The American Spectator : Ramadan Season

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Ramadan Season

By The Prowler on 4.12.10 @ 6:09AM

The right of return, Obama style. Plus: Mitt without apology. Sunset for Dawn.

WITHOUT APOLOGY

Some people who accuse former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and his retread 2012 Presidential campaign or being a bit phony may have a case. Not only did Romney and various political organizations he underwrites spend tens of thousands on bulk book sales to push his book, No Apology, onto the bestseller list, he loaned an organization, "Evangelicals for Mitt," which claims to have no direct ties to Romney, his political action committee's e-mail list so that the evangelical group could mount a straw poll campaign for him at the Southern Republican Leadership Conference in New Orleans.

Romney won the straw poll by a single vote over Rep. Ron Paul, who also subsidized a campaign at the conference. Romney supporters received free copies of his book, buttons, and bumper stickers in return for their votes. Some event organizers estimate he spend close to $15 per vote. "It's another Romney mirage," says a Republican political consultant who worked for Mike Huckabee in 2008. "The man simply believes he can buy his way to a nomination. I wonder why he isn't handing out free copies of that Romneycare health care plan he was so proud of three years ago."

DAWN GO AWAY
Indiana University law professor and former Clinton Justice Department official Dawn Johnsen withdrew her nomination to head the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel, in part because of ongoing claims that she had been participating in the hiring of staff attorneys for that office, even though she had not been approved for the post.

Those attorneys who had been hired had actively opposed the Bush Administration's anti-terrorism policies, and several of them had advocated on behalf of terrorists housed at Guantanamo or in legal briefs to overturn Bush policies. Both the House and Senate Judiciary Committees had looked into Johnsen's behind the scenes activities and had confirmed that she had participated in the hiring of at least one senior attorney for OLC, according to a Senate Judiciary Committee staffer.

WELCOME BACK
The Obama Administration's has a number of projects in its ongoing outreach to Muslims both here in the U.S. and abroad; for almost a year, its "Global Engagement Directorate," run out of the White House National Security Council, has been scrubbing all references to "Islamic radicalism" from White House, NSA, State Department and Justice Department documents. The Administration is also allowing radical foreign academics, previously barred from entering the U.S., to speak and teach here, and finally, the administration, via its Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has put in place a policy to increase the number of non-Islamic foreigners to its consolidated watch list, which is managed by the FBI's Terrorist Screening Center, and which feeds into the "no-fly" and "selectee" lists.

Those targeted include non-Muslim Lebanese, particularly Maronite Christians, and non-Muslim Turks, Sudanese, Egyptians, Pakistanis, Indonesians, and Malaysians, among others.

The consolidated watch list currently has about 400,000 names, and according the TSA, about 97 percent of those names are foreigners. The no-fly list, which bars individuals from boarding U.S. bound or exiting flights, has about 6,000 names, while the selectee list, a list of more than 18,000 names, exposes travelers to extra screening at the airport.

"Doing this allows us to show the U.S. Muslim community, as well as governments with heavy Muslim populations that we aren't discriminating to profiling solely Muslims," says a Homeland Security staffer. "The agency wants us to get to a point where if Congress asks, we can provide an estimated breakdown and show that our lists are not the result of profiling a subset of travelers."

The irony -- at least in the case of targeting non-Muslim Lebanese, such as Maronites -- is that such groups were viewed by prior Administrations as important to keeping the country from falling completely under the sway of Syria, which had long used Lebanon to house its Hezbollah terrorist militia and to launch attacks against Israel.

"It's a different world now, and the old relationships don't count for much anymore," says a State Department source, who claimed not to be aware of the new screening process.

While the Obama Administration has made a point of encouraging its security agencies to stop Lebanese, Indonesian and even Greek travelers for expanded searches at airports and adding them to the "no fly" list, it is also doing what it can to welcome radical Muslims to the U.S.

Little noticed last week was the arrival in New York of Tariq Ramadan, a Swiss citizen and academic at Oxford University, who, the U.S. government alleged, financially supported military Islamic organizations. In 2004, before he was able to accept a tenured teaching post at the University of Notre Dame, the U.S. government revoked his visa and barred him from the U.S.

But earlier this year, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, on orders from the Obama White House, rescinded that order, and allowed Ramadan entry to the U.S. Ramadan celebrated his return to the U.S. by holding sway in New York's Cooper Union Hall, where he called on Muslims not to bother integrating with Western culture, and refused to condemn the views of his grandfather, Hassan al-Banna, the founder of the radical Muslim Brotherhood, who during World War II was aligned with Amin al-Husseini, the Mufti of Jerusalem, who supported the Nazi agenda and broadcast from Berlin proclamations calling on his Arab brethren to kill Jews. Ramadan's grandfather is credited as the key influencer of Sheikh al-Qaradawi, who appears regularly on Al Jazeera television, and who supports the killing of Jews and the destruction of Israel.

Letter to the Editor View all comments (34) | Leave a comment

From London| 4.12.10 @ 7:24AM

Open letter to Tariq Ramadan

http://whatibelieve.blog.co.uk/

Mike Rogers| 4.12.10 @ 7:53AM

The writing is on the wall, and it says: "I, Barack Hussein Obama, do solemnly swear that I am a Kenyan Muslim with my first loyalty to Mohammed! Oh, and Marx too!"
Nobody whose first responsibility is for the safety and security of this country would simultaneously pursue such destructive fiscal and security policies.
The good news - he's so far outside his oath to protect and defend the constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that he's impeachable as soon as we turn the congress.
For light reading, try Ann Coulter's "High Crimes and Misdemeanours", which sets out the high standards to which our public officials should be held (and why Bill Clinton didn't meet them).

Siegfried X| 4.12.10 @ 7:56AM

It's hopeful that there is some criticism of the liberal, Establishment candidate this cycle, unlike the coronation of St. John the Maverick P.O.W.

The big question is whether the nomination will be rigged again, decided in a couple of weeks by winner-take-all votes in mostly Democratic states with a bunch of cross-overs. It was set up that way to nominate Guiliani or McCain last time.

If the nomination had instead been using Democratic proportional voting rules, then Romney would have been leading in delegates on the day he ended up dropping out of the race.

Mike Rogers| 4.12.10 @ 8:01AM

And the advantage of having Romney?
Like McCain, an honorable man, arguably an incorruptible man, but still possessed of some rather strange policy views.
Sure, someone with business sense and proud of his country would be two big advantages over the current incumbent, but Mitt's still proud of his healthcare experiment, even as all the unintended consequences come home to roost in MA.

Siegfried X| 4.12.10 @ 8:37AM

What I want is a fair, clean election decided by the voters instead of party leadership.

For example the Democrats voted in all 50 states before their nominee was decided, and delegates were passed out proportionally - if the vote in a state was 51% - 49% the Democratic delegates were split that way, unlike the Republican rules which would have given ALL the delegates to the winner (McCain).

Siegfried X| 4.12.10 @ 8:41AM

John McCain is a walking, talking piece of garbage, one of the nastiest and dishonorable people to ever walk the face of the earth. They called him "McNasty" in school and he hasn't done anything honorable since Viet Nam.

McCain now claims that he never said he was a "maverick". Lying comes as naturally to him as breathing.

megapotamus| 4.12.10 @ 5:01PM

Romney is poison. Romney is toxic. Romney is the the leading example of faux Conservatives like Bob Dole who proclaim principles during campaigns that they ignore and revile once safely in office and the cameras are rolling. Romney is nothing but an opportunist. He will as eagerly impose Cap and Trade as oppose it; likewise amnesty, finance "reform"... really anything you could name, including abortion and of course, socialized medicine. On this he is uniquely marked. Romneycare is a disaster, the only reason it is plausibly less unConstitutional than Ocare is that it takes place at the state level. It is no less ruinous of the medical profession. It is no more just in its inflictions. And this is Romney's baby. This nauseating figure must be kept from ANY position of prominence in the Republican party as a first demonstration of seriousness. Give no money to the RNC; let them starve. No money to Romney or anyone Romney campaigns for. Romney should be tarred, feathered and dumped in international waters but we will settle for an early retirement that comes none too soon. Romney is RADIOACTIVE! If you oppose Ocare or Leftism generally YOU MUST OPPOSE ROMNEY! NEVER vote for Romney or give him a penny. He must be shunned like a pervert, for politically speaking that is what he is. No Romney, no how, no WAY. Not ever.

ncatty| 4.12.10 @ 9:13AM

Ugh, Ramadan at Cooper Union. An important place in our history, where Lincoln gave a speech affirming the principles of the Declaration, Constitution and Northwest ordinance.

davelnaf| 4.12.10 @ 9:29AM

Allowing in Islamic militants like Tariq Ramadan has the unintended effect of stoking Muslim fantasies about eventually converting this country to Islam. Wherever Muslims go in this world they believe they are laying the groundwork for the ultimate conquest of that previously non-Islamic country. It is very quixotic stuff, of course, but the Islamists are serious about this and our politicians always take very seriously the squeaky wheels among us. One possible scenario might have the Federal government someday forcing non-Muslims to take mandatory multicultural studies courses that have a surprisingly heavy emphasis on understanding Islam and its teachings. You doubt this might happen? Consider: if the Federal government can eventually get away with forcing people to buy health insurance it will someday be getting away with a lot more than that.

canuckistani| 4.12.10 @ 11:12AM

Not so long ago the debate was whether the country was ready for a Catholic in the Whitehouse - and then a Jew, and now a Mormon. A black got in under a perfect storm of circumstances that may NEVER occur again - dead economy, historically horrible lame-duck and an equally inept GOP nom.
I always forget the oppressed amongst the US mainstream protestant community that have sat in quiet suffering as the "man" put the boot to their necks for the last two centuries.

There've been 111 Supreme court Justices, a whopping 5 have not been a white guy. Love it or hate it, America is managed by white men, so start there with your indictment of the nation and our progress to date. I'm a white male and choose to not blame or reward anyone but my "profile" for the current state of affairs in this nation.
Want your America back? Tell your protestant white women to start pushing more babies out so the unwashed need not apply - and be so crowded out at the ballot box that they have no chance there either.
One man one vote - is it a punchline, or do you believe it?

Eric| 4.13.10 @ 1:03AM

While a majority of the power positions in our country have long bed held by whites, I would argue that it is no longer feasible to argue that we have a society "ruled by white men." It's likely only a matter of time before we have a female president, and if she is elected on her merits, and not the fact that she is female, I would personally view that as a victory for the truly liberated women and other "minorities" across the country.

Women and "minorities" have held more high political office and policy positions in the last few decades than ever before in American history. It is the turn of the century, and while many liberals in our society, as well as many other left and right extreme elements continue to flaunt race and sex as divisional barriers, more people today have more opportunities than ever before.

Unfortunately in politics, it's a bit like high school, but on a massive scale. It's a popularity thing, and if a candidate for any office is not eloquent or charismatic enough they simply will not be able to compete in the political ring.

As an indictment of any remaining "white men clubs," I say in particular that if people like McCain and Romney cannot hold steady to conservative principles, kick them out of office and replace them with someone who understands and practices conservatism and adherence to our Constitution -- Regardless of their race, sex, or creed.

Ray| 4.12.10 @ 10:36AM

Mitt Romney promoted his own book? Oh my God, how, well, HUMAN of him!

Come on, people, self promotion is as human as egotism (something we all share to some degree), and, in the case of name recognition, as important as eating. Can any of you name a single politician, writer, sports figure, actor or actress, media darling, and the like, who DIDN'T indulge in a bit of self-promotion?

Without Apology indeed, for none is needed.

Dai Alanye| 4.12.10 @ 11:03AM

Romney is, unfortunately, heavy on promotion and light on substance. His policy prescriptions are questionable and of doubtful sincerity, and he lacks the common touch.

I don't know which is more laughable, Romney attempting to buy an evangelical organization or Ron Paul buying 600 votes but only receiving 438.

Tim*| 4.12.10 @ 12:23PM

Ya know that the liberal agendists are in trouble & scrapin' the barrel bottom ,when they keep tryin' to play The Race Card.

Tea Party Tax Day Rallies ,April 15th ,Across America !

Joe| 4.12.10 @ 12:52PM

I know we are not suppose to promote conspiraces, but this lastest from Obama tells me if he is not a closet Muslim, he is sure the most sympathetic one never to be a Muslim.

Were not talking about his stupid opologizes for doing what we should have in the war on Islamic terrorism (Iraq, prisoners, etc.). Tried to get prisioners coming to the US. Calls terrorist acts in Texas, Arkansas, etc. not terrorist. Is letting Iran get the bomb. What more does he need to do to confirm our supisions.

loulou| 4.12.10 @ 1:00PM

"What I want is a fair, clean election decided by the voters instead of party leadership."

Or by Democrat voters.

Margie| 4.12.10 @ 2:36PM

Obama/Hitlery~ perfect together.

Do you guys know that at one time in her life, Hillary was a right thinking person? She sold her soul to the Devil because she knew she could win being a Leftist. As for Obama, it doesn't look like he ever thought rightly. Raised by radicals, did he have a chance? God allows everyone a chance, at least once in their lives, to come to the Light and see truthfully. Has he had his chance? It says in the Bible He comes to us in our youth. How many opportunities will they have before they die? Do they even care?

Obama did say he would stand with his brothers, the Muslims, didn't he? He is certainly doing this now. He couldn't have a better partner in Hillary, while she along with him work against our ally Israel. I consider Obama and Hillary my enemies, and the enemies of America, in word and in deed.

I pray that we the people are awake enough now to go to the polls and vote Republican in order to rid our selves of these Leftists!

Bob Miller| 4.12.10 @ 3:02PM

"Do you guys know that at one time in her life, Hillary was a right thinking person?"

Before college, maybe. After college, forget about it! By no means the only 60's person who went through this change.

Al Adab| 4.12.10 @ 3:59PM

True. A Goldwater girl in '64 and from a good family at that. College will do that and of course the road to self-promotion and self-enrichment is to be found on the Left, not in the Principled Conservative Movement.

Jamie| 4.12.10 @ 11:52PM

Hitlery's senior thesis subject was Saul Alinsky--she had it under lock and key so no one could read it.

Hitlery is an Alinskyite, too. Whatever happened to those 900 FBI files she stole?

Louis Jenkins| 4.12.10 @ 4:34PM

Obama has led this country down a primrose path. This nation aches for someone to lead it down the path of righteousness. Perhaps that day will come, really soon. We'll see in the next election, for it will set the tone of election to come. Standing with the brothers from Islam? I hope not.

Tyler S| 4.12.10 @ 5:43PM

When I was young I proudly proclaimed myself to be a republican and a conservative because my father was a republican and a conservative. I cheered loudly when Bush won his first term (I was 17 at the time, which is all that prevented me from voting for him) and booed when Clinton was not kicked out of office. As I grew older, however, I began a careful and personal course of study of how the world works and, while the studies are far from complete, everything that I have learned has pushed me to the political left. I am not saying this to make some bold, obnoxious statement about learning leading to liberal thought, if that was the case Justice Scalia (who I truly believe to be one of the most impressive men of our time) and I would agree more than we do, which is never. My point really is that we all start out believing we are a certain way because that's how our parents were, or what was expected of us. It is only with age and learning that we are truly able to discover who we, as discreet individuals, truly are. Maybe Hillary was a conservative at some point in her life. I do not doubt for a second that she is a true moderate-liberal now. Let us disagree with each other on philosophical grounds without resorting to personal attacks. These attacks are the tool of the intellectually lazy, who would rather call names than go through the effort of defending a position on sound policy grounds.

Nick| 4.12.10 @ 6:41PM

Tyler S,

When the Left lays down their arms, I will lay down mine, okay?

Mike Rogers| 4.12.10 @ 11:28PM

Hillary, AKA the Red Queen, is no moderate, except by comparison with Che Obamarx.
It's natural to rebel against your parents' point of view; it's also natural for twenty-somethings to be idealistic and think that society can be perfected. You are not wrong-headed for being disgusted with some of our big-government Republicans, either.....
However, all forms of socialism/communism have failed every place and time they were tried, even in our earliest colonies, when even a small group nearly starved until they switched from equal outcomes to equal opportunity and property rights.
The Republicans do not have a monopoly on the right direction for the country, but almost all Democrats for the last half-century, and all Progressives (Hillary's other label for herself) for the past 100 years have been hell-bent in the wrong direction for our country.
Mushy headed social justice is no substitute for equal justice under the law - our founders synthesized the very best thinking of their age and extremely astute understanding of the nature of man, which is why our constitution severely restricts government in favor of the individual. Early Democrats understood this.
Regardless of party, now is the time for principles and the constitution, before it is gone forever, and with it this last best hope for freedom on Earth.

Lipstick on a Pig| 4.12.10 @ 11:58PM

A Leftist Alinskyite scolding us for engaging in personal attacks; hypocrite doesn't begin to describe you, Tyler. You liberals specialize in ad hominem attacks--you have to because your liberal social policies are a disaster.

Radegunda| 4.13.10 @ 12:12PM

I became a conservative when I noticed that the "liberals" around me kept saying things that didn't make sense.

They had contempt for the people who run the businesses that create wealth, but they were only too eager to squeeze and squeeze those businesses to feed their government bureaucracies and government-run universities.

They thought the Cold War was caused by our own "stereotypes about the Bolsheviks." They were weirdly supportive of some of the most oppressive regimes on earth.

And they turned out to be much less tolerant than the conservatives whom they despised.

Margie| 4.12.10 @ 7:12PM

“If you're not a liberal at twenty you have no heart, if you're not a conservative at forty you have no brain.” ~Winston Churchill.

Eric| 4.13.10 @ 1:11AM

A friend of mine names Stephen has told me the same thing, and me being a 20-something, I agree. I am a conservative who has much more to learn about the world, but unlike Tyler S my educational path has led me to believe that conservative and Constitutional principles are the only remedy to our massive centralized government. More liberal experiments were, by definition of the Constitution, left to the States. Our federal United States government has far much more power than it was ever proscribed by the Constitution, and has been growing largely since the 1920s, especially with the help of FDR and those Statists who came after him.

kitty| 4.12.10 @ 8:40PM

it is a big news, thanks for your share

haha not| 4.12.10 @ 9:47PM

While now these radicals are allowed to poison the well, Obama has take the unprecedented step of barring Israeli nuclear students or workers from doing the same in the US.

While Obama shifts the root cause of radical islam to the outlaw al queda group as our only enemy, like it was ken blackwell or Fox, he at the same time says we wont use nukes against non state actors.

While US gets warnings of loss of AAA credit, at same time he piles on the debt via obamacare - the legal wasteland he didnt read!

Folks obama is your undoing. You were lied to and shamed into not asing why this narcissist from nowhere had no history or why what was visible was risible.

Hussien the deceiver, undeclared muslim running the free world. Better make November count America.

he| 4.12.10 @ 10:02PM

ps. nothing wrong with muslim per se, like anybody else where they are a member of modernity (hint), but running a Christian country and pretending you are, when you are not, is not only grounds for dismissal, as in why he was disbarred (hint) but big bad treason and a scary bad example of taffiq, or whatever they are calling deception these days.. Its no common transgression, like say Holder or Lui forgetting they assisted the enemy. Unfortunately we seem to be fighting with radical muslim, who use deceit to fight so...

Amazing thing is we are talking about the President!!!

And so far he's spent 1.7m and just hired his fav snuff lawyer to help him NOT DISCLOSE his history which would determine the above.

Boy am I have NEVER seen anything like that.

chi| 4.13.10 @ 8:49AM

If you would only READ and COMPREHEND the recipe you would know how much salt to add.

There is a successful recipe for winning a war, it's called KICK BUTT WITH OVERWHELMING FORCE. World sentiment be damned!!! They started it and we should have finished it by now.