National Islamofascism Day (Otherwise Known As "Now I've Seen It All.")
Ok, so it's actually "National Rally Against Islamofascism Day,"(R.A.I.D.) to be held on Wednesday, February 1st 2006. (You have to admit that "National Islamofascism Day" had a nicer ring to it..)
At any rate, the United American Committee claims to have organised 15 (count 'em) rallies across America. The 'rallies' are apparently because of the growing---wait. I think you might get more out of their own promotional material. Hold on a sec, I'll go get it..
< begin Sally trundling across the desert--no, the rain forest--in search of information from the UAC...>
Ok, I'm back. Here it is..
< begin scaratronic transmission, straight from the UAC's mouth...>
"Why "Islamofascism?"
Fascism in definition is (from Webster's dictionary) is "A political philosophy, movement, or regime (as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition"
The Islamic extremists wish for Islam to be an all encompassing lifestyle and government law, it fits quite well with Webster's definition of fascism, and is therefore...Islamofascism, a growing threat against democracy and the American way of life.
< end scaratron >
Before I go any further, I should make a few things clear, seeing how I'm an "Arab" (actually, I'm Coptic, which is nowhere near Arab, although I do speak Arabic and am an Egyptian) and our good friends over at UAC might think I have terrorist ties, which is ridiculous, since I'm something of a hermit, really. (Stay on task, Sally! You can do it!)
1- I am not one of these people who runs about with flailing arms, fearful of Arabs, Muslims, and/or terrorists (of any religion, actually. Remember the IRA?).
2- Furthermore, I am not one of those people who thinks that ALL Muslims belong to sleeper cells, plotting to do away with one skyscraper or another.
3- I DO NOT BLAME Americans, Westerners, New Yorkers, or any other blanket population, for fearing a segment of the population that they may not have too much experience with. Or a segment that, unfortunately, they've only had one or two very bad experiences with.
4- My future points (in this posting, anyway) are in reference to certain points in the UAC's 10-point mission statement. (I'll include them here so you can get what in blazes I'm even talking about.)
5- There is a huge debate (for those of you who don't know) about whether people like Mohammed Atta and his crew are actually following Islam to the letter, or if they're just foisting off their own bloodthirstiness on a religion that is sometimes misinterpreted. (For those of you who are nodding off, what I mean is that some people claim that Osama ibn Laden and other terrorists are the TRUE Muslims, whereas others think that Uncle Osama is twisted, and has naught to do with Islam.)
I think I'll make a note to write an article about that later on, but for now....
< ahh, more fun.. >
"UNITED AMERICAN COMMITTEE: PLATFORM"
1. Our goal is the unity of all Americans, against the threats of Islamic extremism which face our nation and a goal of ensuring a secure future for America. We will accomplish our goals set forth through the following actions: Educate our society on the natures of our enemies. Inform the American people on issues which must be resolved. Influence and encourage the actions of the President and Congress to accomplish our goals.
(What about Christian and Jewish extremism? Won't the UAC protect us from that? And this "unity" of theirs.. does it include Muslims? Wait, I'd better hold off on saying anything til I've read past issue #1..)
2. Our goal is that freedom for all religious faiths continues, insofar as they do not endanger the American people, or the existence of democracy.
(That sounds great, but what if a religion teaches and preaches that women have less rights than men? Or can be beaten? Or can't be a priest? Doesn't democracy sort of--through about 16 Levels of Kevin Bacon--protect Women's Rights? How does that--Wait, I'll just keep reading. This is me, by the way. Just in case you thought I was some gremlin in the UAC charter, or something..)
3. Our goal is the education of the American people regarding the philosophies and activities of our enemies which are operating from within the United States borders.
(What if they're operating outside of our borders? If "we" can invade Iraq to "help out" then we can certainly invade other countries in the interest of protecting ourselves, right? And it never hurts if billions of gallons of oil come to us via our "helping out," right?)
Therefore any terrorist activities found to be operating within our borders should be brought to the attention of the American people.
(They should?)
The citizens must be informed at all times. Any threat to the American people and to American democracy shall be dealt with immediately.
(By the UAC?)
Furthermore, it is the duty of every American to report to authorities any activities observed which may inflict harm upon the American people.
4. We encourage the judicial system of the United States to enact the following in regards to terrorist activities: Terrorist activities by those who wish to inflict injury of the common welfare of the United States and the American populace, who are captured while in the process of committing a terrorist attack as defined by the patriot act,
(Wait a second, hold up. The PATRIOT ACT, which congress didn't even read before signing on the dotted line, CAN NOT be the provider of any official definition! This is almost as bad as the guy in one of my classes who said, and I'm quoting, "Terrorism isn't terrorism unless it's committed on American soil." Stop defending him! He actually said that the IRA is NOT a terrorist organisation because, even though it is responsible for many deaths, and even though the actions are explained away as "fighting for religious freedom," this lad thinks that, Hey, since it's happening in a place other than the U.S., it ain't terrorism. I'll stop here...)
shall not be allowed to continue spreading his/her ideology in any matter, but shall be dealt with by capital punishment,
(Meaning what, UAC? Are you gonna track down the terrorists and spank them or something? Oh, wait, that's "Corporal" punishment. Sorry. Getting carried away here.)
regardless of creed or race. For their accomplices, no parole shall ever be granted to those who have plotted or assisted in the plot against the common welfare of America and the American people.
(Don't they mean "For those who have been found guilty of" or "Those who have had a trial to determine that they actually did something wrong, unlike the Law and Order where they went after this Persian doctor who it turned out hadn't done anything wrong"? It was really sad, too. He had this girlfriend who was either German or American or Turkish, and she really loved him, and was devastated by his death in the bombing that he got blamed for and ended up dying because he was trying to defuse it. Phew. Let that be a lesson to you, kids. Never marry a German, a Turk, or an American if you happen to be Persian. Actually, everyone should stick to their own kind. Less cultural issues that way. Seriously. It's bad enough being 100% anything in a land that your parents didn't grow up in.)
5. Those who reside in America who are aliens, whether documented or undocumented, and who are not citizens, who are from countries with governments which have known ties to Islamic extremism, shall not only be subject to American laws, but shall be subject to strict immigration laws. Current immigration laws must be enforced to the full, and must not be restricted. Any violation of these laws must be dealt with by immediate deportation. Those coming from countries whose governments have known ties to Islamic extremism, wishing to gain entry to America shall be closely scrutinized, and access shall only be granted after a lengthy process of research and analysis of the individual case.
(Um, that could get pretty expensive, hmm? By the way, is there a list quantifying what "Islamic Extremism" is? Because lots of White Americans would probably think that an Egyptian dad keeping his teenage daughter from going to a slumber party counts as "extremist"... so it's probably a good idea to define what Islamic "extremism" actually is. Hmm. Maybe we should leaf through the PATRIOT ACT to see what they have to say...)
6. Our nation's security shall come first and foremost.
(Doesn't every country say that?)
The United American Committee is dedicated to protecting the American people, and allowing them to live safe and comfortable lives, without the threats of Islamic extremism and terrorist activities. We feel a key to accomplishing this is by maintaining a secure border.
(I'm glad they said it's A key and not THE key, but what about Americans who converted, or are, say, American Black Muslims and born into it? Or John Walker Whateverhisnamewas Muslims? Again, this is assuming that terrorism is ONLY carried out by Muslims. I guess they didn't think about Ruby Ridge and Waco, Texas and Oklahoma City, etc.)
Our goal is an increase in border security along both our northern and southern borders, as well as an increase in funding to Coast Guard and Immigration agencies so that they may work efficiently and that the American people may live in safety.
7. We encourage laws to be implemented stating that no organization of any kind deemed to be promoting ideals which endanger the American populace shall receive funding by any foreign government or other foreign source. We encourage the United States government to closely scrutinize the funding of any organization from a foreign source.
8. Our goal is for America to cease dependency on imported oil from countries tied to Islamic extremism.
(If it ain't extreme Islam, it's some other form of dictatorship. Or I shouldn't say "other." The truth is, UAC, that "Islamic Extremism" is either "The Real Deal," or else it has nothing to do with Islam at all. Any more than I, a Protestant, take any of the "credit" for the crusades, or even abortion clinic bombings.)
We encourage the United States government to expand our importation of fuels from allied democratic nations, as well as to decrease exportation of American oil. The United American Committee also encourages automotive corporations to pursue alternative fuels in order to help decrease the funding of foreign regimes which have known ties to Islamic extremism.
9. The United American Committee believes education is a key to a bright future. We ask that the education system of America shall teach our youth the facts, and the true nature of our extremist enemies. Our educators shall not feel pressure to withhold vital information for fear of reprimand due to political correctness. Our youth are our nation's future. We must hold their education to the highest level of importance.
10. Our goal is to encourage Muslim Americans to embrace democratic ideals, and the American way of life. All citizens are equal and are entitled to the rights granted by the United States constitution. These rights may only be revoked when an individual, regardless of creed or race, commits an act against his/her fellow American or against the American populace, whether by action or intent. We encourage American Muslims to denounce the ideals of our extremist enemies, and to stand against our enemy's terrorist actions.
< end UAC platform >
As you may have noticed, I didn't even touch the last two or three. Why? Well, because there's only so much a person can say about any one topic, and, well, I'm just SO OVER talking about this.
Next Topic... Who are the REAL Muslims? Can "Islamic Extremism" Actually Exist? Can a person be tolerant of other faiths and be true to his own? These and many more will be covered on the next edition of Geraldo!
< I'm scuttling back into the rain forest to think for a bit.. >
"United American Committee Announces a National Rally Against Islamofascism Day!
The United American Committee is currently organizing a National Rally Against Islamofascism Day to be held at venues all over the United States next Feb. 1st, 2006.
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) November 30, 2005 -- The event, described on the UAC’s website at www.unitedamericancommittee.org has already scheduled 13 locations nationwide where rallies will be held. Many more locations across the USA are expected to be added as the scheduled date approaches.
The main rally will be held at Ground Zero at the former location of the World Trade Center in New York. Other states scheduled to participate with rallies include Washington, D.C., Virginia, Texas, Missouri and Arkansas with more signing up each day.
“We figured Ground Zero was the main rallying point, but this is an event for all who support America regardless of their faith, be it Christian, Jewish, Muslim or any other. All are welcome to participate,” said UAC leader Jesse Petrilla."
Sorry, couldn't resist.
At any rate, the United American Committee claims to have organised 15 (count 'em) rallies across America. The 'rallies' are apparently because of the growing---wait. I think you might get more out of their own promotional material. Hold on a sec, I'll go get it..
< begin Sally trundling across the desert--no, the rain forest--in search of information from the UAC...>
Ok, I'm back. Here it is..
< begin scaratronic transmission, straight from the UAC's mouth...>
"Why "Islamofascism?"
Fascism in definition is (from Webster's dictionary) is "A political philosophy, movement, or regime (as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition"
The Islamic extremists wish for Islam to be an all encompassing lifestyle and government law, it fits quite well with Webster's definition of fascism, and is therefore...Islamofascism, a growing threat against democracy and the American way of life.
< end scaratron >
Before I go any further, I should make a few things clear, seeing how I'm an "Arab" (actually, I'm Coptic, which is nowhere near Arab, although I do speak Arabic and am an Egyptian) and our good friends over at UAC might think I have terrorist ties, which is ridiculous, since I'm something of a hermit, really. (Stay on task, Sally! You can do it!)
1- I am not one of these people who runs about with flailing arms, fearful of Arabs, Muslims, and/or terrorists (of any religion, actually. Remember the IRA?).
2- Furthermore, I am not one of those people who thinks that ALL Muslims belong to sleeper cells, plotting to do away with one skyscraper or another.
3- I DO NOT BLAME Americans, Westerners, New Yorkers, or any other blanket population, for fearing a segment of the population that they may not have too much experience with. Or a segment that, unfortunately, they've only had one or two very bad experiences with.
4- My future points (in this posting, anyway) are in reference to certain points in the UAC's 10-point mission statement. (I'll include them here so you can get what in blazes I'm even talking about.)
5- There is a huge debate (for those of you who don't know) about whether people like Mohammed Atta and his crew are actually following Islam to the letter, or if they're just foisting off their own bloodthirstiness on a religion that is sometimes misinterpreted. (For those of you who are nodding off, what I mean is that some people claim that Osama ibn Laden and other terrorists are the TRUE Muslims, whereas others think that Uncle Osama is twisted, and has naught to do with Islam.)
I think I'll make a note to write an article about that later on, but for now....
< ahh, more fun.. >
"UNITED AMERICAN COMMITTEE: PLATFORM"
1. Our goal is the unity of all Americans, against the threats of Islamic extremism which face our nation and a goal of ensuring a secure future for America. We will accomplish our goals set forth through the following actions: Educate our society on the natures of our enemies. Inform the American people on issues which must be resolved. Influence and encourage the actions of the President and Congress to accomplish our goals.
(What about Christian and Jewish extremism? Won't the UAC protect us from that? And this "unity" of theirs.. does it include Muslims? Wait, I'd better hold off on saying anything til I've read past issue #1..)
2. Our goal is that freedom for all religious faiths continues, insofar as they do not endanger the American people, or the existence of democracy.
(That sounds great, but what if a religion teaches and preaches that women have less rights than men? Or can be beaten? Or can't be a priest? Doesn't democracy sort of--through about 16 Levels of Kevin Bacon--protect Women's Rights? How does that--Wait, I'll just keep reading. This is me, by the way. Just in case you thought I was some gremlin in the UAC charter, or something..)
3. Our goal is the education of the American people regarding the philosophies and activities of our enemies which are operating from within the United States borders.
(What if they're operating outside of our borders? If "we" can invade Iraq to "help out" then we can certainly invade other countries in the interest of protecting ourselves, right? And it never hurts if billions of gallons of oil come to us via our "helping out," right?)
Therefore any terrorist activities found to be operating within our borders should be brought to the attention of the American people.
(They should?)
The citizens must be informed at all times. Any threat to the American people and to American democracy shall be dealt with immediately.
(By the UAC?)
Furthermore, it is the duty of every American to report to authorities any activities observed which may inflict harm upon the American people.
4. We encourage the judicial system of the United States to enact the following in regards to terrorist activities: Terrorist activities by those who wish to inflict injury of the common welfare of the United States and the American populace, who are captured while in the process of committing a terrorist attack as defined by the patriot act,
(Wait a second, hold up. The PATRIOT ACT, which congress didn't even read before signing on the dotted line, CAN NOT be the provider of any official definition! This is almost as bad as the guy in one of my classes who said, and I'm quoting, "Terrorism isn't terrorism unless it's committed on American soil." Stop defending him! He actually said that the IRA is NOT a terrorist organisation because, even though it is responsible for many deaths, and even though the actions are explained away as "fighting for religious freedom," this lad thinks that, Hey, since it's happening in a place other than the U.S., it ain't terrorism. I'll stop here...)
shall not be allowed to continue spreading his/her ideology in any matter, but shall be dealt with by capital punishment,
(Meaning what, UAC? Are you gonna track down the terrorists and spank them or something? Oh, wait, that's "Corporal" punishment. Sorry. Getting carried away here.)
regardless of creed or race. For their accomplices, no parole shall ever be granted to those who have plotted or assisted in the plot against the common welfare of America and the American people.
(Don't they mean "For those who have been found guilty of" or "Those who have had a trial to determine that they actually did something wrong, unlike the Law and Order where they went after this Persian doctor who it turned out hadn't done anything wrong"? It was really sad, too. He had this girlfriend who was either German or American or Turkish, and she really loved him, and was devastated by his death in the bombing that he got blamed for and ended up dying because he was trying to defuse it. Phew. Let that be a lesson to you, kids. Never marry a German, a Turk, or an American if you happen to be Persian. Actually, everyone should stick to their own kind. Less cultural issues that way. Seriously. It's bad enough being 100% anything in a land that your parents didn't grow up in.)
5. Those who reside in America who are aliens, whether documented or undocumented, and who are not citizens, who are from countries with governments which have known ties to Islamic extremism, shall not only be subject to American laws, but shall be subject to strict immigration laws. Current immigration laws must be enforced to the full, and must not be restricted. Any violation of these laws must be dealt with by immediate deportation. Those coming from countries whose governments have known ties to Islamic extremism, wishing to gain entry to America shall be closely scrutinized, and access shall only be granted after a lengthy process of research and analysis of the individual case.
(Um, that could get pretty expensive, hmm? By the way, is there a list quantifying what "Islamic Extremism" is? Because lots of White Americans would probably think that an Egyptian dad keeping his teenage daughter from going to a slumber party counts as "extremist"... so it's probably a good idea to define what Islamic "extremism" actually is. Hmm. Maybe we should leaf through the PATRIOT ACT to see what they have to say...)
6. Our nation's security shall come first and foremost.
(Doesn't every country say that?)
The United American Committee is dedicated to protecting the American people, and allowing them to live safe and comfortable lives, without the threats of Islamic extremism and terrorist activities. We feel a key to accomplishing this is by maintaining a secure border.
(I'm glad they said it's A key and not THE key, but what about Americans who converted, or are, say, American Black Muslims and born into it? Or John Walker Whateverhisnamewas Muslims? Again, this is assuming that terrorism is ONLY carried out by Muslims. I guess they didn't think about Ruby Ridge and Waco, Texas and Oklahoma City, etc.)
Our goal is an increase in border security along both our northern and southern borders, as well as an increase in funding to Coast Guard and Immigration agencies so that they may work efficiently and that the American people may live in safety.
7. We encourage laws to be implemented stating that no organization of any kind deemed to be promoting ideals which endanger the American populace shall receive funding by any foreign government or other foreign source. We encourage the United States government to closely scrutinize the funding of any organization from a foreign source.
8. Our goal is for America to cease dependency on imported oil from countries tied to Islamic extremism.
(If it ain't extreme Islam, it's some other form of dictatorship. Or I shouldn't say "other." The truth is, UAC, that "Islamic Extremism" is either "The Real Deal," or else it has nothing to do with Islam at all. Any more than I, a Protestant, take any of the "credit" for the crusades, or even abortion clinic bombings.)
We encourage the United States government to expand our importation of fuels from allied democratic nations, as well as to decrease exportation of American oil. The United American Committee also encourages automotive corporations to pursue alternative fuels in order to help decrease the funding of foreign regimes which have known ties to Islamic extremism.
9. The United American Committee believes education is a key to a bright future. We ask that the education system of America shall teach our youth the facts, and the true nature of our extremist enemies. Our educators shall not feel pressure to withhold vital information for fear of reprimand due to political correctness. Our youth are our nation's future. We must hold their education to the highest level of importance.
10. Our goal is to encourage Muslim Americans to embrace democratic ideals, and the American way of life. All citizens are equal and are entitled to the rights granted by the United States constitution. These rights may only be revoked when an individual, regardless of creed or race, commits an act against his/her fellow American or against the American populace, whether by action or intent. We encourage American Muslims to denounce the ideals of our extremist enemies, and to stand against our enemy's terrorist actions.
< end UAC platform >
As you may have noticed, I didn't even touch the last two or three. Why? Well, because there's only so much a person can say about any one topic, and, well, I'm just SO OVER talking about this.
Next Topic... Who are the REAL Muslims? Can "Islamic Extremism" Actually Exist? Can a person be tolerant of other faiths and be true to his own? These and many more will be covered on the next edition of Geraldo!
< I'm scuttling back into the rain forest to think for a bit.. >
"United American Committee Announces a National Rally Against Islamofascism Day!
The United American Committee is currently organizing a National Rally Against Islamofascism Day to be held at venues all over the United States next Feb. 1st, 2006.
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) November 30, 2005 -- The event, described on the UAC’s website at www.unitedamericancommittee.org has already scheduled 13 locations nationwide where rallies will be held. Many more locations across the USA are expected to be added as the scheduled date approaches.
The main rally will be held at Ground Zero at the former location of the World Trade Center in New York. Other states scheduled to participate with rallies include Washington, D.C., Virginia, Texas, Missouri and Arkansas with more signing up each day.
“We figured Ground Zero was the main rallying point, but this is an event for all who support America regardless of their faith, be it Christian, Jewish, Muslim or any other. All are welcome to participate,” said UAC leader Jesse Petrilla."
Sorry, couldn't resist.
Comments