attended such a conference.
...
Pertinent Links:
1) Plan for Muslim prayer in Senate angers some
2) Pro-Khomeini imam to pray before Texas Senate
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
DAR AL HARB - U.S.A. - TEXAS: AMERICAN CITIZEN & APPARENT CONVERT TO ISLAM, TRAINED IN SOMALIA TO BECOME A JIHADIST (WITHIN THE U.S.A. MOST LIKELY)
American Citizen Charged With Training in Somalia With Al Qaeda, Learning to Become Homicide Bomber
An American citizen charged with receiving terrorist training at an Al Qaeda camp in Somalia — including classes in how to become a homicide bomber and "wage violent jihad" — was taken into custody by FBI agents and returned to the U.S. Monday night night, Justice Department officials told FOX News.
An indictment unsealed Tuesday by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Houston charges Daniel Joseph Maldanado, 28, a.k.a Daniel Aljughaifi, whose last known address was in Houston, with receiving training from a foreign terrorist organization and conspiring to use an explosive device outside the United States.
Maldonado was captured by the Kenyan military on January 21 as he fled to avoid capture by Ethiopian and Somali government forces battling Al Qaeda-backed rebels, Justice Department officials said.
He was turned over to U.S. law enforcement officials last weekend, and flown to Houston on Monday night accompanied by special agents of the FBI. He appeared Tuesday afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Calvin Botley, who ordered him detained without bond pending a detention hearing on Feb. 20.
If convicted, Maldanado could face life imprisonment on the bomb-making charge, while receiving military training from a terrorist organization carries a maximum punishment of 10 years, the Justice Department said.
"Any who seek to aid terrorists in their mission to threaten our national security will be held to account for such serious criminal conduct," said Don DeGabrielle, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District in Houston. The investigation included elements of the Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Houston Police Department.
According to criminal allegations in the complaint, Maldonado traveled from Houston, Texas, to Africa in November, 2005 and then on to Somalia in December, 2006. At that point, he joined the Islamic Courts Union (ICU) and elements of Al Qaeda to fight "jihad" against the Transitional Federal Government to establish of an independent Islamic State in Somalia.
In the fall of 2006, the ICU used suicide bombers and vehicles containing improvised explosive devices to target the leadership of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia, the complaint said.
While in Somalia, Maldonado was, according to the complaint, provided an AK-47, equipped with military combat uniforms and boots in Mogadishu, and participated in training camps in Kismaayo and Jilib, Somalia.
The camps included physical fitness, firearms and explosives training all in preparation to go to the front to fight for the ICU.
Al Qaeda members were allegedly present at the training camp. During the course of his training, the complaint alleges Maldonado spoke to an individual about his willingness to become a suicide bomber if he was wounded, and also observed the making and testing of bombs with the group's bomb-maker, the complaint said.
"This case represents the first criminal prosecution of an American suspected of joining forces with Islamic extremist fighters in Somalia," said Kenneth L. Wainstein, Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's National Security Division. "The prosecution of Mr. Maldonado demonstrates the scope of our laws and serves as a warning to others who would travel overseas to wage violent jihad."
Joseph Billy, Assistant Director of the FBI Counterterrorism Division, said, "The FBI is working closely with our law enforcement and intelligence community partners in this country and around the world to bring all necessary resources to bear to protect Americans and its allies from terrorist attacks."
So is it the U.S. government that is the politically correct coward or FOXNEWS when they fail to report that "Mr. Maldonado" aka Daniel Aljughaifi, is in all likelihood a MOSLEM CONVERT?!?!?
Did that juicy bit escape them?!?
Or are they just COWARDS?!?!?
Ohhh wait, I forget: ISLAM IS THE RELIGION OF PEACE ! ! !
Pertinent Links:
1) American Citizen Charged With Training in Somalia With Al Qaeda, Learning to Become Homicide Bomber
An American citizen charged with receiving terrorist training at an Al Qaeda camp in Somalia — including classes in how to become a homicide bomber and "wage violent jihad" — was taken into custody by FBI agents and returned to the U.S. Monday night night, Justice Department officials told FOX News.
An indictment unsealed Tuesday by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Houston charges Daniel Joseph Maldanado, 28, a.k.a Daniel Aljughaifi, whose last known address was in Houston, with receiving training from a foreign terrorist organization and conspiring to use an explosive device outside the United States.
Maldonado was captured by the Kenyan military on January 21 as he fled to avoid capture by Ethiopian and Somali government forces battling Al Qaeda-backed rebels, Justice Department officials said.
He was turned over to U.S. law enforcement officials last weekend, and flown to Houston on Monday night accompanied by special agents of the FBI. He appeared Tuesday afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Calvin Botley, who ordered him detained without bond pending a detention hearing on Feb. 20.
If convicted, Maldanado could face life imprisonment on the bomb-making charge, while receiving military training from a terrorist organization carries a maximum punishment of 10 years, the Justice Department said.
"Any who seek to aid terrorists in their mission to threaten our national security will be held to account for such serious criminal conduct," said Don DeGabrielle, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District in Houston. The investigation included elements of the Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Houston Police Department.
According to criminal allegations in the complaint, Maldonado traveled from Houston, Texas, to Africa in November, 2005 and then on to Somalia in December, 2006. At that point, he joined the Islamic Courts Union (ICU) and elements of Al Qaeda to fight "jihad" against the Transitional Federal Government to establish of an independent Islamic State in Somalia.
In the fall of 2006, the ICU used suicide bombers and vehicles containing improvised explosive devices to target the leadership of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia, the complaint said.
While in Somalia, Maldonado was, according to the complaint, provided an AK-47, equipped with military combat uniforms and boots in Mogadishu, and participated in training camps in Kismaayo and Jilib, Somalia.
The camps included physical fitness, firearms and explosives training all in preparation to go to the front to fight for the ICU.
Al Qaeda members were allegedly present at the training camp. During the course of his training, the complaint alleges Maldonado spoke to an individual about his willingness to become a suicide bomber if he was wounded, and also observed the making and testing of bombs with the group's bomb-maker, the complaint said.
"This case represents the first criminal prosecution of an American suspected of joining forces with Islamic extremist fighters in Somalia," said Kenneth L. Wainstein, Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's National Security Division. "The prosecution of Mr. Maldonado demonstrates the scope of our laws and serves as a warning to others who would travel overseas to wage violent jihad."
Joseph Billy, Assistant Director of the FBI Counterterrorism Division, said, "The FBI is working closely with our law enforcement and intelligence community partners in this country and around the world to bring all necessary resources to bear to protect Americans and its allies from terrorist attacks."
So is it the U.S. government that is the politically correct coward or FOXNEWS when they fail to report that "Mr. Maldonado" aka Daniel Aljughaifi, is in all likelihood a MOSLEM CONVERT?!?!?
Did that juicy bit escape them?!?
Or are they just COWARDS?!?!?
Ohhh wait, I forget: ISLAM IS THE RELIGION OF PEACE ! ! !
Pertinent Links:
1) American Citizen Charged With Training in Somalia With Al Qaeda, Learning to Become Homicide Bomber
Saturday, February 10, 2007
DAR AL HARB - U.S.A. - TEXAS: ISLAMIC INSIGHT OR BRAINWASHING?
Doctor shares Islam insights
By HOLLY HUFFMANEagle Staff Writer
Rather than condemn Islam, Americans instead should seek help from the group that probably best understands the minds of terrorists, a Lebanese-born doctor and humanitarian said Friday while speaking at Texas A&M University.
At the same time, Arab-Americans must realize the United States is not the enemy - a contagious, but lethal misconception touted in the Middle East for at least the past six decades, said Philip Salem, director of cancer research at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital in Houston and a member of A&M's International Board.
"How could it be possible that for the past thousands of years - since the dawn of history - we've spent most of our resources on killing each other and put little money in education and other peaceful endeavors?" Salem asked.
Salem spoke Friday as part of the Arabs in America: Communities and Identities after 9/11 conference, which is part of A&M's Celebrating Arab Cultures week. Salem was the featured speaker on the first day of a two-day workshop, and he gave a lecture.
The conference was put on by the Bush School of Government and Public Service, as well as A&M's Race and Ethnic Studies Institute and International Center.
Speaking to about 50 people - mostly students - at the Bush Library, Salem stressed Arab-Americans and other Ameircans needed to work with each other and not against each other.
After highlighting contributions made by successful Arab-Americans, Salem detailed for the crowd what Americans should know about the Middle East - and vice versa.
Arab-Americans are experiencing a "crisis of distrust and misconception," Salem said, and they have a moral and historical obligation to resolve the conflict and cultivate relationships with other Americans. The key, the doctor said, is education.
The terrorists who attacked New York and Washington, D.C., were Muslims, but that doesn't mean America should condemn all of Islam for their acts, Salem said. Islam is a religion of peace, and compassion and the overwhelming majority of Muslims don't condone such violence, he said.
The terrorists, he stressed, were members of al-Qaeida, a political organization that tried to hide behind a veil of Islam.
"That attack probably did more harm to Islam than it did to America," Salem said, pointing to how the religion's reputation has suffered after the attacks.
America also must realize that democracy can't be transplanted through the use of force, nor is it always the best solution for every place at every time, Salem said.
"Justice is far more powerful than military power," Salem said. "If peace is not just, it will not last."
Salem said Arab-Americans feel America has been unjustifiably hostile to them while providing unconditional support for Israel. Members of the faith also have a tendency to look at America as one unified entity, rather than a democracy with two competing political parties.
When Arab-Americans don't like America's foreign policy, they shouldn't alienate themselves, he said. Instead, they should join forces and lobby the political party that shares their concerns.
But the group also must remember that America is the world's sole remaining super power and, as such, it is in the best interest of the Middle East to work with the Western country, Salem said.
...
Does the article contain any of the trite ideas of islam is a religion of peace, it has been hijacked, America is too friendly towards Israel and will the word justice be used in the piece?!?
Yup, it appears to be the case...I guess there is no new insight, it is just repackaged for the minds full of mush...Go after the young, to have the right field to plow in the future...
Pertinent Links:
1) Doctor shares Islam insights
By HOLLY HUFFMANEagle Staff Writer
Rather than condemn Islam, Americans instead should seek help from the group that probably best understands the minds of terrorists, a Lebanese-born doctor and humanitarian said Friday while speaking at Texas A&M University.
At the same time, Arab-Americans must realize the United States is not the enemy - a contagious, but lethal misconception touted in the Middle East for at least the past six decades, said Philip Salem, director of cancer research at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital in Houston and a member of A&M's International Board.
"How could it be possible that for the past thousands of years - since the dawn of history - we've spent most of our resources on killing each other and put little money in education and other peaceful endeavors?" Salem asked.
Salem spoke Friday as part of the Arabs in America: Communities and Identities after 9/11 conference, which is part of A&M's Celebrating Arab Cultures week. Salem was the featured speaker on the first day of a two-day workshop, and he gave a lecture.
The conference was put on by the Bush School of Government and Public Service, as well as A&M's Race and Ethnic Studies Institute and International Center.
Speaking to about 50 people - mostly students - at the Bush Library, Salem stressed Arab-Americans and other Ameircans needed to work with each other and not against each other.
After highlighting contributions made by successful Arab-Americans, Salem detailed for the crowd what Americans should know about the Middle East - and vice versa.
Arab-Americans are experiencing a "crisis of distrust and misconception," Salem said, and they have a moral and historical obligation to resolve the conflict and cultivate relationships with other Americans. The key, the doctor said, is education.
The terrorists who attacked New York and Washington, D.C., were Muslims, but that doesn't mean America should condemn all of Islam for their acts, Salem said. Islam is a religion of peace, and compassion and the overwhelming majority of Muslims don't condone such violence, he said.
The terrorists, he stressed, were members of al-Qaeida, a political organization that tried to hide behind a veil of Islam.
"That attack probably did more harm to Islam than it did to America," Salem said, pointing to how the religion's reputation has suffered after the attacks.
America also must realize that democracy can't be transplanted through the use of force, nor is it always the best solution for every place at every time, Salem said.
"Justice is far more powerful than military power," Salem said. "If peace is not just, it will not last."
Salem said Arab-Americans feel America has been unjustifiably hostile to them while providing unconditional support for Israel. Members of the faith also have a tendency to look at America as one unified entity, rather than a democracy with two competing political parties.
When Arab-Americans don't like America's foreign policy, they shouldn't alienate themselves, he said. Instead, they should join forces and lobby the political party that shares their concerns.
But the group also must remember that America is the world's sole remaining super power and, as such, it is in the best interest of the Middle East to work with the Western country, Salem said.
...
Does the article contain any of the trite ideas of islam is a religion of peace, it has been hijacked, America is too friendly towards Israel and will the word justice be used in the piece?!?
- America is too friendly towards Israel, check...
- Islam is a religion of peace, check...
- Al Queda hijacked islam or used it to hide behind, check...
- Education of the stupid, ingnorant, red-necked Americans about how peaceful islam really is, check...
Yup, it appears to be the case...I guess there is no new insight, it is just repackaged for the minds full of mush...Go after the young, to have the right field to plow in the future...
Pertinent Links:
1) Doctor shares Islam insights
Monday, January 22, 2007
DAR AL HARB - U.S.A. - TEXAS: THE ISLAMIZATION OF AMERICAS BUSINESS WORLD
Sukuk deal ushers in Islamic bonds
A $165 million transaction put together by a small Houston oil and gas company has opened the U.S. door to a growing global source of alternative capital.
East Cameron Partners, a 57-year-old father and son wildcat operation, last year became the first domestic business to get financing through a "sukuk" -- a debt bond issue that complies with Islamic Shariah religious law by prohibiting interest payments and requiring tangible assets or equity to be used as collateral.
...
Having read this, please do take the time to read the following: Islamic Economics and Shariah Law: A Plan for World Domination to understand the greater implications of the Western world creating a parallel financial system.
Pertinent Links:
1) Sukuk deal ushers in Islamic bonds
2) A dissertation on Sukuk and its risks
3) Dow Jones Citigroup Sukuk Index
4) Sukuk at Answers.com
5) Islamic Economics and Shariah Law: A Plan for World Domination
A $165 million transaction put together by a small Houston oil and gas company has opened the U.S. door to a growing global source of alternative capital.
East Cameron Partners, a 57-year-old father and son wildcat operation, last year became the first domestic business to get financing through a "sukuk" -- a debt bond issue that complies with Islamic Shariah religious law by prohibiting interest payments and requiring tangible assets or equity to be used as collateral.
...
Having read this, please do take the time to read the following: Islamic Economics and Shariah Law: A Plan for World Domination to understand the greater implications of the Western world creating a parallel financial system.
Pertinent Links:
1) Sukuk deal ushers in Islamic bonds
2) A dissertation on Sukuk and its risks
3) Dow Jones Citigroup Sukuk Index
4) Sukuk at Answers.com
5) Islamic Economics and Shariah Law: A Plan for World Domination
Friday, December 29, 2006
DAR AL HARB-TEXAS: DHIMMI BUSH KISSES MOSLEM BUTT & UTTERS BOLD FACED LIES...
Bush sends best wishes to Muslims as they celebrate Eid al-Adha holiday
CRAWFORD, Texas: President George W. Bush on Friday sent holiday greetings to all Muslims in the United States, Iraq and across the world as they celebrate the Eid al-Adha religious festival.
"Eid al-Adha is an important occasion to give thanks for their blessings and to remember Abraham's trust in a loving God," Bush said in a statement released from his Texas ranch, where he is spending the week pondering changes to U.S. policy in Iraq and staying abreast of Saddam Hussein's execution.
Eid al-Adha, one of the two most important holidays in Islam, runs from Dec. 31 to Jan. 4.
"During the four days of this special observance, Muslims honor Abraham's example of sacrifice and devotion to God by celebrating with friends and family, exchanging gifts and greetings, and engaging in worship through sacrifice and charity," he said.
Bush noted the contributions of Muslim U.S. citizens.
"This holiday reminds us of the values that so many of our citizens hold in common, including love of family, gratitude to God, the importance of community and a commitment to respect, diversity, tolerance and religious freedom," Bush said.
The White House website, at this time, does not have the President's statement.
Pertinent Links:
1) Bush sends best wishes to Muslims as they celebrate Eid al-Adha holiday
CRAWFORD, Texas: President George W. Bush on Friday sent holiday greetings to all Muslims in the United States, Iraq and across the world as they celebrate the Eid al-Adha religious festival.
"Eid al-Adha is an important occasion to give thanks for their blessings and to remember Abraham's trust in a loving God," Bush said in a statement released from his Texas ranch, where he is spending the week pondering changes to U.S. policy in Iraq and staying abreast of Saddam Hussein's execution.
Eid al-Adha, one of the two most important holidays in Islam, runs from Dec. 31 to Jan. 4.
"During the four days of this special observance, Muslims honor Abraham's example of sacrifice and devotion to God by celebrating with friends and family, exchanging gifts and greetings, and engaging in worship through sacrifice and charity," he said.
Bush noted the contributions of Muslim U.S. citizens.
"This holiday reminds us of the values that so many of our citizens hold in common, including love of family, gratitude to God, the importance of community and a commitment to respect, diversity, tolerance and religious freedom," Bush said.
The White House website, at this time, does not have the President's statement.
Pertinent Links:
1) Bush sends best wishes to Muslims as they celebrate Eid al-Adha holiday
DAR AL HARB-TEXAS: ***UPDATE***PIG RACES ARE NO LONGER OFFENSIVE TO MOSLEMS***UPDATE***
Muslim group not offended as Katy pig races start
By HELEN ERIKSENCopyright 2006 Houston Chronicle
KATY — A Muslim group said it is no longer offended as Katy resident Craig Baker made good on his promise to stage Friday pig races next door to an 11-acre property the group has purchased to build a mosque.
While members of the Katy Islamic Association attended afternoon prayer services, Baker was busy next door at 1918 Baker Road lining a track for 25 pigs to race on and assembling merchandise to sell to the spectators.
About 100 people showed up for the event in the pouring rain.
A spokesman for the association, Yousef Allam, said members are no longer offended by Baker's decision to race pigs, a forbidden meat in the Muslim culture, despite a Dec. 1 letter an attorney for the group sent to Baker demanding that he immediately remove the pigs from his own property.
"He knows that Muslims can be emotional, but it does not bother me," Allam said. "I don't care if he races, roasts or slaughters pigs."
Baker, 46, said his intention is not to offend anyone with the races but to make clear that he will not be forced to move or relocate his marble-fabricating shop as he claims a member of the association previously urged him to.
"I am just defending my rights and my property," Baker said. "They totally disrespected me and my family."
The Muslim group ignited a dispute that still is reverberating in this upscale West Houston suburb after it announced plans in September to build a mosque and community center at 1800 Baker Road, south of Interstate 10 and adjacent to Baker's marble shop.
Association members initially denied telling Baker that he should move, but both Baker and the group agreed that early encounters between them were cordial.
"Things changed with them saying maybe it would be a good time for you to consider packing up your family and packing up your business and moving somewhere farther out in the country," Baker said.
Baker said Kamel Fotouh, the association's president, deeply offended his family whose ties to the land goes back some 200 years in suggesting that they pack up and leave. His 90-year-old grandmother, Anna Baker, was the first female bus driver for the Katy Independent School District.
Allam said if any interaction between the group and Baker was interpreted as a threat for Baker to vacate his land, it was unintentional.
"If we somehow communicated that to him, then we apologize," Allam said.
Allam said the races, should they continue, would have no bearing on Friday holy day services and members do not plan on attending the races.
"When things calm down and he realizes we're here to say, we will talk to him to resolve our differences," Allam said.
Baker said people have made donations of $100 to $1,000 to sponsor the pig races.
Baker, who said media reports have miscast him as a racist and misquoted him, has put up a Web site, AmericanPigRace.com, to tell his own story.
About 300 local homeowners aired their fears about the mosque at an October town hall meeting. Chief among the concerns are that construction of the mosque will cause flooding, lower property values, and increase traffic on the small two-lane, asphalt road.
Pertinent Links:
1) Muslim group not offended as Katy pig races start
2) AmericanPigRace
By HELEN ERIKSENCopyright 2006 Houston Chronicle
KATY — A Muslim group said it is no longer offended as Katy resident Craig Baker made good on his promise to stage Friday pig races next door to an 11-acre property the group has purchased to build a mosque.
While members of the Katy Islamic Association attended afternoon prayer services, Baker was busy next door at 1918 Baker Road lining a track for 25 pigs to race on and assembling merchandise to sell to the spectators.
About 100 people showed up for the event in the pouring rain.
A spokesman for the association, Yousef Allam, said members are no longer offended by Baker's decision to race pigs, a forbidden meat in the Muslim culture, despite a Dec. 1 letter an attorney for the group sent to Baker demanding that he immediately remove the pigs from his own property.
"He knows that Muslims can be emotional, but it does not bother me," Allam said. "I don't care if he races, roasts or slaughters pigs."
Baker, 46, said his intention is not to offend anyone with the races but to make clear that he will not be forced to move or relocate his marble-fabricating shop as he claims a member of the association previously urged him to.
"I am just defending my rights and my property," Baker said. "They totally disrespected me and my family."
The Muslim group ignited a dispute that still is reverberating in this upscale West Houston suburb after it announced plans in September to build a mosque and community center at 1800 Baker Road, south of Interstate 10 and adjacent to Baker's marble shop.
Association members initially denied telling Baker that he should move, but both Baker and the group agreed that early encounters between them were cordial.
"Things changed with them saying maybe it would be a good time for you to consider packing up your family and packing up your business and moving somewhere farther out in the country," Baker said.
Baker said Kamel Fotouh, the association's president, deeply offended his family whose ties to the land goes back some 200 years in suggesting that they pack up and leave. His 90-year-old grandmother, Anna Baker, was the first female bus driver for the Katy Independent School District.
Allam said if any interaction between the group and Baker was interpreted as a threat for Baker to vacate his land, it was unintentional.
"If we somehow communicated that to him, then we apologize," Allam said.
Allam said the races, should they continue, would have no bearing on Friday holy day services and members do not plan on attending the races.
"When things calm down and he realizes we're here to say, we will talk to him to resolve our differences," Allam said.
Baker said people have made donations of $100 to $1,000 to sponsor the pig races.
Baker, who said media reports have miscast him as a racist and misquoted him, has put up a Web site, AmericanPigRace.com, to tell his own story.
About 300 local homeowners aired their fears about the mosque at an October town hall meeting. Chief among the concerns are that construction of the mosque will cause flooding, lower property values, and increase traffic on the small two-lane, asphalt road.
Pertinent Links:
1) Muslim group not offended as Katy pig races start
2) AmericanPigRace
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