But when it comes to readers publicly calling for a terrorist attack on a Muslim mosque on the Wall Street Journal web site, apparently that is not a major concern for the Wall Street Journal or the WSJ Wire. This is yet another in a series of instances where the U.S. mainstream media is failing to reject those who call for bombings or terrorist attacks on Muslim mosques on newspapers websites and over AM radio.
On the Wall Street Journal Washington Wire, among various hate-filled comments is a direct call for the use of a plane to have a terrorist attack on a New York City mosque – you can see the date of screen shot is July 27 – three days after the July 24 comment:
Wall Street Journal (WSJ) Washington Wire - Reader Comments on July 24, 2010 Calling for Attack on NYC Mosque (Screen Shot: WSJ Wire - compilation of header and comment)
May 24, 2010 - New York Post Reader Comment on 45 Park Place Mosque - Calling for Terrorist Bombing
Is this the America that we will allow our nation to become? Where our news media is used by those calling for violence against houses of worship in America?
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Responsible for Equality and Liberty (R.E.A.L.) supports our universal human rights to freedom of religion, freedom of worship, and freedom of conscience for all people of all faiths. Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”
We urge those who promote hate, intolerance, and violence, to unburden the hate from their hearts.
On Friday, July 23, 2010, the Dallas, Texas based Christian group “Operation Save America” held a protest outside the Islamic Society of Greater Charlotte (ISGC) mosque in Charlotte, North Carolina, holding signs reading “Islam is a lie.”
Islamic Society of Greater Charlotte, North Carolina (Photo: ISGC Website)
According to the OSA web site, the group stated that “We showed up just before their ‘prayer time’ and set up our sound system, signs, and tracts.” The brochures and signs were to promote the message that “Islam is a lie.”
Christian "Operation Save America" Group Protests Outside Charlotte, NC Mosque Gates (Photo: OSA Website)
Regarding the July 23, 2010 Charlotte, North Carolina mosque protest, the OSA Christian group claimed that they received public support, stating “Out of all the places that we went to in Charlotte, OSA garnered more support from the surrounding neighborhoods at this location than any other place. We passed out tons of tracts and witnessed to many of the neighbors. Every single one of them expressed gratitude for our bold witness at this mosque. We found out that the Muslim are knocking down some of their homes and driving them out of the neighborhood. They are deeply concerned about the inroads Muslims are making in their community.”
Washington DC: Hindu Religious Leader Stunned as Christian "Operation Save America" Protesters Heckle and Shout Against Him in Senate Chambers (Photo: YouTube)
Religious extremist hate knows no boundaries or limitations to disrespect, contempt, and intolerance against others. Christians that support religious pluralism and religious freedom should speak up about the Christian extremist actions of the “Operation Save America” group in seeking to disrupt and deny religious freedom and religious worship to others.
The Valley News reports on plans by local individuals in Temecula to hold a protest on Friday July 30 at the existing business warehouse facility where the Islamic Center of Temecula is currently seeking to hold worship services.
The Islamic Center of Temecula is currently holding religious services in a warehouse (Photo: Irfan Khan, Los Angeles Times)
According to the Valley News in its report “Temecula mosque proposal targeted in pending protest”
— “a loose-knit coalition of area residents is planning a demonstration at the Islamic Center’s existing facility along Rio Nedo west of Murrieta Creek.”
— “An e-mail alert sent to area newspapers last week announced that a one-hour ‘singing – praying – patriotic rally” will begin at 12:30 p.m. July 30 at the Islamic Center’s existing facility. The advisory — sent by a leader of a conservative coalition that has been active with Republican and Tea Party functions – recommended participants ‘bring your Bibles, flags, signs, dogs and singing voices.'”
— “‘We will not be submissive,’ the notice proclaimed. ‘Our voices are going to be heard!’ The alert went on to question what its authors described as Islamic beliefs. It suggested that participants sing during the rally because Muslim ‘women are forbidden to sing.’ It suggested that rally participants bring dogs because Muslims ‘hate dogs.'”
Screen Shot of Tea Party Patriot Website - with SWRC Tea Party Group Plans for Mosque Protest
Group Defines Itself as the SWRC Tea Party on Web Site (Photo: SWRC Tea Party Web Site)SWRC Tea Party Citizens in Action web site states its mission as "Southwest Riverside County Citizens in Action was created to return the local Tea Party Movement to the people." (Screen Shot: SWRC Tea Party Web Site)
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Responsible for Equality and Liberty (R.E.A.L.) will contact the National Tea Party leadership for comments on this report, and if we receive a statement from them, we will update this posting.
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Responsible for Equality and Liberty (R.E.A.L.) supports our universal human rights to freedom of religion, freedom of worship, and freedom of conscience for all people of all faiths. Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”
We urge those who promote hate and intolerance to unburden the hate from their hearts.
Staten Island Mosque Stopped - Images of Protests (Photo 1: NYT, Photo 2 WCBS)
Stop Islamization of America (SIOA) Executive Director Pamela Geller stated in response to the Archdiocese of New York’s decision: “SIOA Executive Director Pamela Geller said in a statement: ‘Congratulations to all the free citizens of Staten Island who stood against this extremist mosque project despite official indifference and harsh criticism from the mainstream media. This is now a textbook case on how to fight extremists.'” “SIOA has published a practical guide for activists who wish to fight against terror-linked and extremist mosques in their localities, and is in the process of expanding this guide. The church’s decision today demonstrates that such activism can be successful.”
Father Keith Fennessy, pastor of Saint Margaret Mary parish on Staten Island, announced in June that after careful consideration he was withdrawing his support for the planned sale of the parish convent to the Muslim American Society.
The trustees of the parish have met, as legally required under New York State law, and voted to ratify the pastor’s decision.
The Muslim American Society has been informed that the sale of the convent will not take place.
The Archdiocese of New York has enjoyed a good relationship with the Islamic community in the past, and looks forward to continued dialogue, friendship, and understanding in the future.
It is also our prayer that unity will now return to the parish and to the Midland Beach community.
Screenshot of SIOA Facebook Leader and Supporters Comments on Decision to Stop Building Sale for Staten Island Mosque
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Responsible for Equality and Liberty (R.E.A.L.) supports our universal human rights to freedom of religion, freedom of worship, and freedom of conscience for all people of all faiths. Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”
The 1991 Muslim Brotherhood memorandum entered into evidence during the HLF trial was entitled “An Explanatory Memorandum for the General Strategic Goal for the Group in North America” and included the following statements. “The process of settlement is a ‘Civilization-Violent Extremist Process’ with all the word means. The Ikhwan must understand that their work in America is a kind of grand Violent Extemism in eliminating and destroying the Western civilization from within and ‘sabotaging’ its miserable house by their hands and the hands of the believers so that it is eliminated and God’s religion is made victorious over all other religions. Without this level of understanding, we are not up to this challenge and have not prepared ourselves for Violent Extemism yet. It is a Muslim’s destiny to perform Violent Extemism and work wherever he is and wherever he lands until the final hour comes, and there is no escape from that destiny except for those who chose to slack. But, would the slackers and the Mujahedeen be equal.”
My Repeated Political Challenges to MAS and the Muslim Brotherhood
However, to those who claim that the Muslim Brotherhood and MAS are “terrorist organizations,” you need to take a look at the U.S. federal government list of terrorist organizations. These groups are not on there. Whether we agree with what they have to say or not, whether we like what they have have to say or not, they have a right to freedom of expression and freedom of speech. If groups commit a crime, our obligation is to contact law enforcement. Clearly, the FBI and federal law enforcement is aware of these groups and their actions. Those groups have not been accused of any crimes or violations. Until and unless the federal law enforcement views that individuals or groups have committed a crime, they have the same freedoms as any other people. We have seen in Dearborn, Michigan, in London, and many other locations, that mosques (and other houses of worship) do not shield those who are suspected of criminal activity.
Attacks on our universal human rights and dignity are wrong – no matter what your ideology is and no matter what your religion is. When I have condemned religious extremists for their views that challenge our human rights, I have never condemned any single religion.
In my years of challenging such political views, I have never called for denying their freedom of speech, freedom of expression, freedom of religion, or freedom of worship. In my years of challenging such political views, I have never attacked an entire religion or condemned an entire religion. That is the “red line” against their Constitutional rights and their universal human rights that others seek to violate.
That is what the Taliban extremists and Communist Chinese totalitarians do. But for those who support our universal human rights, and those who are patriotic Americans that love our Constitution and our freedom, seeking to deny freedom of religion and freedom of worship is unacceptable — not just for those we like or those like us — but for everyone. It is un-American.
… including the Muslim America Society (MAS) and the mosques that they seek to build, whether you like the MAS views and political stances or not.
Despite the anger of those in Staten Island and in Brooklyn’s Sheepshead Bay, in America, we have freedom of religion and freedom of worship. To those who seek to harass those seeking to exercise their legitimate right to freedom of worship, and to those in Brooklyn with the despicable calls to seek to “bomb” their mosques, you need to read the Constitution of this country which defends our human rights, which since the beginning of America have been a “declaration,” not a question. Our inalienable human rights are the basis of America’s Declaration of Independence, which defines what it means to be an “American.”
The audacity of some to believe that they have the power to defy freedom of religion and freedom worship, something that ultimately is between you and the higher power you believe in, is astounding. To those who believe that they can defy such immutable human rights, who do you think you are? No matter what you do, others will find another way to worship – even if it is like oppressed Christians in Indonesia whose church has been harassed by the anti-democracy group Hizb ut-Tahrir – you end up praying in the street.
Those who seek to spread hate and terror really want us to abandon such support for freedom of religion and worship – so that they can drag us down to their level. It is important that we understand that in the larger, historical sense this is not as much about them as it is about the rest of us who are responsible for equality and liberty. The question is whether or not we will stand steadfast to our support for basic human freedoms and human rights when it is not easy or when it is unpopular to do so. That is the real challenge for this generation.
But in Temecula, California, Anti-Islam group and other activists are organizing to prevent an Islamic mosque from being built by the Islamic Center of Temecula Valley in a vacant lot in that city. According to the North County Times, the Islamic Center of Temecula Valley purchased the land for the mosque in 2005, and has stated that the application process for the mosque has taken nearly two years, while it has gone over details with the Temecula government. The Islamic Center of Temecula is currently holding religious services in a business warehouse.
The Islamic Center of Temecula is currently holding religious services in a warehouse (Photo: Irfan Khan, Los Angeles Times)
This Southwest Riverside County (SWRC) Tea Party group has been seeking to stop the building of the Islamic Center of Temecula Valley mosque – stating “It will bring in Islam and usher out our freedoms and liberties, as has happened all across Europe and already parts of the US, “and stating “Not in our city!!!! Not in our Southwest Valley!” The SWRC Tea Party group plans to have their supporters “pack the house” to an August 18th hearing to prevent the mosque, because they view that Islam is “a radically intolerant belief system that is compatible with the freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. ”
California: Southwest Riverside County (SWRC) Tea Party against Islam and Temecula Mosque (Photo: SWRC Tea Party Web Site)
Temecula Tea Party Politician Patrice Lynes has Petition against Mosque (Photo: PatriceLynes.com web page)
As R.E.A.L. has previously done with other reports of Tea Party activists that seek to protest mosques and attack Islam as a religion, R.E.A.L. will contact the National Tea Party for comment, and will update this if we receive any comment. We have not yet received any comments on this topic from the National Tea Party yet.
North County Times has reported that Islamic Center of Temecula Valley imam Mahmoud Harmoush has indicted that the group needed the space for growing numbers of families in the area, for the group that was founded in 1998. According to the North County Times, “The nearest mosques are in the cities of Riverside, Corona and San Diego, Harmoush said. He said local Muslims are excited about building a new one in Southwest County, but not everyone shares that enthusiasm. Among those at the meeting Friday at City Hall was Diana Serafin, a Murrieta resident and local political activist who said she is not opposed to the mosque, but what she believes it represents: the so-called Islamification of America.”
Pastor Bill Rench, the Christian pastor of the Temecula-area Calvary Baptist Church, stated that he opposed the Islamic Center of Temecula Valley mosque. According to the Los Angeles Times, Pastor Bill Rench told the press that Islam and Christianity “mix like oil and water” and predicted a “confrontational atmosphere” if the project moves forward. Pastor Bill Rench told the LA Times that “The Islamic foothold is not strong here, and we really don’t want to see their influence spread… There is a concern with all the rumors you hear about sleeper cells and all that. Are we supposed to be complacent just because these people say it’s a religion of peace? Many others have said the same thing.”
Pastor Bill Rench Opposes Planned Temecula Mosque (Photo: KABC TV)
Pastor Bill Rench told KABC News that “it’s not peaceful, so we have several members from an Islamic background, and have expressed concerns themselves because of their history in it” (see also ABC video link). KABC also quoted another Temecula resident Junior Satele: “To put a mosque around here is going to get a lot of people worried, just because of what’s going on in Iraq and Afghanistan.”
KABC News also reported that the Islamic center’s chairman, Haid Nael, says there is no reason for concern and all the group is planning to is expand from the current building where they have been worshiping a few miles away because it is too small. KABC quoted Hadi Nael, as stating: “We don’t go out door to door, we don’t pass flyers, we don’t pass booklets.. This is really surprising to see in a free country, that there is some kind of opposition for a peaceful community like us… All we do is just pray for God. That’s all we do.”
KABC reports that “The approval of the mosque has not been finalized. The issue will come before the Temecula planning commission in August.” This is where the Southwest Riverside County (SWRC) Tea Party seeks to influence the planning commission to reject the mosque application that has been underway for two years.
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Responsible for Equality and Liberty (R.E.A.L.) supports our universal human rights to freedom of religion, freedom of worship, and freedom of conscience for all people of all faiths. Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”
We urge those who promote hate and intolerance to unburden the hate from their hearts.
On July 14, 2010, Tennessee anti-mosque protesters demonstrated their opposition to the Murfreesboro mosque expansion by a march against the mosque down East Main Street in Murfreesboro. Hundreds of anti-mosque protesters marched in the streets of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, some waving American, Gadsden, and Israeli flags. Some had signs that read “to embrace Islam is to embrace terrorism,” “Never forget – just say no to the Rutherford County Commissioners and the Islamic mosque,” some with signs that listed the commissioners who had supported the mosque.
Murfreesboro, Tennessee: Photos from July 14 Anti-Mosque March (Photos: DNJ, except for Photo 7, ABP)
Anti-mosque protest leader Kevin Fisher was one of 20 speakers and a primary organizer of the anti-mosque protest event. Kevin Fisher is a former candidate for the local school board and the state legislature, according to APB.
Murfreesboro, Tennessee: Politician Kevin Fisher Leads Anti-Mosque Protest (Photo: John A. Gillis/DNJ)
Marchers also included anti-mosque Tea Party Congressional candidates Lou Ann Zelenik and George Erdel. The Daily News Journal reported that George Erdel helped to organize the July 14 anti-mosque protest in Tennessee, stating: “Erdel also helped organize the march, using a bullhorn to give instructions before the parade began. He also handed the bullhorn to Dusty Ray, the pastor of Heartland Baptist Church at Walter Hill where Erdel attends. Ray led the large group gathered on the Central Magnet School grounds in prayer about their march in opposition to the plans of local Muslims.”
Independent Heartland Baptist Church Christian Pastor Dusty Ray Led Christian Prayers for the Anti-Mosque March (Photo: ABP
According to the Associated Baptist Press (ABP), Heartland Baptist Church is “independent,” and Heartland Baptist Church Christian Pastor Dusty Ray led Christian prayers for the anti-mosque march because “My main concern is that our freedoms are being threatened.”
The anti-mosque marchers in Tennessee were not without opposition. The ABP reported that “The anti-mosque marchers were met at the public square by an equally large, if not larger, crowd estimated at more than 400 by organizers of Middle Tennesseans for Religious Freedom. The group, composed largely of students at the local Middle Tennessee State University, was formed hastily to counter the protest.”
APB also reported that “‘I think things went really well,’ said Hudson Wilkins, a member of the organizing committee that recruited members in various ways including contacting local churches and on the Facebook social-networking Internet site. ‘We came together. We made our point, which is religious freedom is a constitutional right and civil liberty in this country. That is religious freedom for all people.'”
At a public meeting with voters in Chattanooga, Tennessee on July 14, 2010, gubernatorial candidate and current Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey responded to voters who seek to oppose a planned expansion of an Islamic mosque in Murfreesboro.
Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey replied by referring to the situation in Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, Tennessee, “what happened is that they are trying to put a mosque into Rutherford County, I don’t know if you know this or not… now this mosque started coming up there… I have been trying to learn what is going on – it is not good, I will tell you that.” “Now, you could even argue whether that being a Muslim is actually a religion, or is it a nationality, way of life, cult or whatever you want to call it…”
When asked his views on the planned Murfreesboro, TN mosque facility, gubernatorial candidate Ron Ramsey, replied “You could even argue whether that being a Muslim is actually a religion, or is it a nationality, way of life, cult or whatever you want to call it?”
We have learned that the anti-Islam group “Dove World Outreach Center” church today has reached a new level of promoting anti-Islamic hatred by promoting an “International Burn a Koran Day” on Facebook. The Gainesville, Florida-based Dove World Outreach Center states that “On September 11th, 2010 we will burn the Koran on the property of Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, FL in remembrance of the fallen victims of 9/11 and to stand against the evil of Islam. Islam is of the devil!” The Anti-Islamic group states it mission as “To bring to awareness to the dangers of Islam and that the Koran is leading people to hell. Eternal fire is the only destination the Koran can lead people to so we want to put the Koran in it’s place – the fire!”
R.E.A.L. rejects such websites of hate and calls for book burning.
Dove World Outreach Center Promotes Anti-Islamic Hatred on Facebook - Image 1 (Photo: Facebook)Dove World Outreach Center Promotes Anti-Islamic Hatred on Facebook - Image 2 (Photo: Facebook)
“This statement was adopted by AIC’s founders in November of 2001.”
“Muslims have been profoundly influenced by their encounter with America. American Muslims are a minority group, largely comprising African-Americans, immigrants, and children of immigrants, who have prospered in America’s climate of religious tolerance and civil rights. The lessons of our unprecedented experience of acceptance and success must be carefully considered by our community.”
“* American Muslims must champion pluralism and condemn all forms of intolerance. American Muslims have a vested interest in the strength of religious freedom and democracy. Because Muslims are relative newcomers to America, we must work to guarantee our equal rights and prevent hate crimes. At the same time, we must condemn hate speech and calls for violence by Muslims. Hateful statements and actions by fellow Muslims threaten the reputation of our entire community. We must censure intolerance, whatever its source.”
“* American Muslims must be leading ambassadors to the Muslim world. America has been a haven for Islam. American Muslims must educate the Muslim world about the remarkable freedoms and coexistence we enjoy here. Calls for “Death to America” and the murder of Americans are an attack on millions of Muslims who are proud to call themselves American. Virulent anti-American rhetoric and action by radicalized Muslims threaten our country, our freedom, and our democracy.”
“* American Muslims must recognize and celebrate our own diversity. Our community comprises individuals of various religious strains, ethnic and racial backgrounds, and political outlooks. We embody the spirit of American diversity and represent a rainbow of humanity. By celebrating diversity and building bridges within our own community, we help strengthen American society.”
“* All Muslims should enjoy the social and economic prosperity experienced by American Muslims. We owe our strength and success in part to classic American principles of individual rights and social justice. And, as Americans, we are citizens of a nation that has prospered greatly in the global economy. But in much of the Muslim world, wide income disparities, high unemployment, economic underdevelopment, and limited individual rights create a fertile ground for despair and extremism. We should strive to improve economic conditions and individual freedom in the Muslim world.”
“* American Muslims must champion the rights of minorities in the Muslim world. We know firsthand the importance of protecting the full rights of minority communities. One of our gifts to the larger Muslim world must be a new emphasis on considering and protecting the rights of minorities. This includes a painful reckoning with past and present episodes of intolerance in the Muslim world – and a commitment to progress in the future.”
“1. Identity: We accept as Muslim anyone who identifies as such. The veracity and integrity of that claim is between the individual and God, and is not a matter for the state nor an issue which other individuals can or should judge.”
“2. Equality: We affirm the equal worth of all human beings, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, creed, sexual orientation, or ability. We are committed to work toward societies that ensure social, political, educational, and economic opportunities for all.”
“3. Separation of Religious and State Authorities: We believe that freedom of conscience is not only essential to all human societies but integral to the Qur’anic view of humanity (see Qur’an 2:256). We believe that secular government is the only way to achieve the Islamic ideal of freedom from compulsion in matters of faith.”
“4. Freedom of Speech: We support freedom of expression and freedom of dissent, whether political, artistic, social or religious, even when that expression may be offensive and that dissent may be considered blasphemous. No one should be legally prosecuted, imprisoned or detained for declaring or promoting unpopular opinions.”
“5. Universal Human Rights: We affirm our commitment to social, economic and environmental justice. We believe that the full self-realization of all people, in a safe and sustainable world, is a prerequisite for freedom, civility, and peace. We support efforts for universal health care, universal public education, the protection of our environment, and the eradication of poverty.”
“6. Women’s Rights: We support women’s agency and self-determination in every aspect of their lives. We believe in women’s full participation in society at every level. We affirm our commitment to reproductive justice and empowering women to make healthy decisions regarding their bodies, sexuality and reproduction.”
“7. Lesbian and Gay Rights: We endorse the human and civil rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex individuals. We support full equality and inclusion of LGBTI individuals in society and in the Muslim community.”
“8. Critical Analysis and Interpretation: We call for critical engagement with Islamic scripture, traditional jurisprudence, and current Muslim discourses. We believe that critical thinking is essential to spiritual development. We promote interpretations that reflect basic Qur’anic principles of tolerance, inclusiveness, mercy, compassion, and fairness.”
“9. Compassion: We affirm that justice and compassion should be the guiding principles for all aspects of human conduct. We repudiate militarism and violence, whether on an individual, organizational, or national level.”
“10. Diversity: We embrace religious pluralism and the diversity of inspirations that motivate people to embrace social justice. We believe that one’s religion is not the exclusive source of truth. As such, we will engage with a diversity of philosophical and spiritual traditions in pursuit of a more just, peaceful and sustainable world.”
“Founded in Washington, DC in 2004, the Center for Islamic Pluralism (CIP) is a think tank that challenges the dominance of American Muslim life by militant Islamist groups. Specifically, our mission is to:”
“* Foster, develop, defend, protect, and further mobilize moderate American Muslims in their progress toward integration as an equal and respected religious community in the American interfaith environment;”
“* Define the future of Islam in America as a community opposed to the politicization of our religion, its radicalization, and its marginalization, which has taken place because of the imposition on Muslims of attitudes opposed to American values, traditions, and policies;”
“* Educate the broader American public about the reality of moderate Islam and the threat to moderate Muslims and non-Muslim Americans represented by militant, political, radical, and adversarial tendencies.”
— “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”
— “AIFD was formed as an unmistakable expression of American liberty and freedom in an attempt to take back the faith of Islam”
— “He felt that AIFD could formally articulate the fact that in commentary and scholarship that many Muslims believe that they are able to practice their faith more freely and more Islamically (in a personal and secular fashion which is most suited to preserve one’s faith) in America than in any other place in the world. ”
— “AIFD seeks to make a small contribution to the body of thought which articulates an understanding of Islam which separates religion and state and is in complete harmony with the U.S. Constitution and our citizenship pledge.”
