Rep. Honda: Slander of Muslims Is ‘Slander Against Democracy and Religious Freedom’
Friday, October 16, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Rep. Mike Honda (D-Calif.), the chairman of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, just released this statement blasting recent Republican accusations that the Council on American-Islamic Relations has sent interns to Capitol Hill to spy on the U.S. government and advance a radical Islamist agenda.
At the heart of this issue is whether or not diverse populations are given a fair shot at representing their legitimate political interests in Congress, either as interns, as staff or as Members. The climate in Congress is clearly not as conducive as it should be in encouraging democratic representation, as exemplified by recent fear-rousing antics.As a result of the innumerous obstacles facing Muslim-Americans in this post-9/11 environment, their political participation is stifled and often stymied. More channels for Muslim participation are sorely needed, as well as a friendlier climate that embraces, not discourages, diversity. These fallacious allegations implicate the existence of a society still struggling with anti-Muslim sentiment. My Muslim colleagues in the House of Representatives, along with the highly qualified, patriotic and committed Muslim staffers and interns that have worked with my office and with CAPAC, contribute mightily to our democratic process. Any slander against these fellow patriots is slander against democracy and religious freedom.
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12 Comments
Pingback posted October 16, 2009 @ 12:10 pm
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Comment posted October 16, 2009 @ 7:54 pm
Excuse you, Rep. Mike Honda.
The issue is ONLY with CAIR associated interns or government employees
Not “Muslims” in general.
What Honda has done is the usual tactic of misdirection by lumping “Muslims” into the topic.
CAIR does not equal “muslims,
CAIR equals HAMAS!
And anyone associated with CAIR has no business in our government.
Comment posted October 16, 2009 @ 11:30 pm
Thank you Rep Honda. Its time to end this climate of fear. Muslim Americans are Americans, and to those who cast doubts on that are casting doubt on the values that have made America great.
Comment posted October 17, 2009 @ 12:01 am
Thank you Rep Honda!
CAIR is the only organization that is “trying” something meaningful and they represent mainstream American Muslims like us.
Comment posted October 17, 2009 @ 2:27 am
CAIR is a terrorist front group and several of their members are undicted co-conspirators in FBI terrorism cases. They have financial ties to The Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas, Hezbollah, and some of their members have been arrested for their contributions to the terrorist-supporting charity HolyLand Foundation. I can give you a list of CAIR members who have been arrested for terrorist-related activtieis. They should be shut down and deported from this country.
Comment posted October 17, 2009 @ 2:51 am
CAIR is what it is. The FBI describes CAIR as a Front Group Created For Hamas. Democrat Senator Charles Schumer backs the FBI on their actions in shunning CAIR and has said he knows CAIR has ties to Hamas.
This is not about “Muslims”
Saying this issue is about “Muslims” is a lame and blatant misdirection from the issue. This is about CAIR’s birth from Hamas operatives in the USA.
Anyone associated with CAIR involved in the government is a security risk that needs to be addressed.
Comment posted October 17, 2009 @ 6:14 am
Thank You Rep. Honda, I agree CAIR is being accused unjustifiably. Innocent without Proven Guilty!!! This tactic by these 4 congressmen not only discourages Muslims from participating in the government but also inflames the hatred and discrimination towards Muslims.
Comment posted October 17, 2009 @ 6:41 am
For sure CAIR will continue to face opposition and desperate outcry from the AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) and it's sponsoured elected politician.
Americans must eventually be exposed to both sides of the story. AIPAC manipulated public opinion for so long.
CAIR is ethical, sincere, and truthful in its attempt to clarify misjudgments and one sided perceptions presented to the American People.
Comment posted October 18, 2009 @ 3:08 pm
I posted this on another post, but I just really want to make sure Spencer reads this.
Respectfully, you are conflating Muslims with CAIR. CAIR does not represent American Muslims just like AIPAC doesn't represent American Jews. This is what CAIR has been doing for years, every time someone criticizes them, CAIR frames it as an attack on Muslims. It is not. It is an attack on CAIR. AIPAC pulls the same sort of stunts, but one thing you have not addressed or even responded to are the US government investigations, trials, etc from Chicago to Texas that have found that CAIR is affiliated with Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. Sure the nutjobs at WND blow things out of proportion, but are you surprised?
I know you are super busy, but please read the exhibits and court documents from the Holy Land Foundation. They are available on the internet. Just because crazies are taking up this cause (for the wrong reasons clearly), don't let that prevent you from taking an objective look at the issue.
And congrats on the Techno rating for TWI. Well deserved.
Pingback posted October 19, 2009 @ 1:08 pm
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Comment posted November 5, 2009 @ 4:10 am
CAIR is the only organization that is “trying” something meaningful and they represent mainstream American Muslims like us.
Comment posted November 5, 2009 @ 9:10 am
CAIR is the only organization that is “trying” something meaningful and they represent mainstream American Muslims like us.
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