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Area Muslims see prejudice

Arrest of Egyptian students stirred unfair reaction, they say

The Post and Courier
Sunday, August 12, 2007


Arrest of Egyptian students stirred unfair reaction, they say

At the conclusion of the Friday service, the Central Mosque of Charleston congregation stands to prayer on Friday.

Wade Spees
The Post and Courier

At the conclusion of the Friday service, the Central Mosque of Charleston congregation stands to prayer on Friday.

The message Imam Mohamed Melhem delivered during the Friday afternoon prayer service at the Central Mosque of Charleston emphasized the unity of Islam and its universal message of peace.

But in the wake of the recent arrests of two Egyptian students driving through Goose Creek, he also expressed the collective frustration of local Muslims, many of whom think the public reaction to the arrests has been exaggerated and unfair.

"The media went crazy," Melhem said. "Most Muslims are good citizens and good contributors to society."

And nothing much is yet known about the two students, he said, so why the rush to judgment?

"We believe in the system and the court of law and believe it will be fair," he said.

At the mosque, Mehmet Bilgen, a radiologist, said Islam has become the latest monolithic "enemy" of the United States. It used to be communism and fascism and drug kingpins in Central and South America. Now, it's a religion that most Americans don't really understand, Bilgen said.

Youssef Megahed and Ahmed Mohamed, both in their 20s, each were charged with possession of an explosive device after authorities said they found pipe bombs in Megahed's car

during a traffic stop on Aug. 4. The two men, students at the University of South Florida, told authorities the items found in the car were fireworks. The FBI, which performed the initial search of the vehicle, has not indicated whether the material seized constituted a pipe bomb or other explosive device.

Numerous reactions to the story have been posted on Charleston.net, many of which express concern and assume guilt, and some of which are overtly hostile. "I BELIEVE in racial profiling," one person wrote. "It does NOT matter how small the 'home-made bombs' were that were discovered in the trunk of that car, but that they WERE discovered!" another wrote. "Personally, I prefer to throw these boys into the lake and let the gators take care of 'em. Let their Allah save them then," wrote a third.

Central Mosque President Alan Is'mail Ali said Muslims are most concerned with taking care of their families and looking out for one another, but those priorities are not newsworthy. Only Islamic extremism gets the headlines, and that contributes to misunderstanding, Ali said. Americans tend to generalize about Muslims, and that causes Muslims to believe that the war against terrorism is really a war against Islam, he said.

"Anyone who claims (to be) a Muslim and then recklessly and intentionally hurts or even kills, either non-Muslims or even Muslims, in the name of Islam, is a spineless degenerate!" Ali said.

Melhem said that he has received phone calls from people asking if the two Egyptian students were affiliated with the Central Mosque. He wondered why people should assume this as they have been living in Florida.

Three-year-old Kinsey Hallaba turns to her father Radwan (Hallaba) as the Central Mosque of Charleston congregation kneels for prayer on Friday.

Wade Spees
The Post and Courier

Three-year-old Kinsey Hallaba turns to her father Radwan (Hallaba) as the Central Mosque of Charleston congregation kneels for prayer on Friday.

"Muslims are good and do the right thing," he said. "If we see anything suspicious, we are part of the community, we help." But when Muslims feel threatened by a system they perceive to be prejudiced, they are less likely to cooperate with that system, Melhem said.

Anti-Muslim incidents were up 25 percent nationally in 2006, according to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). The rise was attributed to post-9/11 fear of Muslims and violence overseas.

Chaudhry Sadiq, director of the South Carolina chapter of CAIR, said that jumping to conclusions about the two Egyptian students only compromises the values of the U.S. and puts Muslim communities on the defensive.

Media reports of the Goose Creek episode have been highly exaggerated, Sadiq said. "All the time, resources and energy could have been applied to peacemaking."

Frank Shealy, 63, a West Ashley resident who has been following the story, said he hopes the two men are innocent but expects the FBI to conduct a thorough investigation. The combination of facts — specifically the use of smaller roads on the way to North Carolina and the materials in the trunk of the car — suggest to Shealy that the students were making a "trial run."

Possibly, the men were pawns, asked by some authority to test the waters, Shealy speculated. In any case, it is odd that, just when the U.S. is at war with Islamic fundamentalism and especially attuned to the possibility of domestic attack, two men should pass near a military installation off the beaten path between Florida and North Carolina, he said.

"You'd think they'd go out of their way to make sure they didn't have anything that would raise questions," Shealy said.

Imam Mohamed Melhem preaches at the of Central Mosque of Charleston on King Street at Romney on Friday.

Wade Spees
The Post and Courier

Imam Mohamed Melhem preaches at the of Central Mosque of Charleston on King Street at Romney on Friday.

The Megahed family visited Youssef Megahed in jail on Friday and expressed gratitude for the respect shown to them by the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office and detention center officials.

"After meeting with Youssef, we now believe more than before in the innocence of Youssef in this matter, and feel this incident is all a big misunderstanding," the family said in a statement. "Our family would like to reaffirm what we've said before: We love this country and consider it home, we have faith in the justice system and believe in the laws of the land, we're continuing to fully cooperate with law enforcement."

In a telephone interview, Samir Megahed, Youssef's father, said his son often gets lost on road trips. They have traveled together to Canada, California and Las Vegas, he said. "Every time, I drive, he sleeps," Samir Megahed said.

On a recent trip to Orlando, Youssef called his father a dozen times to ask for directions, even though he was relatively familiar with the area, Samir Megahed said.

It is likely he got lost once again during his drive through South Carolina, Youssef's mother, Ahlam Megahed, said.

While the family was gassing up their car in Moncks Corner, preparing for the drive back to Tampa, several people stood staring at them, according to Youssef's sister, Mariam.

Charleston attorney Armand Derfner, who has worked on civil rights cases, said it is an unfortunate reality that many Muslims in the world are enemies of the U.S., and that some have killed Americans. This fact doesn't justify irrational anti-Muslim sentiment, but it does account for the suspicion raised in this case, he said.

Derfner makes a distinction between general violence and violence committed in the name of a religion or higher authority. During World War II, the Japanese were enemies of the U.S. and killed American soldiers in the name of nationalism, Derfner said. As a result, distrust of those Japanese living in the U.S. ran so high they were imprisoned in camps.

"We look back today and regret our suspicion of the Japanese," Derfner said, wondering if there is a lesson to be learned from that experience.

How should we regard Muslims in the U.S., he asked. Are Americans treating them the way they treated the Japanese? Or are the circumstances different?

"It's easy to say we should learn from history," Derfner said, "but the question is, how do we figure out what the lessons mean?"

At the mosque, Imam Melhem said authorities should be prepared to apologize if the allegations against the Egyptian students prove untrue.

"We love everyone, even if they don't love us," Melhem told worshippers. Then, a roomful of men and women kneeled upon the carpeted floor and prayed.

Reach Adam Parker at 937-5902 or aparker@postandcourier.com.







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Comments

This article has  191 comment(s)

Posted by peacenlove1 on August 12, 2007 at 2:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

idolhanz
i read most of your cooments ,u r so racist ,all they try to tell you don't put the people on the news and media unless you investigae and make sure they are terrorist don't rush it REDNECK no one here to convert you buddy,how many times muslim came to you trying to convert you,or jewish lives here tried to covert you or buddist tried to convert you???? how many??? can't hear you??.....you got your religion they got theirs ,free country ... bad ones go to jail...hell whatever good ones help and share bla bla bla AND IF YOU WANT TO GO TO WHERE YOY FROM...YOU CAN LEAVE AND DON'T LET THE DOO HIT YOU IN THE BUTT...DO U KNOW WHERE YOU FROM????? GERMANY OR IRLAND OR SCOTLAN GO LEAVE ....CAUSE YOU SOUND LIKE UNDEMOCRATIC COUNTRY...YOU LIVE IN A FREE COUNTRY BUDDY,TERRORISTS DON'T REPRESENT ISLAM THEY MAKE IT LOOK BAD AND MAKE MUSLIMS LOK BAD,THERE IS A BILLION MUSLIMS ALLOVER .. YOU NEED TO READ AND GET SOME BACKGROUND ,DON'T DEPEND ON YOU REDNECK BAS CONVERSATION BUDDY



Posted by peacenlove1 on August 12, 2007 at 2:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

COMMENTS



Posted by Charlestonman on August 12, 2007 at 2:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

wahhhh

many people face discrimination in our society, including:

fat people
black people
hispanic people

get in line muslims, and raise your voice the next time somebody blows up an airplane in the name of Allah



Posted by BillyTheKid32 on August 12, 2007 at 4:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I wonder what the police would do if they found a potato gun in the trunk of my car.
At what age can you no longer be kids?
The police found crap, if they had anything that just hinted that it was a "problem", the police would have had it out in the open so everyone could see.
When you spend all your time training to "do" something, well ya just have to do something.



Posted by Neponset on August 12, 2007 at 5:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Our Nation has a long history of immirgration and each new group has experienced some form of discrimination. The acronym "NINA" comes to mind. It was used on "Help Wanted" signs and stood for "No Irish Need Apply" and was directed toward the Irish Catholics who arrived after the famous famine in Ireland. I am a decendent of Eastern European emmigrants who arrive here just before world war one. They did several things to blend in and not call attention to themselves. They Anglicized their first and last names. All the childern where give American sounding first names. They moved into mixed communities, ensured that their children learned to speak Engish, got educated and got on with being a part of the Ammerican experience.
What we see today here and especially in Europe are floods of emmigrants from the middle east who are not trying hard enough to fit in. The recent riots in France are particularly disturbing.



Posted by kennyt on August 12, 2007 at 8:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

If we don't wake up before long this cult murdering religion is going to take over America and then you will be killed for being a Christian. This process is slow but we have a Muslim senator now next a governor, mayor etc and then car bombing will be used to get there message out Kill everybody who does not agree with Allah and Mohammed and the Koran( hate book of Jews and infidels). This would not be tolerated in Arab nations if this story where about Americans and God-forbid Christians.



Posted by screaming_sheep on August 12, 2007 at 8:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Lock down the boarders. The world is going to crap, lets take care of our own. Anyone got a problem with that, send them packing too. No re-entry.



Posted by poorboy on August 12, 2007 at 8:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"How should we regard Muslims in the U.S., he asked. Are Americans treating them the way they treated the Japanese? Or are the circumstances different?"

Regarding this question by this article tell the good Imam, YES they're getting what is deserved! You serve a God, a religion that tells you to kill infedels if they don't believe as you believe. Which if it comes down to it you yourself would choose to do. You just will not say it here. The Japenese then in WWII were rounded up and placed where we could keep an eye on them. And for good reason! You don't have to ever worry about that, as the NEW PC USA doesn't have the will to do that ever again.
I serve a god that promotes love and true peace in his son Jesus Christ. Where my God hates the shedding of innocent blood, murder is a sin with no promise of 72 virgins and a one way ticket to paradise.



Posted by ginj on August 12, 2007 at 8:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Am I crazy or what? It seems the good leaders of the Islamic religion do more protesting about arresting 2 Egyptian students than they do the killing of dozens of Islamic women and children by those claiming to be fighting for Islam. Is it any wonder why we look at them with skepticism? At least the police haven't beheaded anyone!!!!!



Posted by RockSolidRepublican on August 12, 2007 at 9:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The ISLAMIC culture IS HATE of AMERICANS. Read INSIDE THE KINGDOM by Carmen Bin Ladin. She will help to explain that everything about America is hated and resented. Naturally, Defensively, I am wary of all muslims, and all those from the middle east. Call that racial profiling, it's what it is. Have we forgotten that we are at WAR?! This is the enemy killing our men and women! And you're going to point a finger at me for "racial profiling?" If I was in their country holding a religous service inspiring all of "us" to stick together and fight discrimination.... well, that wouldn't even happen. I'd be kidnapped, tortured, videotaped, and shot.
They all just need to find JESUS.



Posted by RockSolidRepublican on August 12, 2007 at 9:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

As for the title of the article, Post and Courier, wouldn't it make sense that the opposing side of the war our country is in would experience Prejudice? What an idiotic article to begin with. We are at war. Of course they are going to feel it! The sky is blue. Come on.

Please check your opinions at the door about our war on terror, and report professionally.

Do you dispute that America is at war?????



Posted by hawneena on August 12, 2007 at 9:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Derfner says that Muslims love everyone. Well, some of his people have a very violent way of expressing their love.
What do their bumper stickers read: "Have you cut off an infidel's head today?" or maybe their favorite song is
"Blow Up the One You're With". This is love?



Posted by wegwam on August 12, 2007 at 10:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Area muslims see prejudice" ... GOOD maybe one day theyll see the light and leave

"area christians see muslims with pipe bombs"
wtf do you expect us to think of these two. does the family think we are going to embrace them for this. how are some people so ignorant to think we will just roll over and die. we will not go down without a fight. did the paper write this article to stir feathers? this article is a joke. tell cair i will see them in hell.

" But when Muslims feel threatened by a system they perceive to be prejudiced, they are less likely to cooperate with that system, Melhem said.
well when americans feel threatened by a religion that blew up the wtc they are less likely to like that religion.
maybe thats logic that melhem will understand.



Posted by doiseeu2 on August 12, 2007 at 10:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Christian extremists are just as dangerous - so why not judge all Christians to be terrorists? There are extremists in all religions - but does that mean that everyone who belongs to that relgion is - no! Come on people, let's use some common sense here!



Posted by scconservative on August 12, 2007 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It's obvious from the responses to this P&C article that the Muslim population in SC and the USA is not trusted and with good reason. When the Imans and CAIR are allowed to make excuses for any Terrorist or terrorist-like Muslim actions and we hear nothing from the so-called moderate individual Muslim, what do you expect? Do a poll of US Citizens and you will find that the vast majority of Americans distrust the Muslim community and they will not be trusted till they reject the phony propaganda of their leadership and speak up for this great country and it's freedoms and quit whining about their faux oppression. We welcomed the Muslims to our country and if they donot like it here, we welcome them to go back to where they came from. IF we have another Muslim attack in-country, we will witdraw that welcome mat and very likely demand you leave our country. Nice try P&C, we don't trust your reporting on this problem either! I am just glad I cancelled my subscription and only occasionally waste time reading this rag!



Posted by Brant on August 12, 2007 at 10:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm afraid, doiseeu2, that common sense is something that a lot of people are sorely lacking. Kinda like tolerance, educating ones self on things, etc...
I was very fortunate to have a dear on-line friend who is of the Muslim faith visit some mutual friends two Christmases ago and, I must say, that she was a delight. We talked a little about her religion and she stayed in her traditional garb the whole time she was here. And perhaps to the uneducated horror of people like the ever-enlightened RockSolidRepublican, she didn't rant on about Allah the way he rants on about "they all need to find Jesus". RSR needs to get it through his Rock Solid head that not everyone believes in his Jesus; it's called Religious Diversity. I know that "diversity" is a four-letter word in his eyes because it intimates that this is the "Christian" nation people like him rant and rave about.
A little tolerance isn't a bad thing. Why do we let a few extremists rule how we think? God knows we've got one in the White House...



Posted by wegwam on August 12, 2007 at 11:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"Christian extremists are just as dangerous" really?
thanks for enlightening me. an army of 2 is alot less dangerous than an army of ten thousand. think about it.
numerous muslim leaders and imams preach violence to hundreds upon hundreds. if you can find 10 christian preachers or reverends who support blowing up a faith or multiple faiths for that matter then i will bow to your knowledge.
why do we let a few good apples ruin what a thousand bad ones have done?



Posted by wegwam on August 12, 2007 at 11:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why do we let a few extremists rule how we think?

get a clue we dont let extremists rule how we think, we are just smart enough to think.
islam is the reason we are dealing with this problem. remember cause and effect in 3rd grade?

cause: thousands of muslims preach violence for years upon years while the majority of muslims do not stand agaist it.
effect: wtc in 93, uss cole, wtc in 2001, london, madrid, southeast asia.
whats next?



Posted by underdog on August 12, 2007 at 11:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Mankind is in serious f****** trouble. What I'm about to write here is not advocating or denigrating either "side." I'm just offering some food for thought. Anyone responding to me as a basher, racist, or "supporter of the enemy" has missed the intent of this comment. Anyone needing to stoop to the "you are not an SC native (and therefore, are yankee)" line of logic is not worthy of a response. I grew up in NC, was born in Richmond, VA (which many seem to have forgotten was the capital of the Confederacy) and my family has history back through VMI fighting those darned ol' yanks. Not that ANY OF THIS has any bearing on the veracity of my points here.

A history of warring has been caused by and shaped the revisions and applications of the religious texts of BOTH the Qu'ran and the Bible.

Looking at the recent history of mankind, we have The Crusades, The Inquisition, any number of Papal decrees, French religious wars (which ultimately is how some families came to be in Charleston, I suppose), schism, the canonization of men who used Christianity to justify war (Aquinas, Augustine, et seq.), the Holocaust... I can't offer much perspective on the side of Islam, but it is logical that its course lies somewhat parallel.

Neither Christianity or Islam can ignore their respective bloody histories, nor can they deny that centuries of antagonism have brought us where we are today.

Most Americans are of the "just leave us the hell alone, don't blow up our stuff, and you can do whatever" mentality, with the conceit that we don't stop being vigilant. There's always some sickos out there. But we're not living and let live... we're in a war on Muslim soil! True, we were not the aggressor. But it is daft to think that 19 hijackers accurately represent the collective mind of over 1 billion Muslims. Imagine, the acts of 19 men (actually, more, when you consider USS Cole and other attacks) have caused an entire nation of 300 million to go to war. There isn't an American general alive who wouldn't kill for that magnificent ratio of asset vs. outcome. The sad thing is that we are failing right now. So far we've done little but

a) demonstrate our willingness to cause tens of thousands of deaths and spend billions of dollars in response to the actions of 19 people, and

b) accomplish the exact opposite of what we intended - based on almost 200 000 munitions missing and growing anti-American sentiment due to civilian casualties
(continued...)



Posted by underdog on August 12, 2007 at 11:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

(...continued)

Yes, we've taken out some terrorist leaders. We were almost making progress in Afghanistan (I'm thinking of my friend who is training Afghan police right now), but the Taliban's ranks are growing, and they seem to be reorganizing (and let's not forget, WE trained them, WE funded them).

Though intended to be a "war on terror," this has become a war on religion, which fits nicely with history.

My opinion:
Neither "side" seems willing to budge, and the groundswell of hate and animosity that this is causing will take us to somewhere truly awful - I think of my sister living in DC, and I can't help but think of a mushroom cloud. I don't have the answer other than to say that as a species I think that we haven't earned the right to survive in the eyes of any god.



Posted by sunshine26 on August 12, 2007 at 11:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I will say that any time I see someone that looks to be muslim I am very wary and I do not think that we should stop that until they decide to stop killing us. As long ass they continue to practice their religion they will always believe that they are right in killing us. Sorry you don't get a free pass to kill my family and friends just because you live in this country. They will continue to see and feel prejudice as long as they still believe that they are right in killing us.



Posted by jammer on August 12, 2007 at 11:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

the religion of islam, if you wish to call it that - I call it a "movement", calls for the death of anyone not agreeing with it in just about every other country but this one...

mainly because it's not legal to do that here, and in the other countries where they are trying not to word it like that it's because they rely on our money one way or another and know it would cost them dearly if they weren't careful in what they say

even here the likes of the Farrakhan's have not been silent about their intentions

I don't believe for one moment Islam is about peace, or religion... it's about a complete take over as they themselves say all over this world

is your Islam different? then offer a public forum and events that invite Christians and others outside of your religion to come and find out who you are and what you really believe in

one of the things we true assimilated Americans will have to over look is that we are now taught by our heads of state and defense dept is that you will lye in wait and act like part of us when really you are lying and waiting for the time when you are called to act

be part of our American culture, rather than being apart from so we can all really get to know you so we can make our own decision of who you really are... if you care too of course

and about the Japanese, they were willing to be rounded up until they were proven innocent... after all it was them that invaded us, sorta like 9/11 or 93 or or or

you should feel warm and fuzzy anytime an American is actually nice to you instead of complaining about those that aren't

like I said, if you want to be looked at differently you will have to create that by bringing yourself out to us... not by waiting for us to come to you...

I think I'll go to the range today and throw some lead around, it appears we have a war coming from the inside on it's way from many sides and borders...



Posted by Neponset on August 12, 2007 at 11:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think a picture is worth a thousand words. The picture of the day can be found on page 1A of the P&C. The scene is the Central Mosque in Charleston during Fridays service. Take a look at the arrangement of folks by gender. Men in the front, women and childern in the back. The men are dressed in more or less in casual attire appropriate for the weather, but the women and childen are covered from head to foot in attire that must be very hot. I am of Catholic background and it has been the custom for our women to cover their head before entering church and this is usually manifested by a small cloth or scarf on their head, not anything like what I see in todays picture. My point is Moslum men should lighten up on their women. In my world wives and childern pray beside their husband/father - not in the back of the church and are not forced to wear clothing inappropiate for the weather. You folks have a huge image problem and when Americans see groups that include women dressed as discribed above red flags go up.



Posted by jammer on August 12, 2007 at 11:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

one more thing that's still fresh in many American's minds

after 9/11 most Americans saw the hundreds of Islamics in THIS country dance and celebrate as OUR citizens died from those attacks... I didn't see a movement to condemn those acts anywhere to be found???

remember the bar scenes in Chicago and other places?? unlike what the politicians think, we American's really don't have a short memory...

and WE let YOU get away with that... do you think YOU would have let US get away with that in your country??? ahemmm there would be a lot of heads to roll, literally



Posted by NN on August 12, 2007 at 11:54 a.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)



Posted by underdog on August 12, 2007 at 12:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

By the way, there is an availability heuristic here. Look at the point of this article - it was to get the opinion of local Muslims to the anti-Muslim reaction of many locals to this arrest.

Apologizing for or denouncing the actions of someone just because they claim to be of your particular mindset, when their actions clearly indicate they are not, is non sequitur. What Christian apologized for, denounced, or distanced himself from Tim McVeigh, Eric Rudolph, or even Hitler? No one! It wasn't necessary.

Did anyone actually READ this article? The mosque president does in fact denounce terrorism and its connection with Islam, by saying, "Anyone who claims (to be) a Muslim and then recklessly and intentionally hurts or even kills, either non-Muslims or even Muslims, in the name of Islam, is a spineless degenerate!"

By the way, if you are going to make an argument, at least do a Google search.
http://www.google.com/search?q=muslims+d...



Posted by redtop68 on August 12, 2007 at 12:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

They are always whining! It is their fault - Christians/Jews didn't fly planes into the Twin Towers - you never hear any of them speaking out against crimes muslims commit everyday in our country or around the world! They need to get a reality check! I for one wish our government would deport them all. ps - Mohammad was a schizo!



Posted by Reader on August 12, 2007 at 12:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Doiseeu2 -

What is the factual basis for your comparison of Christian and Islamic extremists? Everyone is well aware of the dozens of terrorist attacks around the world from the World Trade Center attacks, to the USS Cole, to the nightclub bombings in Jakarta which have been responsbile for killing many, many people. I'm not aware of similar episodes by Christian extremists. I'm not supporting wholesale mob attacks on Muslims, but your statement is simply false.

The fact of the matter is that not all Muslims are terrorists, but all terrorists have been Muslim. If you have to take precautionary acts to detect terrorists, it makes perfect sense to focus one's attention on Muslims. If we wanted to be "fair," then all people would be equally targeted for added suspicion, but we should be more concerned with efficiency.



Posted by NN on August 12, 2007 at 12:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)

And speaking of religion in general.....it's "religion" folks that is ruining this world. Take a look around you...

The fall of jim bakker and the ptl foundation for ripping off millions of people, Jimmy Swaggart with a hooker, the bashing of the gay/lesbian by Doctor James Dobson...just to name a couple connected with christianity.

Catholicism....16th century Pope Leo X said, "It has served us well, this myth of Christ."

Jehovah's Witness....."There are only 140K people going to heaven and we're not on that list" (m'kay, if you believe you're going to hell, why even bother being good/religious?) *duh*

Yes, religion is what 99.9% of this world's problems revolve around. Open your eyes, people!



Posted by underdog on August 12, 2007 at 12:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jammer, good points.

Has anyone thought to go to a mosque and speak with anyone (CALMLY!) about these issues?



Posted by NN on August 12, 2007 at 12:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

C'mon ragheads....get posting on this board so I can eat you for lunch....I'm hungry today.



Posted by Reader on August 12, 2007 at 12:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

NN -

I'm not sure that I would characterize Jimmy Swaggart's trysts during the 1980s among the world's great problems. Religion is not the source of global warming, critical poverty issues, education problems, and health issues.

Sure, religion plays a part in some of those things. But, the fact is that 99.9% of the world's problems do not REVOLVE around religion.



Posted by peacenlove1 on August 12, 2007 at 12:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i think all american people shuld read what is that religion all about,by reading it before you judge it ,from your media,and mix between good muslims nd strict ones,not all italians are mafia,NOT ALL AMERICANS ARE GAYS,OR MARRIED FRON SAME SEX ,NOT ALL AMERICANS ARE ALCHOLICES,ANYWAY THE DEFENDER OF RLIGIONS HOW MANY TIMES DO U SIN A DAY ,AND DON'T ACT LIKE AREAL CHRISTIAN????111
SOILD ROCL REPABLICAN...
WHAT KIND OF KNOWLAGE DO U HAVE???

YOU NEED KNOWLAGE GUYS .....NO WONDER WHY FRENCH HATES U



Posted by peacenlove1 on August 12, 2007 at 12:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

100% OF THE WORLD'S PROBLEM IS ALL ABOUT MONEY AND RELIGION IS THE COVERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR.
THANKS NN



Posted by NN on August 12, 2007 at 12:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with what george carlin said about all this 'global warming' hype.

Critical poverty issues are caused by those who make their own bad decisions. You make a hard bed, you sleep in it.

educational problems are the parents' fault for not spanking junior and making him do his homework and behave in school.

health issues....well, we all know who's fault that is, now dont' we?



Posted by jammer on August 12, 2007 at 12:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

underdog "Has anyone thought to go to a mosque and speak with anyone (CALMLY!) about these issues?"

yes I have thought about it and may actually act on it, I'd like to hear both sides... without being called a redneck of course, even if I am one... lol

groups need to get together if this is ever to get resolved, not individuals because individuals can be swayed one way or another by emotion... you need a "gathering" to keep the checks and balances in place

with billions of muslims out there they can't all be bad or WW4 would long be over and none of us would still be here

that's not to underestimate the thousands we know are here to start trouble, we just don't know who is who among them

it's going to take an ongoing public forum to distinguish the differences between the good and bad, and even then you have to keep your eye's open



Posted by jammer on August 12, 2007 at 12:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

peacenlove1 you are not helping your side any with your immature insulting comments, and there aren't any other muslims here to balance your ridiculous comments out to something worthwhile

I suggest you type out what you want to say in microsoft word or the likes and proofread it to make sure you really want to post what you type before hand

why the french hate us?? it's because they are all muslim now... and we hate them more... lol



Posted by peacenlove1 on August 12, 2007 at 12:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jammer read buddy



Posted by MajorTom on August 12, 2007 at 12:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Red meat? I suspect this story started out as a bet as to who could get the readers the most riled up.

Parker will be ahead until someone else writes about gays as boyscout leaders, Michael Vick was just trying to limit the unwanted pet population, or the Citadel should have casual Fridays.



Posted by Rooster2 on August 12, 2007 at 1:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"I'm not aware of similar episodes by Christian extremists"
...how about the bombings on abortion clinics?...weren't they by christian extremists? ...just a thought. Of course, I think it's okay to profile. It's just a tool that is necessary in the current environment.



Posted by scbassgirl on August 12, 2007 at 1:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

as anyone living in the united states of america today they know what is going on with this country.if these muslims are not happy the way they are treated here, well go home and stay home. we don't need you here , for what to blow up are people. all americans need to stand together and over power these other countrys that are moving in here. white people are now the lowest on the totem pole. the mexican 's have taken over, look around you where ever you go they are every where. can't shop for them, stand in large groups talking their talk. what has this country come too. the land of the free, whatever, it used to be that. now us americans just step aside and let these other kinds of people take over, take over what we have worked for. for the one's born in this country, true american citizens, there is no health care , no kind of help out there for them, why? cause the mexican have taken it over.....
and these muslims are on there way of taking over as well. with these stores they are opening, where does there money go? to send to there home country to fund the war against who? america.
when is everyone going to stand up for themselves, and say enough is enough?
if those 2 young men had no bad intention, then why was that in the trunk of the car?someone said to me ,they think they were on their way to the walmart in goose creek, maybe to blow it up. it was the tax free weekend, how many people would they have killed.yes, there is alot of prejudice against these kind of people and for very good reasons. i don't remember any americans blowing up the towers.if they are in school in tampa ,why be in goose creek for what reasons. more to the story than is being told in so many ways.think america before it is to late.



Posted by jammer on August 12, 2007 at 1:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

rooster

"...how about the bombings on abortion clinics?...weren't they by christian extremists? "

they were extremist, but obviously not true christians... I don't recall what passage in the Bible says to kill abortionist as the Quran states to kill non-mohammad'ers

not to mention that wasn't a bombing against a "people" or "religion" , it was against an act - abortion



Posted by scbassgirl on August 12, 2007 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

if you where not born in the united states , then you should not be here....
we need to take care of OUR PEOPLE, not everyone eles's.
blow them up, and rebuild them.does that make any sence?
ship them back to where they came from, with or without those visa's, thats nothing but a pass to kill all of us.



Posted by underdog on August 12, 2007 at 3:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

scbassgirl, before you claim to represent "our people," please proofread or learn grammar and spelling. I'm sure the irony of a poor grasp of the English language is not lost on you in this matter.



Posted by IamMuslim on August 12, 2007 at 3:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Jammer:

I am a Muslim and I have been reading most of the comments here over the last few days. I will try to answer most of your questions but the bulletin board is re-freshed everyday so I may not get to all of them. I will try to check the board every hour on the hour till about 6:00pm (PST) or 9:00pm EST.

Thanks



Posted by hawneena on August 12, 2007 at 3:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you underdog. I think maybe peacenlove1 has got her beat though. It is really hard to understand what someone is trying to get across when their comments have to be deciphered.



Posted by NN on August 12, 2007 at 3:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Who gives a flying rodent's arse whether or not the "french" like us!!! The french and france itself can BURN for all we care!



Posted by NN on August 12, 2007 at 3:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

it's about time.



Posted by Mon_Kie on August 12, 2007 at 3:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I looked on Mapquest.com and put in "get directions" from Tampa to Charlotte, and it said to go up 176 to Myers Rd, take a left at Highway 17...
oh wait that was directions from Tampa Simmons' house in the Creek to Charlotte Mazyck's place in Summerville.

But hey..they only had enough explosives to build a small pipe bomb, lighten up.

Are we going to be afraid of every Islamic young man who is carrying explosives, or trying to light his shoe with a zippo.

Next thing you know we'll be worried about a bunch of guys carrying box cutters!....Hmmmm?.....OK, scratch that.



Posted by trinitytim on August 12, 2007 at 4:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

underdog and jammer,

What's it like going through life with blinders on? If you continue thinking like you have been, you'll wake up one day to the Muslim call for prayer but you won't be able to go because they will behead you for speaking your opinion. Muslim's are the terrorists, not Christians. People like you and the mainstream politically correct media will be the ones responsible for the USA becoming the United States of Muslims. Wake up!



Posted by jammer on August 12, 2007 at 4:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by IamMuslim on August 12, 2007 at 3:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Jammer:

I am a Muslim and I have been reading most of the comments here over the last few days. I will try to answer most of your questions but the bulletin board is re-freshed everyday so I may not get to all of them. I will try to check the board every hour on the hour till about 6:00pm (PST) or 9:00pm EST.

Thanks
________________

thanks for your comment IamMuslim

what are your thoughts about terrorism over diplomacy?

your commitments to this country, the USA?

what do you have to offer this country and how will you succeed in doing so?

as our former president once said, "And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man."

as well as "If we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity"

is there a place in your society for beheading those that don't agree with your religion or is your religion in fact a religion of peace and open dialect even with those that do not understand or agree with you?

I'm all for all of us getting around a table and reaching the point where we can help each other, as long as we are really striving for that same goal and not deceiving each other with a hidden agenda in play.

what questions do you have for us?

and please people don't turn this into an insult opportunity... we all know there is a lot of emotion on both sides over the way things have changed over the years



Posted by jammer on August 12, 2007 at 4:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

trinitytim get a grip, no one's condoning anything

who'd you lose that you knew on 9/11??

I went to high school at MartinVanBuren in Queens NYC with many of those that perished that day, my family knew even more of them... my brother worked side by side many times for years with many of those that perished that day... luckily he was working on the other side of the city that day, but did personally witness those towers come down

I'm obviously not advocating killing anyone except our enemies that try to eliminate us, and I will personally hold arms to protect our way of life so people like you can insult each other while still keeping your "head"

if you want your kids to have a chance in this great country we will all have to come to the table sooner or later, or lose all our forefather's died for



Posted by hawneena on August 12, 2007 at 4:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

scbassgirl, if everyone not born in the USA had to leave then alot of people would lose their family members. Let us not forget who are allies are fighting side by side with our men and women in the Middle East. Do you think we should throw out the Brits, the Irish, the Italians, etc.? Reread your post; it doesn't make much sense.



Posted by jammer on August 12, 2007 at 4:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

one more thing trinitytim, if you had kept up with this story since it broke you would see days of post by underdog and myself that were anything but polite to those men that got caught with pipe bombs

do your research and read past post before u jump in



Posted by 22ktDiamond on August 12, 2007 at 4:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I feel sorry for all of you racist idiots. You make all these comments like you know what Islam is about but you don't know squat. You're too ignorant or afraid to really do your research because you might discover that you're wrong about Muslims. You said the same things about blacks when you were hanging them from trees in this country(which is still going on in some places)You have bad people in all races, religions and all countries.What you need to do is pray to what ever God you pray to and if you think you're right and the Muslims are so wrong then you have nothing to worry about from the Muslims because your God will protect you from the evils of Islam You talk about being called infidels, well maybe you need to read the Qur'an and try to get some understanding instead of trying to find something to justify your racist attitude.



Posted by trinitytim on August 12, 2007 at 4:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As a police officer working in DC that day, I saw firsthand what happened on 9/11.

If you really believe that you can have a meaningful discussion with the likes of those that condone terrorism and use our system to further their idealogy then good luck. I would urge you to first understand your enemy because the first rule they use is that it's okay to lie to your enemy if it benefits Allah. That is confirmed by Iran who is only developing nuclear power for peaceful use. Yeah, right.

The very freedoms that I fought for are the same freedoms that our enemy will use to defeat us unless we recognize who we are really fighting.



Posted by jammer on August 12, 2007 at 4:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by IdolHanz on August 12, 2007 at 3:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WHAT THIS CASE IS ABOUT! (thanks Cyndi!)

Some people are speculating now that these 2 idiots did this to start a controversial court case like the "flying Imams."

Both of them had big smiles for their mug shots. Coincidence or planned in advance? Pipe bombs made of PVC? Why not steel? Questionable components for a bomb? Not quite a bomb but just enough to bring charges that will be defended by an Army of CAIR / ACLU provided attorneys who will soon be flying into Charleston. The incident occurred right next to where Captain Yee (acquitted) and Jose Padilla (currently on trial) were held. Both of them and their families had conflicting stories as to why they were in Charleston. CAIR immediately called a news conference in Tampa and said they were "victims". Why Charleston? There are racist people there you know!

I'm thinking that’s what this is all about. They are deliberately trying to start a controversial court case to portray themselves as "victims" and "martyrs" for their pan-Muslim cause. They will try to show that Charlestonians are bigoted and racist people and they are "victims" of the cruel American justice system.

Any thoughts??

____________________

IdolHanz

I've read that many of those from the Mid_east are taught to "smile" at Americans as to not seem suspicious of anything, as we all know smiles are contagious and bring immediate responses of calm to a persons physc...

I'm thinking these guys listened to their trainer, another dead give away something maybe up.



Posted by jammer on August 12, 2007 at 4:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ok trinitytim I'll listen now, because u threw some experience in there instead of insults

now look back at the days of my post and you will see I agree with you, I've said the same thing many a time

and I was standing in front of the pentagon right outside the inner fence just a few days after it happened, smelled the dead bodies and watched the dump trucks steady roll in and out there carrying debris and watched while some of the politicians walked around in their expensive suits for the press...

so why are we overseas trying to "help muslims"? at the cost of our own



Posted by trinitytim on August 12, 2007 at 4:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Jammer, I just found this discussion so I will admit that I may have misunderstood some positions. If I did then I am sorry.

As for why we are overseas helping muslims, I don't necessarily agree that our primary mission is to do that. I think there is merit to the mission in Afghanistan and I wish we had more help from our European "friends". I do think we should put more effort into winning the war and that may require more troops.

I also believe that we will be hit at home again and I'm afraid that the apathetic response to situations like this one in Goose Creek are scary.



Posted by orpheus on August 12, 2007 at 5:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

deport em all and let em blow up their own crap hole countries. send their families with them. if they are naturalized US citizens strip them of their citizenship first. if they are native born US citizens lock them up and throw away the key. i am so sick of this crap everyone kissing the ass of the moslems. once they respect the rights of others then maybe others can reciprocate.



Posted by samadryad on August 12, 2007 at 5:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Posted by RockSolidRepublican
The ISLAMIC culture IS HATE of AMERICANS. Read INSIDE THE KINGDOM by Carmen Bin Ladin.

Harpo
One question: In the Islam religion, are all non-muslims still officially referred to as "infidels"? Isn't that what they call us?

==========================================
as an atheist, I have experience a lot of bullying and harassment from redneck biblethumpers who call everybody different a name....n*gger, d*ke, f*ggot,

Christians gossip, backstab and treat each other like dirt with their "holier than thou attitude" attitude even in church. I have christian friends telling me I am going to burn in the lake of fire for questioning a virgin birth. I have read the Koran and the Holy bible. They both have passages that should be scratched out but the Koran is more peaceful than the bible b/c it has fewer negative passages.

Muslims actually love Jesus along with Moses and Abraham....they just don't believe a god can die....the world would go into chaos if god died.

I have even been called a satanist for not believing in christ and I come to hate a lot of things in america and I live here. Look at how our own people talk trash about our leaders, educational system, and government and remember that most foreigners only believe what their country's tv show them.

I am friends with muslims. They are kind and considerate. They are not half as loud and bigoted as redneck men who thinks that "everyone is getting a handout but them".

This war is over the middle east much like the irish and english fought each other. It has more to do with land and money than religion.



Posted by 88vulcan on August 12, 2007 at 5:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Islam is a disease. The cult of followers are professional at making excuses for it. To follow a pedophile, to follow a murderer, to follow a rapist is to live in silent disgrace. When I lived in Cairo it was sad to see all of the muslim men with their young boys. See having sex with pre puberty boys is allowed. Now everything I have said is in the koran yet a muslim will complain and have this taken down. They are so ashamed of what they really are. Pray for them that they may stop loving satan and doing his work so easily.



Posted by kennyt on August 12, 2007 at 5:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

22ktdiamond I feel harshness in your responsive I don't have to read the Koran to know that this/your religion is based on killing everybody including muslim if need be. Can you explain the 72 virgin promise in paradise? Can you explain its your duty to kill all infidels? If someone draws a picture of allah your people burn down a city. Women are on the level as dogs and treated as such, innocent reporters are beheaded and sunni's(muslims) kill shi'ites(muslims)and there car bombs kill innocent(muslim) children all the time but its ok to kill your own just Americans or Jews are wrong for this.And one day you and me will bow down at the feet of that mythical Jesus and answer for everything we do and say.



Posted by 88vulcan on August 12, 2007 at 5:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TRINITYTIM I also believed that we should not be "helping" muslims anywhere until I thought it through. Every suicide bomber, every sniper, every sick POS that wants his virgins, for everyone that we kill there or that muslims kill muslims means that there is less risk for us here. I believe that we should drop arms and ammo all over the middle east and let them have their "fun". Islam is a cult of death and murder so it really is being kind to asist them in their religious pursuit.....



Posted by trinitytim on August 12, 2007 at 5:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yea 22ktdiamon, answer kennyt's questions. Why is okay for you peaceful muslims to kill children, infidels, and other muslims but when we want to know why two of you have explosives, we are suddenly the racist? It seems to me that you might have things reversed.

Last time I checked, we weren't the ones beheading people. We just put your two criminals in jail. Even the mother of one of these criminals thanked the prison officials for treating her son so well.

Pardon me if I continue to work very hard to disrupt your murderous fellow muslims.



Posted by samadryad on August 12, 2007 at 5:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dear jammer

the bible does have this:
http://www.christian-thinktank.com/midia...

Numbers 31 -- moses and his people raped, pillaged and killed an entire group of non believers and were just and righteous in killing innocent children and raping virgin women.

(Judges 21:10-24 NLT)These sick bastards killed and raped an entire town and then wanted more virgins, so they hid beside the road to kidnap and rape some more

http://www.evilbible.com/christians_are_...
a long list of rules that are too stupid to follow



Posted by trinitytim on August 12, 2007 at 6:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

samadryad, as a Christian I can honestly tell you that you are free to do and say anything you want. I can not save you and I truly do not care what you think or do. Only Christ can save you. I will pray for your salvation but I will not attempt to convert you or anyone else.

idolhanz, I thin you have nailed it. Don't look for any muslim to take a stand against terror. They will say the politically correct things every now and then but when we are not listening, they speak the truth by calling all muslims to jihad.

God bless America and God bless our troops.



Posted by sloggin on August 12, 2007 at 6:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

For all the latest dirt on these pipe bomb yielding islamofacists go to http://michellemalkin.com/

Lots of new info about these two "innocent" college boys with links to even more...

Looks like the GC police got a couple of live ones despite the local mooslem 5th column whining.



Posted by IamMuslim on August 12, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Jammer:

You asked the following questions.

what are your thoughts about terrorism over diplomacy?
- Diplomacy is certainly better than terrorism. I don't think anybody in his/her sane mind would advocate criminal activity. Are there criminals who claim to follow my religion, yes. Were they not criminals in other religions who also resorted to terrorism? The IRA, Irish Republican Army, is one that comes to mind.

your commitments to this country, the USA?
- I work for the Federal Govt. I think that speaks for its self.

what do you have to offer this country and how will you succeed in doing so?
I didn't immigrate here, I was raised here. I refer you to the above statement. If you need specifics well I have an Ivy league education that I am sure is a benefit to this country otherwise the govt would not have hired me.

as our former president once said, "And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man."

as well as "If we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity"

is there a place in your society for beheading those that don't agree with your religion or is your religion in fact a religion of peace and open dialect even with those that do not understand or agree with you?
- No, I don't see where you got this from but there are criminal elements who claim to be part of the religion who will resort to such vile levels. Terrorism has been condemned by the people from the religious establishment but for some reason it does not get national coverage. I remember NPR airing a segment back in 2005 where the American Muslim Council condemned all acts of terrorism. I heard it my self on NPR, but as usual it did not get any national coverage. Mosques routinely condemn all acts of terror in their Friday sermons, I don't know how many times I must have heard it. The following is a verse from the Quran (5:32):

Because of this did We ordain unto the children of Israel that if anyone slays a human being-unless it be [in punishment] for murder or for spreading corruption on earth-it shall be as though he had slain all Mankind; whereas, if anyone saves a life, it shall be as though he had saved the lives of all Mankind. [40] And, indeed, there came unto them [41] Our apostles with all evidence of the truth: yet, behold, notwithstanding all this, many of them go on committing all manner of excesses on earth. [42]

_________________________________________________________



Posted by IamMuslim on August 12, 2007 at 6:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

what questions do you have for us?

I understand the pain that people feel when they see loved ones or even friends killed. You have definitley experienced that yourself as you mentioned the Pentagon but so have many Muslims as well. My wife, who is also Muslim, lost her cousin in the wtc attack, they did not find his body for 6 months. His mother would wait for him on her porch in LA hoping he would come back, he never did. Many Muslims also died in that attack. In fact more Muslims die from "Muslim" terrorist actions than non-Muslims. Just look at Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Palestine..... the list goes on. According to the British Lancet journal almost 600,000 Iraqis have died since the conflict began in 2003. 30-40% of those deaths were a result of misguided military actions. That means anywhere from 180,000 - 240,000 were a direct result of the occupation. What about the 500,000 Iraqi children that died during the embargo from '92-'02? Who speaks for those children? To put that in perspective, being that the population of the US is 10 times more than Iraq, that would mean between 1.8 -2.4 million civilian deaths and 5 million children!

Lets now take Israel into perspective. The acts of terrorism resulted in numerous deaths to innocent Jewish women and children. Is that wrong. Yes of course it is, but so is taking someone's land. Would you be willing to give up your house to a Native Indian because that land belonged to his forefathers 200 years ago? How do you expect the Palestinians to do the same when that claim goes back 2000 years? I don't think the Palestinians should go around taking revenge in the way that some do, but in an extreme emotional state you do not know how one would behave. I would like to also bring your attention to the past where between 1942-1945 alomost 6 million Jews were eliminated due to the concentration camps. More Jews died just in those 3 years than have ever died at the hands of Muslims through out our history. This is even if you were to include all the Arab-Israeli wars and all acts of terrorism against the Jews. Would it be fair of me to fault the Christian faith for this? No it would not. (Eventhough Hitler would invoke Jesus's name in some of his speaches and I don't think he was an atheist.) In fact during the Spanish Inquisitions it was the Muslims, the Ottoman Turks, who gave refuge to the Jews of Spain. What about the Crusades should I also fault the Christian religion for that. No I do not think so either. What about Racism? Are all Christian Racist or are all Racists Christian? For every one Racist Christian I think I have met at least 1000 noble, honest, decent Christians as well. I went through the busing here so I saw racism at its very core as it was perpetrated on the African-American community.



Posted by IamMuslim on August 12, 2007 at 6:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My parents are the ones that emigrated here, and my father believes as I do that Americans are some of the most kind hearted, forgiving and friendly people on this earth. I have been to many countries in my life, Asia, Europe, Carribean, nobody compares to their sense of friedship. It is our Foreign Policy that is giving us "Blowback" not the people. You need to distinguish between the two. I could go on and on about this subject but it would be better for you to read about it and understand what has been going on in the Middle East over the past 60 years.

Some of the books:

All the Shah's Men by Stephen Kinzer
- It talks about how a democratically elected govt was overthrown in Iran in 1953. The CIA sponsored this Coup.

A Pretext to War - by James Bamford
- The build up to the Iraq war

Dangerous Liasons - by Andrew and Sandra Cockburn
- It talks about the games that were played by the Mossad (Israeli Intelligence)

By way of Deception - Victor Ostrovsky
- Former Mossad agent

The other side of Deception - by Victor Ostrovsky

Imperial Hubris - by Michael Scheurer
- Former CIA Officer

Dogs of God - by James Reston
- Talks about the Spanish Inquisition

Warriors of God - by James Reston
- Talks about the Crusades, Sallahudin (Salladin) and Richard the Lion Heart

If I have said something that has offended anyone then I apologize, or if you think that my answers were too abrupt, then I apologize, But in the interest of time and to avoid being too polemic or disingeuous I tried to make it as brief as possible.

In Summary I would like to say that it is easy to hate but very hard to understand.



Posted by sloggin on August 12, 2007 at 6:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

no, all muslims are racists, aside from that Islam and muslims are NOT A RACE. They only use race to protect themselves and their so called religion from criticism.



Posted by sloggin on August 12, 2007 at 6:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"It is our Foreign Policy that is giving us "Blowback" not the people."

So, change your foreign policies if you want to be safe. Yeah.....lol. This nonsense from the Islamic community has played itself out. Game over........



Posted by sloggin on August 12, 2007 at 6:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

http://michellemalkin.com/2007/08/12/mys...



Posted by kennyt on August 12, 2007 at 7:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Samadryad I don't know what bible you are reading out of but my KJV says nothing about raping anybody, yes it did say they ravaged the Midianites but did you read what the Midianites did to them first? No you didn't because if you did you would have given both sides but as usually with muslims extremist they only speak half a truth and show one side of the story and half the people will believe you. They took the virgins and gave them amongst themselves but was it for slaves because it did say a plaque was on them for sleeping with some of the women(Numbers 31:14-15) but nothing about rape, just ask the Duke lacross team about fake rape charges.



Posted by kennyt on August 12, 2007 at 7:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sloggin What an interesting piece, this should be read by everbody defending these "sleepers" just waiting to wake up in paradise. I think this should be the P/C top headline Monday Terroist suspects linked to Extremist Professor and other bombs found at brother house



Posted by peacenlove1 on August 12, 2007 at 7:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

youtube-angela ia a muslim



Posted by peacenlove1 on August 12, 2007 at 7:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

please guys watch this on www.youtube.com and write down angel is a muslim......ENJOY



Posted by peacenlove1 on August 12, 2007 at 7:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

www.youtube.com 9/11 coincidences part 6



Posted by peacenlove1 on August 12, 2007 at 8:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

idolhanz
yes sir i love the united states of america ,im very lyal to her too,and i appriciate everything america gave me,i don't like racist people who don't know the difference between a thug and a respectable black man,or a a terrorist and a good muslim ,and they are not faced double ,it's because you can't tell who is the bad person beteen them that made them all bad ,they love and respct this country america should watch the bad guys ,such as the new law by listening to all overseas phone calls ,iI AGRE WITH THAT till you know what is goin on on line ,on phones etc, i have no problem with jews ,my problem is the ignorant ,uneducated that have lack of knowlage ,AND TRY TO GIVE OPINIONS,please stop creating HATE we love america ,and im watching her back as it's possible,i applied to work as translator for the goverment,please just know the people before you judge them you creat hate and you are not trying to fix anything you meesin up man .big time,go pray to god



Posted by peacenlove1 on August 12, 2007 at 8:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

idolhanz
you don't have to read my posting dude.skip it IS IT YOUR WAY OR THE HIGHWAY????!!!!!



Posted by peacenlove1 on August 12, 2007 at 8:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

IDOLHANZ
don't involve your israel to the subject that's a differant story, trying to make people sorry for you and your israel.i know your game trying to make americans hate muslims for thebenefits of israel!!!! what you gonna tell me your not jewish ,you give jewsih people bad name



Posted by wasarepublican on August 12, 2007 at 8:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

IdolHanz:

There are many White Americans that differ with our war in Iraq, Cindy Sheehan, for instance, does that make them a 5th. columnist? Are only Whites entitled to their view on Iraq, but when a Muslim expresses his view he is the 5th. Column. What about what he said about how much he likes the America people and how much respect he has for them?

By the way if you dislike Muslims so much why did you defend those three and why on earth did you give to CAIR? Is that not hypocritical of you?



Posted by trinitytim on August 12, 2007 at 9:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

CAIR, now there's an interesting group. They claim to be pro American but their leaders have been linked to supporting terrorists and they are the first to defend terrorist behavior. They have claimed prejudice on the part of the police in Goose Creek but I think the police officer's did a great job.

I smell a rat in CAIR. They talk about being patriots yet their actions say the exact opposit.

I go back to my original point. Our most precious freedoms will be used to ultimately defeat us most likely assisted by the ACLU and CAIR.



Posted by jammer on August 12, 2007 at 9:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I'll look up some of the books you posted Iam...

working for the fed gov means nothing except maybe it gives you more access to things we the people really don't want you to have access too... but for diversity

we have foreign IT departments running our entire local government computer systems here now, which is absolutely ludicrous to most... low bid and our government isn't allow to discriminate based on what you look like or believe in, yet...

but then again our government out of diversity often hires crooks and spies as we all know and read about because many are caught way after damage is done

government pay isn't that comparable to the private sector, the "cream of the crop" rarely work for the government unless they are in need of the benefits because they have small children or sickly people in their immediate family

or because they have a line of family and friends for generations that have worked at the same place, so working for the government definitely doesn't impress anyone

if anything it sends another red flag, possible radicals working for our government with access to all of our confidential information... which I'm sure goes on in many offices

but yes I hear what you're saying and I do hope we can all meet somewhere in the middle so we can all live with each other peacefully... it'll take everyone moving and it's your peoples turn

try disapproving in large numbers in the mainstream media about the injustices done to the Americans instead of sitting back condoning the parties the Muslims had to rejoice of 9/11 as if those people in those buildings/planes deserved that

note I didn't say "to the Christians", I said to the Americans... because we are a make up of many different people and beliefs

Israel has nothing to do with this conversation, and isn't "our Israel"

for Christian belief Israel is God's chosen people that actually turned their backs on him, but they are still God's people so naturally Christians will not go against that

but for American's Israel is just another country that Muslims seem to want wiped off of the map and state so all over the news

most foreign Muslims seem to want us wiped off of the map too, so that is our common denominator with Israel and why we feel the need to help them from becoming extinct

Hitler wasn't a Christian, he was one of the worlds worst seen liars and he was actually half Jewish... we Americans are the one's that stopped him too, not for the Jews but for the world

I'll listen to what you people say but actions speak louder than words, when your people come out in the masses praising and showing protection for the great nation of ours then I will start believing you really want this country and the people in it to survive and get a long peacefully

that's enough said for now...



Posted by liam on August 12, 2007 at 9:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think peacenlove1 is a 5th column member. The two previous posts appear to be very different in the way they are written.



Posted by sloggin on August 12, 2007 at 10:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Authorities executed a search warrant at a Temple Terrace home Saturday in connection with the arrest of two USF students earlier this week.

The search took place at 12402 Pampas Place in Temple Terrace.

Multiple agencies were at the scene, including the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, the FBI, ATF, Secret Service and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
[...]
More than two dozen investigators searched the house for more than five hours. They said they were looking for ties linking the men in the home to the USF students arrested.

They pulled out long, large sections of PVC pipe, bags of evidence, and a suitcase.

According to the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser, the residence is registered to Noor Salhab. He is listed with the Greater Tampa Association of Realtors, and a Google search showed him to be the owner of Pal Realty.

FOX 13 interviewed Salhab and his wife, Ana Salhab, in 2001, when the house was targeted with anti-Muslim graffiti shortly after the September 11th attacks.

He said at that time that he and his family had lived in the home for 14 years.

But even though he owns the house that was searched Saturday, records show he and his wife live in a house nearby at 6004 Soaring Avenue.

Records show the owner of that house is Sameeh Hammoudeh, a co-defendant in the trial of Sami Al-Arian. Al-Arian is the former USF professor who was acquitted on most charges of funding terror-related organizations. He pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to provide services to the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

more at.... http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/
and..... http://www.wbipi.com/



Posted by TheCritic on August 12, 2007 at 10:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Many folks in the United States have expressed outrage at Muslim leaders not speaking out against Terrorism. Frankly, I have heard numerous instances when Muslims have spoken out against terrorism. However, I'm wondering why Americans are so hesitant to take on our own extremists.

A quote from Ann Coulter: "we should invade their countries, kill their leaders and convert them to Christianity".

It's an unfortunate fact of life that we have our own nut cases in this country. Perhaps we would have more credibility around the world and more support with the war on terror if we rejected the extremism on our home turf.

And anyone who thinks that the bible is less violent than the Koran simply hasn't read the book at all. Quotes can be taken from either source to justify killing and other evils. The vast majority of both Christians and Muslims are good people. Unfortunatly, both religions also have their share of evil folks...and the majorities of both religions should recognize the evil in their midst and speak out against it.



Posted by sloggin on August 12, 2007 at 10:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

that right critic, take coulter out of context.... you're obviously just another useful idiot.....



Posted by sloggin on August 12, 2007 at 10:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

i fail to see what the hell coulter has to do with islamofacism, or the political doctrine known which has come to be known as the religion of islam. yes, a majority of followers of islam are benign, but the percentage of christian fanitics pale in comparison to the percentage of followers of islam that are fanatical.



Posted by peacenlove1 on August 12, 2007 at 11:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

LET'S SAY IT AGAIN.......PEACE,LOVE,AND ROCKN'ROLL ....MAYBE YOU LIKE IT THIS WAY!!!!



Posted by strikebackusa on August 12, 2007 at 11:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Go to www.strikebackusa.com and read All Hail Diversity.



Posted by jammer on August 12, 2007 at 11:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TheCritic I haven't seen the likes of Ann Coulter kill anyone lately, or carry a pipe bomb in her trunk

she's just full of hot air, there's no law against that because we are allowed freedom of speech here

the extremist like Rudolf that hid in N.C. after his bombing here was condemned by all

my wife worked at Roper when his brother was admitted for cutting off one of his hands in protest, people like me offered to cut the other one off the dumba*s as well and wanted Rudolf to get the death penalty and for it to be carried out quickly

there is no love for people like there here, even if they have American names and faces

I don't care if your name is Mohammad or Keith, if you try to kill our people I will be one of the millions ready to stop you with whatever means necessary



Posted by billyoblog on August 12, 2007 at 11:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Dear I am Muslim,

Nice try.

http://www.faithfreedom.org/oped/SKM4071...

and I haven't even started.



Posted by Neponset on August 13, 2007 at 5:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Liam
I agree, looks to me like peacelove1 is a possible 5th column. Have you notices that some of his sentence structure suggests that English is not his first language?
I read some of his past posts and they also support this idea. Also the user name reg. date is Aug. 5 - not like some local idiot who has been throwing around wild comments for months.



Posted by jammer on August 13, 2007 at 5:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

good catch billyoblog...

IamMuslim what's your interpretation of those passages?

how do you explain that?



Posted by Neponset on August 13, 2007 at 5:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

IamMuslim
What are your qualifications to speak as an American Muslim? Have you done advanced study of your Holy Book? Do you interprit The Word literally? Are you a member of any extremist group. Are you part of a team sent in to this discussion to spread misinformation/minimise the importance of the arrests?
I would be the first to admit that nonMuslims Americans have a lot to learn, but what we have seen and hear so far has been less than positive. But we learn fast and will be up to speed shortly.



Posted by Neponset on August 13, 2007 at 6:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

IamMuslim
Some of the comments on this series of articles have been in poor taste or a little over the top, this is unfortunate. Some of these comments are by local idiots who will say almost anything, but I think the locals in general are responsible people and were provoked by outrageous comments from eather the far left or by a team of antiAmericans who want to provoke/confuse/defeat American ideals.



Posted by trinitytim on August 13, 2007 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

IamMuslim, peacnlove1, I will remind you that ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS! Unless and until we see anti terrorist actions from muslims instead of beheadings, bombings, etc. then don't expect us to fall for you words of deceit.

Neponset, why are you so quick to condemn the "local idiots" when all they are doing is defending America. Your earlier post questioning the motives of Iammuslim seemed to be more inline with the truth.



Posted by Kerry on August 13, 2007 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am so glad the Muslims are noticing:

WE DO NOT WANT ANY OF YOU IN SOUTH CAROLINA!

Now, please continue complaining about being discriminated against while members of you "religion of peace" kill innocents all over the world.

I seriously hope I see some of you Muslim scum walking around in your ridiculous sheets so I can have the privilege of spitting on you.



Posted by Kerry on August 13, 2007 at 9:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Too bad it was a Sofa Super Store instead of the Mosque on King Street that burned to the ground. Americans need furniture, we DO NOT need Muslims!



Posted by Kerry on August 13, 2007 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

ATTENTION MUSLIMS: (also known as dirty people in night clothes)

Americans do not want to "understand" your silly religion that kills people, but you had better understand that YOU are the enemy!



Posted by Neponset on August 13, 2007 at 10:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think Kerry needs watching. Does not look like his/her first language is English.



Posted by norv on August 13, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Send all the Illegal Mexicans and all the Muslims in the USA to a remote island and let them destroy each other......... might make a good reality show too!



Posted by TheCritic on August 13, 2007 at 10:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Actually, the total estimated Muslim population of the world is about 1,294,000,000 which is roughly 20% of the world population. The estimates that I have seen of Al Qaeda's membership is roughly 18,000. Even if it were many times higher it would still be a statistically insignificant portion of Muslims.

In order to prevail against these extremists we have to win over, or at least not offend the overall Muslim community. Given the size of the Muslim population, we simply don't want to add to the number of extremists...

Which brings me to President Bush's use of the word Crusade to define our war on terror. I'm sure that some on the message board will suggest that this was a inadvertant statement. I disagree. The president has loads of speech writers and each word in his speeches is carefully considered and reviewed. The primary definition of crusade is religous war, and in that context, Bush was offending about 20% of the worlds population. Certainly 20% of the world's population is not rushing to join the terrorists. However, questions about our motives will certainly make them hesitant to rush to our defense.

Another blunder of biblical proportions is the practice of "extraordinary renditions". That is our government's practice of kidnapping people off the streets of Europe, taking them to Afghanistan and torturing them. And even our govenment has acknowledged that some of the people treated this way were completely innocent and were not our enemies at all. This practice not only violates other countries laws, it also creates new enemies where there were none before.

We should go after the terrorists. However, the reckless conduct of the Bush administration has created more enemies that they have eliminated.

What we don't need in America is more religous zealots or rabble rousers who suggest that there is no place in America for other people.



Posted by billyoblog on August 13, 2007 at 11:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

TheCritic,

If you really think that the enemy is limited to 18,000 jumpin jihadi come latelys, or 'even many times higher' as you attempted to qualify your remark, then my friend, you need to take a reality immersion class.

Your comments regarding Bush and this government's "kidnapping people off the streets of Europe" shine True North light on your reason for beig on this thread. You don't give a damn about people in Europe and you don't give a damn about muslims.......You just hate Bush and jump on any opportunity to slam him and the administration. Yet, if (when) we are attacked again, you'll be one of the first to scream Bush didn't do enough.

As for your comment about "What we don't need in America is more religious zealits or rabble rousers who suggest there is no place in America for other people", I couldn't agree more. That's why we should fight the Islamification of our communities at every turn, for it is Islam that is the intollerant ideology that fuels the wa we are in. It is Islam that is the impetus for attacks on innocent civilians.

Many comments on this thread seemed to be focused on the hate or support of muslims. While the topic of Islam plays an important role in the events of our day, and THIS CASE, not many comments seem to be addressing the topic for this thread.

I don't think, for example that I've read any "Gee how about them apples" comments after fnding out that the house Ahmed Mohamed was scheduled to move into on the 7th, is connected with the USF professor who has been convicted of supporting palestinian terror groups.

I suppose it's just one more of those easily explainable co-incidences that seem to permeate this case.



Posted by TheCritic on August 13, 2007 at 11:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Repeating a comment from above: "Too bad it was a Sofa Super Store instead of the Mosque on King Street that burned to the ground. Americans need furniture, we DO NOT need Muslims!" Kerry

To be frank, this comment demonstrates vividly that we have our own nutcases here in America.

Kerry's intentions appe