The Fifth Column Report

2009-09-25T07:13:00.000-07:00

MULTIPLE ARRESTS, MULTIPLE TERROR PLOTS, COINCIDENCE?

In the last month, nearly a dozen Muslims have been arrested in the United States on credible charges of domestic terrorism. Is this coincidence or is something else at hand? Let's investigate further:

1) August 2009, seven men are arrested in North Carolina with plans to attack the marine base, Quantico, among other targets.

2) September 2009, three men including a father and son in Colorado and an Imam in NYC are arrested after a terror surveillance action disintegrates. One man is charged with conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction.

3) September 2009, an Illinois man is arrested as he used a cell phone to try to detonate a phony bomb he believed was inside a van he had just parked outside the federal building.

4) September 2009, the FBI arrests a Jordanian national living illegally in the U.S. after he attempted to place a "phony" car bomb outside of a federal office building in Dallas.

What are the common threads in all of these terror plots? Those arrested are all male and Muslims. Is there anything significant about the "timing" of these plots? Why August/September?

The Muslim holiday Ramadan began August 22nd and ended with the celebration of Eid-Al-Fitr on September 20th. Ramadan is a month long period when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset and refrain from anything worldly (yes sexual relations too). It is characterized by a period of heightened "spirituality" and increased prayer. Supposedly, it was during this time in the 8th century that the Quran was revealed to Mohammad.

According to several hadiths, during Ramadan all sins will be forgiven and whomever dies will immediately enter paradise.

Does this mean that during Ramadan all Muslims will necessarily radicalize? Of course not, but when one is dealing with fanatical mindsets, the period of Ramadan becomes an impetus for the devoted to execute their terror judgements.

2009-05-22T07:20:00.000-07:00

Who are the real victims behind the recent attempted terror attack against Jews in New York City? Why Muslims, of course!

This seems to be an absolutely laughable assertion except this is actually how the mainstream media is portraying the recent attempted terror attack on synagogues in New York City. In a nightmarish realization of Orwellian doublespeak, WCBS TV in NYC actually blames the victims and ascribes sympathy to the perverse religion which perpetrates terror across the globe:

As we saw after Sept. 11, 2001, the invisible victims of Islamic terrorism are other Muslims, millions of people who are horrified by the thought that some of their own could turn the words of the Quran into a justification for murder.

Unfortunately, reporter Don Dahler's facts aren't entirely correct. According to FBI statistics, reports of hate crimes directed at Muslims are quite low. While there was an "uptick" in the recorded number of hate crimes against Muslims in the aftermath of 9/11, the numbers were exceedingly small and they rapidly tailed off to baseline levels. In fact the number of hate crimes against Muslims in the United States pales in comparison to the number of hate crimes targeting Jews, African-Americans, Hispanics, Whites, Gays, and yes even Pacific Islanders. Thus, of any "minority" in this country Muslims are the least likely to be targeted for their appearance or religious practices.

CBS continues its obfuscation with the following statement:

And whenever something like this happens, the thousands of good, law-abiding, patriotic Muslims worry that once again, the stereotype of a violent Islam is once again being perpetuated.

Perhaps this is true, but as a whole the Muslim community has been silent on the issue of Islamic terror and extremism. While, CBS manages to find one Imam who would go on the record condemning the recent attempted terror attack, the lack of visible opposition in the American Muslim community to such actions is painfully apparent. If the majority of Muslims are "good, law-abiding, (and) patriotic" then why aren't they making their revulsions known? Where are the editorials, press conferences, and rallies sponsored by Muslim communities condemning these actions? The silence is almost as deafening as the mainstream media's lack of attention to the latest attempted terror attack and the issues surrounding the true nature of its origins...

2009-05-21T05:04:00.000-07:00

White Supremacists target Black Churches...

Media Yawns?

Imagine what would happen if a handful of white supremacists acquired C4 explosive and planted the munitions around African-American churches in an obvious terror plot? How would the mainstream media cover this and what would the nation's reaction be?

Yesterday, May 20th four Muslim-Americans were captured by FBI agents in a carefully orchestrated "sting" operation as the home-grown terrorists were busy placing what they thought was C4 around New York City synagogues. The New York Post and the New York Daily News provided detailed, front page accounts of the attempted terror incident. According to the report in the Daily News the men,

"...wanted to make a statement," a law enforcement source said. "They were filled with rage and wanted to take it out on what they considered the source of all problems in America - the Jews."

The group's alleged ringleader, James Cromitie, according to the complaint, discussed targets with an undercover agent. "The best target [the World Trade Center] was hit already," he allegedly told the agent. Later, he rejoiced in a terrorist attack on a synagogue.
"I hate those motherf-----s, those f---ing Jewish bastards. . . . I would like to get [destroy] a synagogue."

So, how did some of the most respected mainstream newspapers report the story? Initially, the New York Times buried the issue with a diminutive AP report, though now the story has become too big to ignore. Nonetheless, the Times does its best to minimize the gravity and impact of this horrific terror plot. This is how the NYT's leads the story,

The four men arrested Wednesday night in what the authorities said was a plot to bomb two synagogues in the Bronx and shoot down military planes at an Air National Guard base in Newburgh, N.Y. were petty criminals who appeared to be acting alone, not in concert with any terrorist organization, the New York City police commissioner said Thursday.

It's not until the 11th paragraph that the reader learns the relevant details and again the Times does its utmost to diminish their importance:

The four men arrested are all Muslim, a law enforcement official said. Mr. Cromitie, whose parents had lived in Afghanistan before his birth, had told the informant that he was upset about the war in Afghanistan and that that he wanted to do “something to America.” Mr. Cromitie stated “the best target” — the World Trade Center — “was hit already,” according to the complaint.

At one level, we should applaud the NYT's for even reporting on the incident, as another national paper, the Washington Post has deemed the story largely irrelevant. Below is a screen capture of the current electronic version of the WaPo. One sees that the lead photograph is that of a cute and cuddly panda while the headline stories involve Obama's concern on the Gitmo detainees, the economy, etc. Where is the breaking splash about a domestic terror plot? Why, it's relegated to a tiny corner under the heading of "more headlines" - see screen capture two.

Clicking on the link brings the reader to a report written by Tom McElroy of the AP. This dispassionate piece is so sanitized that the reader is left wondering who the men were, what were their motivations, and why did this occur? The WaPo and Mr. McElroy violate every basic tenet of Journalism in their clearly whitewashed report.

Obviously, this terror plot is an emerging situation so details and information are still forthcoming. Yet, the lack of regard for the severity of this attempted domestic terror attack and the failure to provide relevant information on the part of mainstream media outlets is inexcusable. Had any other minority group in this country been singled out in this fashion, the media and politicians would have elevated this to the forefront.

2009-05-08T14:58:00.000-07:00

Barack's Boondoggle Flyover Contest

Washington, D.C. - Word comes today from the White House that Louis Caldera, Director of the White House Military Office and chief orchestrator of the Air Force One flyover of New York City for an aerial photo shoot which caused widespread panic for residents reminiscent of 9/11, resigned. In addition, the White House released a photograph captured during the horrifying stunt which has cost taxpayers an estimated $357,000. Also leaked was a purported internal investigation from the White House Counsel which illustrated the insane thinking which was involved in the planning and execution of the flyover.

Given the state of the economy and in consideration of New Yorkers' feelings (afterall they helped to place the anointed one where he is today) we suggest that the White House refrains from repeating any further flyovers and instead spends a few minutes with commercially available software to create Barack's Boondoggle Flyover Contest. Furthermore, we humbly submit a list of prizes for the choicest of entries:

Grand Prize Winner - A luxury all expense trip to D.C., where the winner is wined and dined at one of the many White House weekly parties. Imagine the excitement of tasting $100 lb. Kobe beef and rubbing elbows with elite tax cheats like Timothy Geithner! First Prize - A session with Barack's own teleprompter in the White House press conference room. Enjoy the thrill of standing in front of TV cameras reading a karaoke script in front of adoring fans! Second Prize - An afternoon with Michelle in the White House garden. Learn about the White House's efforts to plant an environmentally friendly vegetable garden while touring around in one of the dozens of carbon belching armored SUV's!

All prizes do not include taxes (which of course are going up!), fees, and processing charges. Additionally, all winners must agree to proclaim an oath of allegiance to Obama and pass mandatory screening procedures. One entry per email address, please.

Obama Original... Cost? $357,000

Here's our entry... cost? zero + five minutes in PS

New Entry - Thanks J.R.!

2009-04-18T08:48:00.000-07:00

Pirates attack Belgian ship - will they show mercy?

Word comes today that Somali pirates captured a Belgian dredging ship and its ten member crew. I wonder if the pirates will demonstrate mercy and release the innocent men? Afterall, the Belgian Parliament just passed a resolution condemning the Pope for his statement that condom use was not the sole (or is it soul) answer to Africa's AIDS epidemic. Then again the Somali Pirates are Muslims and while they may dislike the pope, they disdain areligious Kuffirs even more.

2009-04-17T16:38:00.000-07:00

Obama's new vision; our enemies are our friends and our friends are enemies.

This week marks a seminal change in American foreign policy, one in which America's allies are alienated while our tyrannical enemies are coddled. Look no further than the developments in Latin America. First, we have the recent pronouncement that the Obama administration intends to "seek a new beginning" with Cuba. This "thaw" in what are otherwise characterized as icy relations include the relaxation on travel restrictions and remittances (transfer of monies). Apparently, Obama had no intention of holding the dictatorial regime's feet to the fire and demand human rights reformation or freedom for political prisoners.

Instead, our esteemed colander-in-chief was busy embracing and seeking acceptance from one of America's other enemies, Hugo Chavez. At least he didn't prostrate himself in front of the murderous tyrant in the same fashion that he did with the King of the House of Fraud.

While the knock-kneed POTUS was busy cavorting with dictators, his minions were busy tossing one of our true allies, Israel under the Obama bus. According to the Australian paper, "The Age", Obama's hit-man Rahm Emanuel delivered an ultimatum that if Israel wanted help with Iran, they had better begin evacuating the West Bank. This was followed by the recent revelation that an upcoming meeting scheduled between Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Obama has been canceled.

If dumping on our Israeli friends wasn't enough, Obama missed no chance to crap on patriotic Americans including military personnel and gun owners. A carefully timed "report" released by the Department of Homeland Security labels individuals who subscribe to these beliefs as being of particularly high risk, even though it has no specific information suggesting that this is the case.

Nonetheless, the Obama administration is not assuaged. It deems patriotic Americans and allies like Israel as enemies, while our true enemies including Cuba, Chavez, and the Saudis are subsumed.

2009-04-15T18:53:00.000-07:00

TEA TIME - WHAT'S NEXT?

Across the country many thousands of law-abiding Americans gathered at hundreds of "Tea-Party" rallies to demonstrate their angst and disgust over the run-away spending and outrageous tax policies of the current administration. Back in March, I had the opportunity to attend the first D.C. "Tea-Party". Contrary to CNN Reports, the "Tea-Parties" are grass-roots efforts and are not the creation of Fox News.

While I was, unfortunately unable to attend today's event in D.C. several occurrences were very disturbing. As I reported in January of this year, during George Bush's last day in office around 100 moonbats marched to the White House carrying signs and promptly threw their shoes over the fence while chanting anti-Bush slogans. What were the reactions of White House officials? Absolutely, nothing.

Contrast this response with that of the current administration today. First, the protesters who attended the D.C. rally attempted to dump 1,000,000 tea-bags in Lafayette Park. This was promptly thwarted by the National Park Service, who claimed that the group did not have the necessary permits. Likewise a rally slated near the Treasury Department was also canceled due to "permit issues".

More nefarious was how today's D.C. Tea Party was suddenly forced to disperse. Apparently, around 2:00 pm an unidentified individual threw a bag over the White House fence. Whereas, the throwing of dozens of shoes prompted no response by the Bush administration some four months ago, this lone box of tea bags provoked an immediate response by Secret Service Agents. They forcibly cleared Pennsylvania Avenue as well as Lafayette Park effectively ending the gathering.

It seems that the Obama Administration, the same group who just released a report characterizing nearly everyone as "right wing extremists" is more paranoid than Richard Nixon. Then again, perhaps he has good reason to be so concerned. According to a recent report by the PEW Research Center, Obama is the most polarizing President in modern history. But of course, the MSM has completely ignored the PEW's findings and they will undoubtedly ignore the events of today except to minimize and distort the importance of the "Tea-Party" movement.

While it appears from every indication that the "Tea-Parties" were highly successful, one naturally asks, "What's next?" Apart from continuing the grass-roots momentum, writing the President and Congress, I would propose the following:

Reclaim "May Day" as the worker's day. Imagine if on May 1st of 2009 every working man and woman, every honest, tax-paying citizen in America stayed home. Consider the impact that this simple and decisive action would achieve and the message this would deliver to our "elected officials."

Like this idea? Well please feel free to develop and disseminate the message. It's time for the real "workers" of America to unite. Let freedom ring and let's retake our country!

2009-03-30T19:01:00.000-07:00

Obama Promises "Green" White House

Buried inside of today's news stories, AP reporter Nancy Benac championed the "green" side of our nation's first African American President. Perhaps, "cheerleading" would have been a more appropriate description of the AP reporter's efforts. Since, the AP Gestapo has attacked bloggers around the world for excerpting their work - even when properly attributed, I dare not reprint Benac's natural fertilizer here. Suffice it to say that Ms. Benac summarized some of the "green initiatives" of prior Presidents before waxing (organic of course) the poetic of Obama and Company. She lovingly detailed the eco-green garden that the First Lady planted along with the kids enviornmentally friendly wooden swingset. Not to be outdone, we learn that the POTUS tiptoes around at night (hopefully in animal friendly hemp socks - no, no not the kind you smoke Barack) turning lights off.

Unfortunately, Ms. Benac seemingly fails to provide a more realistic picture of our POTUS' true carbon footprints. According to the website, http://www.carbonfootprint.com/ the POTUS should be applauded for turning out the lights. A single 100 Watt lightbulb burning four hours a day results in the emission of roughly 60 kg of CO2/year ( I have no way of fact checking this data, but let's assume it's true.)

But what of Barack's other not-so-green habits? According to the Chicago Tribune (yes, I chose that paper because it's close to Barack's heart), online "Carbon calculators" vary widely. Nonetheless, we learn that the average American's habits contribute to the emission approximately 22 tons of CO2/year, most of which is related to air travel. That's bad news for Barack, who seemingly loves to fly around in his Carbon spewing, global warming Air Force One (not to mention Marine One or his fancy limousine). According to one online Carbon calculator, a little trip from D.C. to Chicago in Barack's 747-200 series emits some 285,000 kg of CO2. This one flight to Chicago and back seemingly accounts for more CO2 emission than the total emissions attributable to the average American for an entire year! I hope the POTUS brings along a lot of friends so that they share carbon credits and reduce their individual footprint sizes. Barack has a lot of tiptoing to do as this flight would require the equivalent of turning off some nearly 5000 lights a day for a whole year. How's that for being "Carbon neutral?"

On the home front, things aren't a whole lot better. The White House is a gargantuan complex teaming with carbon belching electronics at every turn. At over 55,000 square feet spread over 18 acres, the White House is a veritable air-clogging smokestack. Since, the White House's energy consumption is classified, one can only guess at the amount of Carbon that it emits. Based on conservative estimates, one could calculate that the White House accounts for a low of 366,000 kg of CO2/year from its size alone to an outrageously inflated figure of 100,000 kg of CO2/ day derived from a "purported" energy bill of $25,000/day. Michelle better get busy digging a few more holes in the garden if she wants to do something about all of that Carbon. If we were to take the lowest figure of 366,000 kg of CO2/year, Michelle would have to plant over 20,000 hardwood trees to offset the White House's emissions for one year. That's a whole lot of footprints in a forest! And let's not even broach the fact that hubby loves turning up the thermostat!

Speaking of smokestacks, at least, Barack can feel rest assured that his smoking habit isn't too big of a strain on our planet's health. According to Greenopolis, he would have to smoke some 70-80 cigarettes to generate the equivalent CO2 emission of the average car driving one mile. So. I guess there is some truth to that addage of walking a mile for a Camel, though the average camel produces some 58 kg of methane/yr. which of course is a green house gas too... At least cigarettes are somewhat biodegradeable assuming that Barack smokes the unfiltered types. Then again, the tobacco was probably grown with petroleum based fertilizers that ultimately make our pretty little planet sad.

A note to Ms. Benac: Contrary to your assertions and flag waving, there is nothing "green" at all about the POTUS or the White House. Stop spreading your refuse as journalism and filling the minds of susceptible people with crap. Do the ecologically correct thing and dispose of this garbage.

P.S. I take no responsibility for any of the CO2 figures listed here. They were all derived from readily available calculators on the internet and their veracity is unsubstantiated. Proving once again, that all of this is a load of compost.

2009-03-28T19:26:00.000-07:00

Times Online UK Perpetuates Anti-Israel Stance

Who could forget this disturbing image published by the NY Times in September of 2000? It was subsequently determined that the photograph was mislabeled and the bloodied individual captured in the photograph was not a "Palestinian" but a Jewish student from Chicago, Tuvia Grossman. The policeman was rescuing Mr. Grossman and his friends after they were savagely beaten by Palestinian mobs in the streets of Jerusalem and not on the Temple Mount as indicated in the caption. Irrespective of the facts, the intent on the part of the media was clear; depict the Israelis as aggressors and Palestinians as victims.

Over the intervening years, the media has continued its propaganda assault against the Jewish state, both in print, in video, and in photographs. In keeping with this tradition of vile anti-Israel hatred, the Times Online UK has produced the latest misleading photograph which appeared in today's version of its Middle East news.

Here's the page in it's original context:

Look at the unsettling image in the lower middle portion of the page. It appears to be a man whose face is contorted with rage, wielding an axe in a rather menacing pose. Read the caption below the photograph:

Who is the man with the axe? Is he a "resident" or a "Jewish rightwinger?" The caption is deliberately vague though a mouse roll over reveals the truth:

Clicking on the "slide show" link confirms the correct caption for the photograph of the axe brandishing maniac is in fact an Arab and not one of the Israeli protesters. I doubt a correction or retraction will be forthcoming.

2009-03-25T21:03:00.000-07:00

FITNA

Now that the government has abandoned the "War on Terror" in favor of the P.C. "overseas contingency operation" a reminder is in order. Watch Fitna and recall who and why we are fighting.

2009-03-08T16:52:00.000-07:00

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton interview Ali-Soutak, Palestinian teen show, PA TV, March 8, 2009

This just in from: Palestinian Media Watch

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was interviewed today live on a PA TV program for teenagers. The following is a transcript of the interview:

Boy host:
"You have just finished meeting with the Palestinian children in the Access program. Can you tell us, what do you think of such a program and of the students involved?"

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton:
"First of all, I am delighted to be on your program and I thank you for giving me the opportunity. I think it is very important to have a program run by young people about speaking about speaking out and I just saw some very impressive people. The students in this access program that I visited were incredibly smart, asked great questions, their English was really good and I am proud to say that we are expanding on the access programs..." [talks more about being happy to be on show]

Girl host:
"The access program is an exchange program funded by the American government. What role do such programs play in bridging the gap between cultures and what can be done to make them 2 way exchange programs?"

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton:
"I am hoping to play a big role in working to connect the Palestinian people and American people more closely. As you know, we have many Palestinian Americans, we have very successful Palestinians in every walk of life; in business, in academia, you name it, in every walk of life. And I want to do more to connect up our two countries. Our people, having the Palestinian people feel that they have a better understanding of the United States and having the American people feel like they have a better understanding of the Palestinian people."

Boy host:
"Both you and President Obama have spoken about your interest in bringing about a peace agreement between the Israelis and Palestinian people. What are the concrete steps that you are planning to take to bring out such an agreement?"

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton:
"Well, we already have taken some. One of my first recommendations to president Obama was to appoint Senator Mitchell as our Middle East Envoy, to do it immediately and to send him to the region to begin his work and the president and I were able to make that announcement on the second day of the administration. Senator Mitchell left on one of the first few days. We wanted to send a very clear message to the Palestinian people, to the Israeli people to the region that this administration is dedicated to working towards a two state solution. My appearance at Sharm El Sheikh at the Gaza reconstruction conference hosted by the Egyptians, was intended to send another message; that the United States will commit nine hundred million dollars to the people of Gaza because we want to alleviate humanitarian suffering in Gaza but some of that money will also go to the West Bank because the work being done by President Abbas and Prime Minister Fayad is very effective and successful and we want to support that. Of course once an Israeli government is formed, Senator Mitchell will go back and talk with them."

Girl host:
"Before becoming the Secretary of State you were the senator, governor, and first lady and first woman candidate for presidency. What would be your added value as a woman to such a position?"

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton:
"I have had an extraordinary experience. I have been so honored to hold these positions in my country, to work with my husband Bill Clinton who as you know was very committed to bringing about a two state solution with Palestinian and Israeli people. I have been the senator in New York and I will continue my work on children's rights and women's rights to better economic opportunity to better understanding around the world and now as Secretary of State I feel very privileged to represent President Obama who is reaching out to the world, making it clear that the United States wants people to have a better future."

Girl host:
"We have taken our cameras to the streets and asked many young Palestinians about questions they want to ask you. A little young girl from a village in Ramallah wants to know what you would do if your daughter Chelsea was unfortunate enough to have been born under occupation, to be born deprived of freedom and liberty?"

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton:
"Well I would do what so many parents here in the West Bank and in Gaza do. I would love her, I would take care of her, I would get the best education I could for her, and I would never lose hope, I would never give up on the dream of a Palestinian State. No matter what happens, no matter what people do to try and derail that dream. I would tell my daughter and I would hope my daughter would believe with all of her heart that she has the same opportunities for the best future that any child anywhere in the world does and that's what my goal will be."

Boy host:
"Many of our viewers are young Palestinians. What message would you deliver to young Palestinians, many of whom have lost hope in justice and can no longer see the light at the end of the tunnel?"

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton:
"I understand the frustration and sense of hopelessness that can sometimes effect peoples thinking and feeling but I believe that with all my heart that there is no excuse for hopelessness. There is always the possibility of the human spirit that can overcome any barrier. Not violence, not rejectionism and despair but constantly making it clear that human beings deserve the same rights no matter who you are and what you are and where you live; that's why getting an education is so important. That's why meeting these young students in access and talking to the two of you fills me with hope. Now there have to be changes and the United States is committed to a two state solution. I met with Palestinian leaders, I met with Israeli leaders, I have delivered the same message to everyone I met with. We are committed to working towards a two state solution and I have to say that the work that President Abbas and Prime Minister Fayad have done have given every young Palestinian not just hope, but conviction that it is possible, because you should have seen the presentation that President Abbas and Prime Minister Fayad gave in Sharm El Sheikh; among the best I have ever seen from anyone. The written materials, the specifics. People came to Sharem El Sheikh willing to give money to help the people in Gaza. But after hearing that they nearly doubled their commitment. Because it is not just a question of hope. You have to have a clear program. You can't just say "here I am, help me" you have to say "Here's what I'm doing to help myself, here's what I've accomplished, now it's your turn." You shift the burden and that's what president Abbas and Prime Minister Fayad have done and that is what the United States is committed to doing. Both Israelis and Palestinians are looking towards the day when Israelis can live in security, because that's of course a very legitimate concern, and the Palestinian people can live in security in their own state and shape their own destiny."

Boy host:
"The 8th of March is international women's day. Your Excellency has become a role model for many women around the world. Do you have any plan to empower women on the level of political participation, negotiations, and peace making? "

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton:
"Yes, I am all of that. I am committed to the rights of girls and women to live up to their God given potential. When I see a young woman like you sitting next to an impressive young man, I see the future and I see that we are using the talents of everyone. Any country that does not utilize the talents of half the population will never be as successful as they could be and that's just I think an obvious fact. So I am going to do as Secretary of State what I have done all my life. I will stand up for women's rights. Stand up for women to have the same chances as boys, for daughters to have the same support as sons, because we all have different talents, we have all been endowed with different talents and society must recognize that so that's my goal. I will work very very hard towards that." [Expresses thanks for being invited.]
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2009-03-05T04:36:00.000-08:00

Former First Lady Barbara Bush Has Heart Surgery

But How Would She Fair Under The Obama Health System?

Former First Lady, Barbara Bush underwent Aortic Valve replacement yesterday. The otherwise vigorous 83 year-old Mrs. Bush was said to be recovering well at Methodist Hospital in Houston. According to former President George H.W. Bush, "I am very impressed with and grateful to the wonderful team of doctors and nurses at The Methodist Hospital who have helped Barbara. We have every confidence she is in the best hands."

The former First Lady underwent the procedure after she presented to her doctors last week with shortness of breath and presumably tests indicated that the Aortic Valve was in need of replacement.

We wish Mrs. Bush all of the best and hope for a speedy recovery, but lost in this story is a larger, more compelling question; How would Mrs. Bush have fared under a Socialist, Obama-style health care system?

The answer is, not good. Looking at our closest neighbor to the north with a government led health care system, one the Obama administration admires, the most recent studies demonstrate that Canadian "wait times" are excessive, leading to "costs not only on the patients themselves, but also on the economy as a whole".

While this study didn't look specifically at Aortic Valve replacements, the average "wait time" for a Coronary Arterial Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery, a procedure similar to the one that former First Lady Bush underwent less than a week after her diagnosis, was 25 days. That's right, it took nearly a month before the average Canadian citizen received a CABG. More astounding is that CABG surgery patients experienced the shortest"wait times" of the four types of procedures studied. Patients requiring joint replacement surgery waited on average 92 days, cataract surgery, 85 days, and those patients waiting for an MRI had to hobble around for nearly two months before receiving their scans. The economic costs and human tolls are staggering and are detailed as well.

Had Mrs. Bush been visiting her friend the Queen mum and needed similar surgery, the circumstances could have been even worse. Wait lists for "free" health care in Britain are so long that travel agencies are offering "sun and surgery" package vacations to developing countries. Flying to places such as India and Malaysia cost less than paying for "private" surgery in Britain and in many cases health care standards are higher. At any given time nearly one million British citizens are on waiting lists for admission to hospitals. The quality of care in the National Health System is so poor, that the newspapers are rife with stories of denial of care, refusal to pay for medicines, withheld treatments, wrong treatments, etc.

Instead of traveling east, had the former First Lady been touring in another English speaking, socialized medicine country, she would have needed to bring some extra suitcases. The average wait times for heart surgery have dramatically increased in New Zealand to over 60 days! And the data compiled wasn't for ordinary heart disease, but for critical, life-threatening procedures.

It is ironic that as our former First Lady is recovering from a remarkable surgery made possible by the medical advances pioneered in this great country of ours, that Obama is launching his initial attempt to destroy the very health system that led to all of these innovations. As our country is sliding down into the depths of an economic depression unlike any in the history of man, our President fears not. Instead of focusing on correcting our economic collapse, Obama chooses to build "bridges to nowhere" while deconstructing one of our finest technological industries, the American Health Care System.

2009-03-03T18:34:00.000-08:00

The New Porkulous Symbol

Michelle Malkin highlights the new Obama Porkulous symbol which will be attached to every new bridge to nowhere or associated spending projects and she proposes some alternative versions. Here's the original and the one which we find more appropriate:

2009-02-27T11:41:00.000-08:00

D.C. "New" Tea Party Rocks!

(Washington, D.C.) In what can only be described as a "first step", some three hundred ordinary Americans gathered this afternoon in Lafayette Square in the shadow of the White House to express their outrage over the runaway spending brought forth by the Obama Administration and Congress. Please join me as we recount in photographs and words this historic occasion when decent, hard working Americans launched their new campaign to reclaim this great nation...

The crowd gathered jubilantly around American Flags and pig shaped balloons. It was a beautiful spring day in our nation's capital with temperatures hovering in the mid 50's. Unfortunately, the Park Service demanded the removal of the balloons citing them as a "hazard".

As the crowd coalesced, organizer J.P. Friere began to rally the folks.

People of all ages and walks of life listened while the message repeated, we will not accept this wasteful and deleterious government spending of our money.

People displayed homemade signs all with a similar underlying theme, government get out of our pockets!

This young lady was clearly enjoying the moment and the media attention, though her message was painfully accurate.

The crowd was treated to a couple of guest celebrities who received resounding and boisterous applause.

Hey Joe! I was impressed by his friendliness and grace with which he greeted those who approached him. Joe happily posed for pictures and shook plenty of hands. He is the real deal - nothing contrived.

Later, Joe grabbed his microphone and interviewed several people as part of PJ Media.

The number of media wonks was surprisingly low and apart from PJ Media and another crew, the MSM avoided the gathering like it was the plague. Proving yet again that the MSM died in 2008.

A truly special guest appeared and she offered some particularly cogent thoughts to the crowd. Here, I caught Michelle Malkin right after her address while busily updating her blog. Hi Michelle!

Here's PJ Media's Roger Simon in a poetic pose.

While enjoying the various speakers and the crowd's enthusiasm, I noticed something strange out of the corner of my eye. It was a National Park Service Ranger taking photographs of the crowd. Hmmm, I thought to myself, he must be a blogger or photographer too. So, I approached the knucklehead and asked him politely why he was taking pictures. The Park Ranger claimed that the NPS documents all expressions of the First Amendment for its collection. That seemed like a strange explanation and I queried further, as to whether this was some kind of "crowd surveillance"? He said that one can believe whatever they wanted too but he was out there to document the gathering for the NPS.

Not to be outdone, the Park Ranger had a couple of his Jack-booted Chicago style thugs along with him for back up. I'm glad that these officers were keeping a close eye on all of these law-abiding citizens!

Meanwhile, across the street from the White House a small band of approximately 25 Iranian ex=pats gathered to protest. Unfortunately, they were speaking in Farsi and didn't seem to be attracting too much attention.

Nearby, a handful of the Orange Suited Moonbats were huddled next to the White House fence, hoping that someone would notice them. Most folks walked by and merely laughed at their lunacy. Waaaa! I wouldn't diminish my collection by posting an image of them here.

Instead, I'll leave you with this photograph of this enchanting young man who clearly had greater intelligence than all of the black hooded moonbats combined. We gathered today to fight for ourselves, our children's and our country's future. Please join the struggle to take back America and restore this blessed country. Please write the President, your Senators, and Representatives and tell them that this out of control spending is unacceptable. Tell your friends and neighbors to do the same. And don't forget to join the New American Tea Party.

2009-02-12T16:20:00.000-08:00

BRITAIN SURRENDERS

Today, Britain announced it's official surrender as a "free state" and has formally agreed to Sharia rule. With the banning of entry of Dutch member of Parliment, Geert Wilders to Great Britain, the British Parliment has removed the "Union Jack" in favor of the "Dar al-Harb" flag. The Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, who enacted the ban was quoted as saying, "Hopefully, as soon as the other Kuffirs are put to death, we'll be able to lower the "Dar al-Harb" banner in favor of the more traditional and peaceful "Dar al-Islam" flag."

2009-01-19T15:48:00.000-08:00

MOONBATS DESCEND ON D.C.

Giving thanks to "W" on his last day in office.

This afternoon we decided to take a trip into the city to see some of the preparations being made for the inauguration and to pay homage to George W Bush for his 8 years of service to the American people. The mood in D.C. was rather electric with thousands of people walking the streets, taking pictures and enjoying the scene. Vendors were out in full force hawking just about any kind of paraphernalia that one could expect - buttons, t-shirts, earrings, posters, etc.

As we made our way through Lafayette park on the way towards Pennsylvania Avenue and the White House, we encountered our first moonbat.

CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO ENLARGE

The media seemed to be out in force with crews from around the world.

As we turned, erected before us (on the left) in all of its splendid glory as if constructed by Zeus himself, the Obama Pantheon where the Obamamessiah will regale himself as his legions of the mesmerized will parade themselves down Pennsylvania Avenue. Within arms reach across the street the humble platform where all of his adoring media wonks will be stationed, waiting desperately to catch a glimpse, perhaps a smile, a nod, or any sign affirming acknowledgement from their sustainer...

Suddenly, our sacred moment was interrupted by the appearance of this devilish figure:

The lady doth protest to much methinks. Though the speakers were playing Sousa, the sounds magically morphed themselves into the most heavenly, ethereal whispers - "Change", "Hope", a chorus of angels were beckoning us ever closer as if they were mystical Sirens leading us to an unbeknownst fate on the rocks. And then, emerging out of the chaos into the crisp, gray, Washington air they came. Slowly at first, chanting their ever unintelligible, unhinged cries, a small band of modern day fanatics appeared - numbering about 100 strong, ANSWER, Code Pink, Veterans Against The War, International Socialists Organization, and just about every other wacko that one could imagine...

What would a day without paper mache be?

Not only were the young there, but the old and infirm - holding their pro-Palestinian signs.

And perhaps amongst my favorites was this pathetic pig who enthusiastically asked her child if he wanted to throw his shoes at Bush. Nice Hamas/Hitler youth like education!

Amazing how the homeless can afford $150 Uggs. That's Socialism for ya'!

This guy was mugging for the camera all day - he must have been so proud of his witticism. I wonder how many nights he stayed up thinking about it?

To think that this pair could be reproducing is just sick. The reporter was smiling though.

The band of loons slowly made their way through the crowd to a point near the bleachers and then with great glee they threw their appointed shoes towards the White House. Note, they didn't throw their own shoes, couldn't let the tootsies get cold and well $150 Uggs cost, $150. Not to spoil their fun, but if they had so many pairs of shoes to throw, wouldn't they be better off donated to a homeless shelter or to those in need?

Since the loon patrol was getting boring, we made our way around to the west side of the White House. Just when we thought all was lost, there, out of mist and salt dust came a great and spectacular site. Like Pegasus swooping down from the skies, our hero BellerObama materialized to the delight of the ever hopeful crowd.

Lest your heart be asunder, I provide this image of the magical hero BellerObama with his trusty steed.

The END?

2009-01-19T12:26:00.000-08:00

The Fifth Column Report

The Fifth Column Report ceased publication in 2006. Despite the urgent issues facing this country from the infilitration of Islamofascists we will continue to expose them whenever and where ever possible. Thank you for your support and God Bless you and the United States of America!

2006-03-24T09:38:00.000-08:00

CAIR Stopped; Has To Settle

Two years ago, CAIR filed a libel suit against former Navy man and anti-CAIR founder, Andrew Whitehead. In a settlement announced today, the action has been dismissed.

According to Mr. Whitehead's attorney Mr. Rubinstein said, "Cair's interest in settling the suit intensified late last year just as a judge was considering whether the group should be forced to disclose additional details about its inner workings, including its financing and its alleged ties to Hamas and other terrorist groups.

"It would have opened up Cair's finances and their relationships and their principles, their ideological motivations in a way they did not want to be made public," said Mr. Rubenstein, who represented Mr. Whitehead without charge.

Mr. Rubenstein charged that the lawsuit was one of a series of suits filed by Cair and other Muslim organizations as part of a concerted effort to intimidate their critics. "It's part of a larger pattern groups like this have followed. If you say something some of those Muslim groups don't like, they sue you even though the cases have no merit," the attorney said. "You change people's behavior simply by bringing the lawsuit."

"It looks like all they're really trying to do is stifle free speech," Mr. Whitehead said.

Full details at the NY Sun.

Another victory against those who oppose us!

2006-03-17T19:48:00.000-08:00

CAIR Is Becoming More Openly Anti-Semitic

CAIR's true nature has been bubbling forth lately and the product, well stinks. A recent posting on the CAIR website titled, "U.S. Jewish Group Promotes 'What's Wrong With Islam'" links to an original article which appeared in the LA Times carrying the headline, "Islam Fatally Flawed, Says Voice From Corona via Al Jazeera". Beyond the creative editing of the headline, CAIR included a highly edited version of the original article. In fact, not only did CAIR blatantly alter the intent of the headline to something more specious, they selectively deleted key portions of the article to radically change the article's meaning (read the articles side by side to realize the differences).

This isn't the first time that CAIR has been caught selectively "editing" the truth. In September of 2005, the blogger, Robert Spencer caught CAIR photoshopping a photo to comply with Islamic correctness. It will be interesting to see how they talk their way out of this latest one.

2006-03-14T20:02:00.000-08:00

What Is Happening At UNC Or Why You Won't Read About It At The NYT's?

Since the last update, there have been several fascinating developments in the case of Mohammed Reza Taheri-azar, the self-proclaimed Islamofascist who used his vehicle to mow down students on the UNC campus.

Local news station WRAL carried a story quoting two terrorism experts who stated unequivocably that Taheri-azar's actions were a terrorist attack. According to Solomon Bradman, chief executive officer of the Miami-based Security Solutions International. "The only thing that makes this not look like a terrorist act is that he did a lousy job of it."

In a recent voluntary poll at The Daily Tar Heel (one of UNC's student newspapers), 76+% of readers label Taheri-azar a "terrorist".

Yet, Chancellor James Moeser chooses to remain ignorant on this issue. So much for a leader of an academic institution.

Even more revealing was the release of a letter by TV station ABC11 News purportedly authored by Taheri-azar describing his terrorist motivation. Although the letter was two pages long, ABC11 News released but two paragraphs:

"Allah gives permission in the Koran for the followers of Allah to attack those who have raged war against them, with the expectation of eternal paradise in case of martyrdom and/or living one's life in obedience of all of Allah's commandments found throughout the Koran's 114 chapters..."

"The U.S. government is responsible for the deaths of and the torture of countless followers of Allah, my brothers and sisters. My attack on Americans at UNC-CH on March 3rd was in retaliation for similar attacks orchestrated by the U.S. government on my fellow followers of Allah in Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, and other Islamic territories. I did not act out of hatred for Americans, but out of love for Allah instead. "

Unfortunately, none of this information has been picked up by the major news services or mainstream newspapers including the NYT's.

2006-03-11T12:29:00.000-08:00

UNC Chancellor Moeser Hedges And Panders

]

UNC Chancellor,
James Moeser refused to label the SUV attack on students by Taheri-azar a case of domestic terrorism. In a statement to reporters Moeser remarked, "the fact is, this is not the university's call." The Chancellor offered this further revelation, "this could feel like terrorism, especially if you're standing in front of a Jeep that's heading toward you trying to kill you."

Concerning the reports of a unicorn appearing on campus, Moeser refrained from commenting saying that he, "had to consult the Easter Bunny on the veracity of the sighting." The Jolly-Green Giant refused to comment.

The sad truth is that Moeser, like many other persons of stature in this country, appears to be living in a fantasy world and is unable to offer any objective analysis . Obviously, he shouldn't be leading a major university and I call on UNC students to seek his dismissal. The War on Terror, or more correctly phrased, The War on Western Civilization is well underway and we can ill-afford having ineffective and counter-productive leaders at the helm.

2006-03-10T15:41:00.000-08:00

Another Case Of Domestic Terrorism - But It's Not What You Think?

Why is it important?

Nearly three years ago, a van belonging to a Palestinian family living near Chicago was firebombed by an assailant using a mortar-type firework device. The van was totaled and the family understandably shaken. The perpetrator was caught and recently pleaded guilty Monday to criminal interference with the right to fair housing. Under sentencing guidelines, Erik Nix may receive up to 10 years in prison. He was sentenced previously under state laws to hate crime charges and spent six months in jail. Additionally a friend of Nix, Daniel Alba plead guilty of lying to federal authorities about Nix's involvement and Alba faces 10-16 months in prison.

Clearly this was a case of domestic terrorism directed at the property of innocents with the intent to intimidate. So why is this case important? Keep it in mind as the trial of Mohammed Reza Taheri-azar progresses. Will Mohammed, who intended to cause great bodily harm to as many non-Muslim innocents as possible, face proportionately appropriate charges? Why has CAIR publicized the Muslim van case and yet has been absolutely silent about Taheri-azar? Will Taheri-azar's roomates join him in jail? We'll have to wait to see...

2006-03-08T15:52:00.000-08:00

Details Of Mohammed Reza Taheri-azar's Rampage Released

WRAL has obtained the search warrant and records pertaining to the Muslim student who injured innocents on the campus of UNC. According to the documents, Mohammed Reza Taheri-azar had been planning a terrorist attack for two years and had narrowed in on this ruse over the last two months. When apprehended, he apparently had a folding knife and pepper spray which he had planned to use against those trying to detain him. One of the items recovered from his apartment was a permit for the purchase of a firearm.

The NYT's could hardly bring itself to report the story and seemed to overlook many of the germain details. Meanwhile, the Washington Post didn't bother to cover the latest developments. In an ironic twist of fate, Robert Spencer articulated many of the concerns mentioned three days ago on the Fifth Column Report.

2006-03-06T19:02:00.000-08:00

Emerging Details Suggest Radical Islam Motivated UNC Student

The details emerging from the Mohammed Reza Taheri-azar case aren't pretty and suggest that Islam was a driving force behind his forceable driving attack which injured several students:

According to The Daily Tar Heel, 'Dan Van Atta, a senior computer science major, was Taheri-azar's suitemate in Craige Residence Hall in 2001, during their freshman year. Taheri-azar was smart, though a tad shy, he said. "It was more as though he was willing to listen." The two fell out of touch after that year, and when they next talked extensively last spring, Taheri-azar had become slightly different." He'd become a better person," Van Atta said. "He pretty much lived up to the religious ideals of being a good person. "During their conversation, religion came up, and Taheri-azar said he had begun studying the Quran. "I'd like to say he was more truthful afterward. He completely swore off alcohol and drugs."'

After running over the nine innocents, Taheri-azar called 911 and made a declaration, that his rampage intended to "punish the government of the United States for their actions around the world." According to CBS, Taheri-azar stated today at his arraignment that he was, "thankful for the opportunity to spread the will of Allah."

It is apparent that Taheri-azar underwent a transformation of the most horrific kind after immersing himself in the Quaranic literature.

2006-03-05T20:50:00.000-08:00

Students To Protest UNC's Reluctance To Label Incident As Terrorism

Protests led by The College Republicans, Americans for an Informed Democracy and the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies are scheduled tomorrow on the UNC campus in response to the failure of authorities to label the SUV attack by a Muslim student which injured nearly a dozen students on campus, "terrorism".

Read it all HERE.

Could UNC students, who despite being forced to read the Quran as part of their Freshman program be realizing something? Could the conference at UC Irvine, publication of the Danish cartoons in school newspapers across the country, and the demonstrations at UNC herald a new turning point? We can only hope.

2006-03-05T17:25:00.000-08:00

Muslim Terrorist Attacks Innocents At The University of North Carolina

While the mainstream media obsesses over who will win or wear what at the Oscars, they ignore an ever-important story developing on the campus of UNC. On Friday, a 22-year-old recent UNC graduate, Mohammed Reza Taheri-azar drove a rented Jeep Cherokee across campus walkways on a deliberate rampage injuring six people. After being arrested, the Iranian born graduate explained his actions as an attempt to, "avenge the deaths or murders of Muslims around the world."

Currently, investigators believe that he was acting alone, though further details have not been forthcoming. While he is being held on $5.5 million bond and the FBI is said to be probing the incident, it is not clear whether he will be charged under any anti-terrorism statutes.

The Daily Tar Heel has the most up-to-date and detailed information including information suggesting that this individual had a prior arrest and conviction for reckless driving and resisting arrest.

Numerous questions remain about this case and it is unclear whether the authorities will provide disclosure, nonetheless there are multiple issues to consider:

1) Mohammed had a prior conviction - how was he able to rent a vehicle and what was his citizen status (not disclosed from various reports)? Should he have been deported earlier?

2) Why is the UNC Muslim Student Association backing away and are they being honest? The UNC-MSA has released a press release condemning the "hit and run incident" and seem to deny any association with this student.

3) Where has this "student" been studying his Islamic beliefs and what has he been learning? Has he been spending time at the Islamic Center of Raleigh? The ICR's Imam, Mohammed Baianonie has stated the following on his website: "There are so many opportunities that Allah has given us in this country that I wish I could do more for the community," said Imam Baianonie. "In the United States we have freedoms that we do not have anywhere else in the world. I am a person who likes freedom and that is why I am here. We need to use this freedom in the best way, however. We need to plant our roots in the ground and especially focus on Islamic education." More concerning is this remark, "So, while most Americans will claim that George Washington and Martin Luther King were the great men of our time, most members of the IAR believe differently. " But the Imam reserves his greatest wrath for those who insult Muhammed, "As for the people who want to hurt the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) by their mockery we warn them of what Allah (S.W.T.) says in what can be translated as, "Verily, those who annoy Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad) Allah has cursed them in this world and in the Hereafter. And has prepared for them a humiliating torment." [Surat Al-Ahzab, (verse 57)]"

4) Why have his roomates been silent and who is this Muslim landlord, Ahmad Dard of Cary, N.C. Is there any connection to the Islamic Center of Cary?

Developing...

2006-03-02T10:07:00.000-08:00

Arab American Organizations' Responses to Danish C...

2006-02-06T18:50:00.000-08:00

Arab American Organizations' Responses to the Danish Cartoons

The Muslim world has exploded recently in violent outbursts over the publication of cartoons lampooning the prophet Muhammad in an obscure Danish newspaper, Jyllands-Posten. The images, which appeared in September of last year, were created by 12 different cartoonists as part of a discussion of free speech. According to Wikipedia, "the cultural editor of Jyllands-Posten, commissioned twelve cartoonists to draw them and published the cartoons in response to the difficulty that Danish writer Kåre Bluitgen had finding artists to illustrate his children's book about Muhammad, because the artists feared violent attacks by extremist Muslims.

The Danish writer had great foresight, as violence has indeed been the Muslim response. To date, violent protests have occurred throughout the Muslim world culminating in the burning of the Danish embassies in Damascus and Beirut and the deaths of several protesters. Additionally, rather aggressive protests have been staged throughout Europe including cries for "behead(ing) those who insult Islam." Ironically, due to "vandalism" Wikipedia had to restrict any editing on this topic.

Surprisingly, American newspapers have generally avoided the controversy while American - Muslims' reactions have been more subdued. CAIR and other Arab American organizations including the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee have issued a series of statements condemning the violence stemming from the cartoons' publication. But these organizations and the protesters interviewed seem to be more concerned with the Muslim community’s conviction, "that the controversy is not an issue of free speech, but is instead based on concerns over hate speech and incitement." Even the ADL, issued a statement about the cartoons calling them, "troubling" and urging newspapers to, "take into account the sensitivities of racial, ethnic and religious groups.”

While it appears that the American Muslim organizations have suddenly become concerned with justice and an aversion of "hate speech", they are noticeably silent on the fact that the Arab media is rife with anti-Semitic caricatures, cartoons, and videos. The ADL correctly observes, "What has been overlooked in the controversy is the fact that despicable anti-Jewish caricatures appear daily in newspapers across the Arab and Muslim world. While invoking the supposed "freedom of the press" in their countries, Arab and Muslim leaders have refused to take any action to stem the drumbeat of anti-Semitism in widely circulated newspapers, many state-sponsored. Indeed, leaders of regimes such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia have virtually ignored appeals from the United States and Jewish organizations to put an end to incitement in their media, excusing it in the name of "freedom of the press." One would hope that leaders of Arab and Muslim countries would turn all of the anger being aimed at the European press into a larger lesson for their own people about the power of images." In fact, even Arab American Newspapers have printed anti-Semitic cartoons!

About the Danish cartoons, Kareem Shora of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), had the chutzpah to say, "This (controversy) echoes the historical problems that Europeans had with anti-Semitism." Yet he failed to acknowledge the constant discharge of anti-Christian and anti-Jewish sentiment which percolates endlessly throughout the Arab world. When a reporter in New York asked some Muslim protesters about the demeaning caricatures of Jews that regularly appear in Middle Eastern newspapers, a group of teenaged girls holding picket signs said that the comparison was false.

Although the protests in the U.S. have been peaceful, their message and that of Arab American Organizations has not - it is fine for Muslims to denigrate and humiliate others but any hint of "free speech" or "controversy" involving Islam will be met with intimidation, threats, and violence.

2006-02-06T15:39:00.000-08:00

CAIR Rallies To Defend Terrorist

CAIR joined a coalition of Arab American groups, The Chicago Tribune, and others to file briefs protesting Federal Judge Amy St. Eve's ruling to close her court during sensitive testimony in the trial against suspected terrorist, Muhammad Salah.

Background: Muhammad Salah, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Jordan was arrested and had his assets seized in 1998. It wasn't until 2004 that he and two other co-conspirators were indicted by a Grand Jury on RICO violations of money laundering for the terrorist group HAMAS. According to the DOJ, Salah "traveled throughout the United States and to London, Israel and the West Bank and the Gaza Strip on behalf of Hamas, meeting with its leaders and members, recruiting and training new members in the United States, and disbursing money from the United States to directly support the activities of Hamas." The five-count indictment also sought forfeiture of approximately $2.7 million - not a bad stash for a gentleman whose occupation was listed as a "used car salesman". The indictment can be found here.

Salah was just one of at least 94 known terrorists operating on U.S. soil.

More troubling is CAIR's defense of and association with a suspected terrorist. Contrast CAIR's reaction with that of the ADL when Irv Rubin, leader of the JDL was arrested on alleged acts of terrorism. CAIR continues to portray itself as a mainstream Muslim "civil rights and advocacy group", yet their actions speak otherwise.

Muslims Challenge Law & Liquor in Oakland, CA

2006-02-01T20:15:00.000-08:00

Muslims Challenge Law & Liquor in Oakland, CA

The selling of liquor is legal and regulated by the State of California, so why would this upset Muslim leaders in Oakland, CA? That question was punctuated by a rally in front of City Hall and a march held to intimidate shop keepers from selling alcohol this past Saturday. According to two reports (SF Chronicle & Inside Bay Area), approximately 150 Bay Area Muslims gathered to protest the sale of liquor store owners, many of whom are Muslims themselves.

Recalling the attacks on Oakland liquor stores a few weeks ago by assailants identified to be associated with a local Muslim bakery, Faheem Shuaibe, resident imam of the Masjidul Waritheen mosque in East Oakland noted, "It was the right intent, but simply done in the wrong way."

According to the Inside Bay Area, “The march and rally were planned by Muslims and mosque officers from all over the Bay Area.

But initially it looked like a march by supporters and associates of Your Black Muslim Bakery, Inc. The march of 75 men, women and children was preceded by three luxury cars, a Chevrolet Suburban, a Lexus and a BMW, each carrying distinctive red-and-white crescent flags.
A phalanx of men in black coats ran alongside the cars, ahead of the marchers. The group stopped at liquor stores along the route, and Your Black Muslim Bakery representatives stationed themselves like sentries at the door of each store.”

Where were the police during all of this? Isn't it a crime to intimidate minorities in this country? Aren't U.S. laws the basis for our societal governance? Since when did religious doctrine trump our legal doctrine. These developments are quite scary indeed.

2006-01-29T17:52:00.000-08:00

Albany Terror Suspect Has The Audacity To Demand Bail

Yassin Aref, 35, imam of the Masjid as-Salam mosque in Albany who has been incarcerated since September on terror related charges is currently seeking bail. According to an article which appeared in NY Newsday, Aref sought bail relief so that he could support his family.

The logic isn't forthcoming, since if he has sufficient funds to post a hypothetical "bail" then he would certainly be able to provide for his family. Similarly, if the "community" was able to raise funds to support bail, then they could alleviate any hardship the family might be experiencing. The real motivation behind the bail action is likely to be more nefarious.

For background on this case see: Washington Post and Law.com. Not suprisingly, CAIR and Islamic forums rallied around the suspects when they were first arrested 18 months ago. The defense team originally called the whole affair a "joke".

2006-01-29T17:18:00.000-08:00

CAIR Supports Deported Physician Who Was Linked To Terror Organization

CAIR announced it's support for physician, Dr. Nadeem Hassan who was deported after U.S. officials learned of his links to Jamaat al Tabligh (a group the State Department has listed as terrorists). See background here.

The Arizonia Republic has an excellent article summarizing the issues.

It appears that this wasn't a "random event" and that the Feds had some "probable cause". It is reassuring to know that the FBI is performing the necessary surveillance. According to a homeland security spokesperson, "We operate on intelligence," he said. "Intelligence does not discriminate. It simply gives our personnel the specific information they need to target a bad actor."

American Media Hoodwinked by CAIR In my prior post...

2006-01-22T07:55:00.000-08:00

American Media Hoodwinked by CAIR

In my prior post, I highlighted the duplicity being perpetrated on the American public by CAIR. Now, the American Press has swallowed and regurgitated CAIR's lies hook, line, and sinker. Virtually every large media outlet has promoted CAIR's "efforts" to free kidnapped reporter Jill Caroll including, The Chicago Tribune, Associated Press, ABC News, Washington Post, and sadly even Fox News.

Now, I suppose that each one of these outlets has "experienced reporters" who were actually educated in professional schools of journalism. Admittedly, my reporting experience was limited to a couple of specialized "school" newspapers during my long educational career. Still, I managed to acquire the most rudimentary fundamentals of writing a news article.

The five W's - Taught to me in the earliest years of primary school, the Five W's (and H) "Who, What, Where, When & How" are principles on which every news story is created.

That being said, let's look at how they faired. Let's apply the Five W's to the Washington Post article, since it was the most comprehensively written of the ones mentioned.

Who: "Two members of the Council on American-Islamic Relations..."

What, Where, When & How: "...flew to Baghdad Saturday and appealed for the release of American journalist Jill Carroll ..."

WHY: ? Again, I poured over the article trying to find out why the CAIR "representatives" flew to Baghdad. Not a single media outlet seemed to be able to include this vitally important detail in any of their stories.

One doesn't have to do much "investigative reporting" to discover CAIR's rationale. In fact, all I had to do was browse their website and read one of their press releases. CAIR writes, “We, the undersigned representatives of the American Muslim community, call for the immediate and unconditional release of Jill Carroll, a journalist with a well-documented record of objective reporting and respect for both the Iraqi people and Arab-Islamic culture. We ask that her captors show mercy and compassion by releasing her so that she may return to her family. Certainly, no cause can be advanced by harming a person who only sought to let the world know about the human suffering caused by the conflict in Iraq.”

That's it, the Why. CAIR is plying for her release, not because it is their moral obligation to do so, but because, Ms. Caroll has "respect for both the Iraqi people and Arab-Islamic culture," and "...no cause can be advanced by harming a person who only sought to let the world know about the human suffering caused by the conflict in Iraq".

It is ironic that CAIR has been seemingly unable to muster even the most simple statements, let alone sending a "delegation" when other Americans genuinely committed to alleviating the suffering of the Iraqi people such as , Nick Berg, Jack Hensley, and Paul M. Johnson, Jr. were kidnapped and eventually executed in the name of Islam.

CAIR Shills For Captured U.S. Reporter Jill Caroll...

2006-01-19T19:28:00.000-08:00

CAIR Shills For Captured U.S. Reporter Jill Caroll, But Why?

CAIR leaders announced their intent to send a delegation to Iraq to help secure the release of kidnapped Christian Science Monitor reporter, Jill Caroll. On the surface, it seems to be a rather noble gesture, yet one has to question why CAIR is suddenly interested in the fate of any kidnapped Americans in Iraq given its past silence on the issue. A quick read of CAIR's statement reveals their true motivation, "...call for the immediate and unconditional release of Jill Carroll, a journalist with a well-documented record of objective reporting and respect for both the Iraqi people and Arab-Islamic culture. (emphasis mine)".

Noted Blogger Debbie Schlussel observered about an editorial which appeared in the Jordan Times, that "...if you are an American citizen who supports American policy in the Middle East, and you are kidnapped by insurgents, you are the "right target." You deserved it and should be beheaded.But if you oppose U.S. policy in the Mid-East, LIKE JILL CARROLL DOES, then you are the "wrong target." It appears that CAIR shares a similar rationale with the Jordan Times. Try discovering CAIR's efforts or statements to free Jack Hensley (a construction worker), Nick Berg (civilian contractor), or any of the other Americans who were kidnapped and executed in Iraq - you won't find any.

Media Gives Pass To John Walker Lindh - Publishes ...

2006-01-19T18:53:00.000-08:00

Media Gives Pass To John Walker Lindh - Publishes Father's Outrageous Claims

The Mainstream Media frequently appears to side with or at a minimum appease terrorist actions. In this latest move, CNN provided coverage of a recent rant by notorious American terrorist John Walker Lindh's father, Frank Lindh. Mr. Lindh claims among other things, "What happened unfortunately for John is that the United States made an abrupt change after the 9/11 attacks," Frank Lindh said. "We switched sides. John was on the ground there when that happened. He certainly didn't go to Afghanistan to do anything against America. He never fought against America. He never fired a gun at an American. He was simply rescued."

The evidence suggests a different story. According to the "Statement of Facts" signed by Mr. Lindh as part of his plea agreement, JWL was an active and willing warrior in a known terrorist organization.

The original indictment was evening more damning, From Count 1, Conspiracy to commit murder...

"11. In or about June and July 2001, LINDH remained at the al-Farooq camp and participated fully in its training activities, after having been told early in his stay at the camp that Bin Laden had sent forth some fifty people to carry out twenty suicide terrorist operations against the United States and Israel.12. In or about June and July 2001, as part of his al Qaeda training, LINDH participated in terrorist training courses in, among other things, weapons, orienteering, navigation, explosives and battlefield combat, which included the use of shoulder weapons, pistols, and rocket-propelled grenades, and the construction of Molotov cocktails.13. In or about June or July 2001, LINDH met personally with Bin Laden, who thanked him and other trainees for taking part in jihad.14 In or about June or July 2001, LINDH met with a senior al Qaeda official, Abu Mohammad Al-Masri, who asked LINDH whether he was interested in traveling outside Afghanistan to conduct operations against the United States and Israel. LINDH declined in favor of going to the front lines to fight.15. In or about June or July 2001, LINDH swore allegiance to jihad.16. In or about July or August 2001, after completing his training, LINDH traveled to Kabul, Afghanistan and was issued an AKM rifle, with a barrel suitable for long-range shooting.17. In or about July or August 2001, LINDH carried the AKM rifle while he traveled, together with approximately 15O non-Afghani fighters, from Kabul to the front line in Takhar, in northeastern Afghanistan. There, LINDH's unit was placed under the command of Abdul Hady, an Iraqi. 20. After learning about the terrorist attacks against the United States on or about September 11, 2001, LINDH remained with his fighting group. LINDH did so despite having been told that Bin Laden had ordered the attacks, that additional terrorist attacks were planned, and that additional al Qaeda personnel were being sent from the training camps to the front lines to protect Bin Laden and defend against an anticipated military response from the United States.21. From in or about October through early December 2001, LINDH remarried with his fighting group after learning that United States military forces and United States nationals had become directly engaged in support of the Northern Alliance in its military conflict with Taliban and al Qaeda forces. "

Hardly the "choir boy" or should we say "muhammed boy" that his father made him out to be. For a list of the documents filed in the JWL case.

2006-01-19T18:41:00.000-08:00

Update!!! Arizona Physician Deported Update!!!

Arizona physican, Nadeem Hassan who was linked to terror organizations has been deported! http://www.kpho.com/Global/story.asp?S=4384496&nav=23Ku

2006-01-19T09:37:00.000-08:00

Arizona Physician Tied To Terror Organization

A 41 year old physician living in Arizona has recently been detained upon returning to the U.S. http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0119hassan19.html. Nadeem Hassa, a gastroenterologist has ties to an organization Jamaat al Tabligh (Society That Propagates the Faith) which the State Department has listed as a terrorist group. Some information on JAT's ties to terror in the U.S. and around the world can be found here: http://www.meforum.org/article/686

and the State Department's discussion on Al-Qaeda connections, http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/terror/RL32759.pdf.

And while JAT may be regarded in some circles as a fundamentalist or ultra-orthodox group united to spread the word of Islam, and in particular Sharia, it has proved to be a fertile breeding ground for terrorists. See above link, http://www.jamestown.org/news_details.php?news_id=86 and http://www.tau.ac.il/Anti-Semitism/asw2003-4/netherlands.htm.

2006-01-17T19:48:00.000-08:00

Mosque Members in California Fearful of Business Security Camera

Members of a Mosque in Freemont California (not far from where I used to live) are frightened by the appearance of a security camera mounted on an auto parts store across the street. The degree of paranoia is amazing - ``We don't know who is doing it,'' Agha Saeed, a respected member of the Bay Area's Muslim community and national chairman for the American Muslim Alliance, told IA. ``But they're obviously targeting the religious community. And that just is vicious McCarthyism and Stalinism.''http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/13632398.htm?source=rss&channel=mercurynews_local

Perhaps, Mr. Saeed ought to look around at the local 7-11 or even glance at the freeway. The odds are that a camera might be pointed at him. As I stated before in the article about CAIR joining the ACLU in bringing suit against the Feds, I would pose a similar question to Mr. Saeed, "What are you hiding?"

But who is Mr. Saeed and why is he so worried? A search of Mr. Saeed leads one to several sources where he is referred as a "Professor of Political Science at California State University, Hayward". http://pakistanlink.com/Community/2002/July/26/01.html. The truth according to CSU's website is a bit less impressive, listing Mr. Saeed as a "lecturer" in the department of "communications". http://webapps.csueastbay.edu/public/staffdir/index.cfm?Name=Saeed%2C%20Agha&Fuseaction=ShowDetails&MAXRECS=10. Perhaps someone was confused?

Anyhow, here's another link on Mr. Saeed and his "activism" http://www.washington-report.org/backissues/1297/9712023.html.

Mr. Saeed is no stranger to controversy and unusual things seem to happen to those around him. Take for instance this alleged shooting aimed at his wife, http://www.masnet.org/takeaction.asp?id=2228. And who could forget the threatening phone calls linked to an article criticizing his organization, http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cache:jyCChYYQft4J:www.amaweb.org/press/27oct00.htm+agha+saeed+fremont&hl=en.

Do I sense a cross between Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson?

2006-01-17T19:35:00.000-08:00

Muslims In N.J. Fighting With Other Minorities

Apparently, Hispanic and Arab students are clashing in Patterson, N.J. This past week, an Arab student was allegedly stabbed by another Hispanic student. This episode represents a continued "cycle of violence" between these two communities, though I can't seem to find any "occupation" rationale for the behavior. One student was quoted, "The Arabics say that the Dominicans be fightin' them," Edmonds said, as she sat across the street from the high school with a group of her girlfriends during lunch break Thursday. "The Arabic girls say that the Dominican girls are lesbians. The Dominican girls say the Arabic girls will blow up the school." http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkzNTcmZmdiZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTY4NjE3MzkmeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkz

Why can't they seem to play nicely together?

2006-01-17T19:08:00.000-08:00

CAIR joins ACLU lawsuit against Fed Wiretaps

CAIR anounced today that they were joining the ACLU in filing a federal lawsuit against the NSA surveillance program in which certain overseas telephone calls were monitored. http://www.cair-net.org/default.asp?Page=articleView&id=1948&theType=NR. One can easily understand the ACLU's motivation for filing the brief as they have a long track record of opposing any government or law enforcement initiatives where individual liberties are perceived to be in jeopardy, but why is CAIR involved? A better question might be, "what are they hiding?"

I can't seem to find any concern expressed by the ADL, Mexican-American groups, or even from the African American leadership. So again, the question must be asked, "what is CAIR hiding?"

2006-01-14T23:40:00.000-08:00

Defense Lawyers Seek Dismissal In Hayat Terror Case

Last May, a 22 year-old Pakistani-American, Hamid Hayat was identified as being on the "No Fly" list during an FBI survilance check of inbound passengers. His flight was diverted to Japan, where he denied any terrorist connections when questioned by an FBI agent. The flight was allowed to continue to the U.S. where Mr. Hayat disembarked for his home in Lodi, CA. Several days later, he was questioned again by the FBI where he repeated his denials. On June 5th of 2005, Mr. Hayat voluntarily submitted to a polygraph examination at the FBI in Sacremento, CA. He failed the test. After several additional hours of questioning, Mr. Hayat admitted to attending an Al-Qaeda terrorist training camp for six months where he received extensive instruction in weapons and explosives training. His father, Umer confessed to lying to FBI officials about his son's whereabouts. On June 7th a criminal complaint was filed outlining the initial charges against the Hayat's.

http://news.findlaw.com/hdocs/docs/terrorism/ushayat60705.html

This past week, lawyers for the defendants filed a brief requesting dismissal, " because the government sought to improperly influence potential jurors by spreading information about the case.
'The government's conduct, coupled with the widespread national media attention this case has received, confirms that the defendants could not have a fair trial with an impartial jury anywhere in the United States,' lawyers Wazhma Mojaddidi and Johnny Griffin wrote."

http://www.redorbit.com/news/general/356881/lawyers_seek_to_dismiss_california_terror_case/index.html?source=r_general

Like the 9/11 perpetrators, the Hayats moved freely in society and had some degree of integration. Neighbors described them as being well liked, noting that . " ...they were so nice." Of course, they were well connected in the local Mosque where they were equally regarded.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2005/06/09/MNG7GD5RNH1.DTL

The only concerned mustered by the ACLU and CAIR was an allegation of civil rights violations. http://www.news10.net/storyfull1.asp?id=11505

2006-01-14T19:17:00.000-08:00

Who is M. Zuhdi Jasser and why should you CAIR?

What evil crime could a Muslim physician living in Arizona commit and why would CAIR and an Islamic paper even care?

Jasser, a 37 year old internist co-founded the American Islamic Forum for Democracy http://www.aifdemocracy.org/. This Phoenix organization was one of the first created by Muslims to promote a tolerant form of Islam compatible with a secular, democratic nation.

So, wherein lies the rub? In a recent Islamic publication The Muslim Voice, Dr. Jesser was portrayed in a cartoon (see above left) as a dog devouring an Imam (one of the greatest insults in Islam). He is being held on the leash of the newspaper, The Arizona Republic, which is shaking hands with a Jewish caricature and some other un-identifiable characters.

But why? Insofar as I can tell, Dr. Jasser has done nothing wrong other than to promote his organization whose principles include http://www.aifdemocracy.org/pages.php/1013

The support of the separation of religion and state as being perfectly non-contradictory with Koranic principles.
As United States citizens we support absolute and literal adherence to our citizenship pledge.
We will work to educate the public regarding the current threat to America of radicals who exploit Islam through militancy.
We explicitly refuse to acknowledge the justification of any form of terrorism (the targeting of civilians and non-combatants).

What's the connection to CAIR? According to Dr. Jesser, CAIR-AZ and the Muslim Voice share office space and CAIR-AZ has been involved with ongoing criticism of the Arizonia Republic Newspaper. http://www.aifdemocracy.org/content_commentary_response_to_Marwan_Ahmad_HATE_Cartoon_120905.htm

Why should CAIR and the Muslim Voice feel so threatened by Dr. Jesser and his viewpoint? Read this article from the Philadelphia Inquirer http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/13537233.htm. Personally, I feel that Dr. Jesser is one of the few moderate Muslims in America whereas the "Wahabbi Lobby" dominates most mosques, schools, and the political network. Unfortunately, Dr. Jesser and I part company on the issue of a "civil war" in the ranks of Islam. There isn't any and the Fundamentalists are ruling the day as Steven Schwartz, author of "The Two Faces of Islam" notes: http://www.tcsdaily.com/article.aspx?id=122105F

2006-01-14T10:17:00.000-08:00

Ann Arbor Area Pool Institutes First Phase of Sharia Law In U.S.

Several days ago, I was shocked to receive an email from a friend of mine who lives in Ann Arbor Michigan. Situated about a half-hour west of Detroit, Ann Arbor is host to The University of Michigan. As a university town, Ann Arbor attracts denziens of counter-culture folks. It is a surreal world of abject leftists and college students plying for an education. Ann Arbor has a Jewish community of approximately 5000 (out of 120,000 residents) and a growing community of vociferous Muslims (estimated at about 5000). With the rising Muslim community, attracted by the "tolerance" afforded by a contingency sympathetic to their causes, so too has risen the pervasive number of anti-Semitic incidents.

In the last several years, Ann Arbor has experienced the following anti-Semitic events:

A Jewish student was assaulted by a series of Muslim youths travelling in an automobile see an account at http://www.aish.com/jewishissues/jewishsociety/Anti-Semitism_on_the_Street.asp.
Another student was attacked for wearing a pro-Israel T-shirt at a bowling alley, see: http://www.uja.org/content_display.html?ArticleID=74074
Ann Arbor has been host to a variety of anti-Israel rallies including The Palestinian Solidarity Conference, see: http://www.campus-watch.org/article/id/263
The Hillel Student Center has been vandalized and defaced with anti-Semitic graffiti.
The Chabad House had its Menorah destroyed in 2004, see: http://www.michigandaily.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2004/12/13/41bd63a233526?in_archive=1

In addition the University actively promotes anti-Israel professors including the notorious Juan Cole.

So, how does this all fit with the "Fifth Column"? Two new landmark events have affected this little slice of "Americana" which also have profound implications for the rest of us. The first one follows:

Last summer a young Muslim girl went to a local pool dressed in "long gym pants, a head covering and a long-sleeved collared shirt". When she entered the pool she was purportedly told to exit because her outfit was in violation of health and safety regulations. According to the information provided by the Washtenaw County website, the Pools and Recreation Department follow the State of Michigan's provisions as mandated by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Rule 325.3192 sec 6 states (http://www.deq.state.mi.us/documents/deq-dwrpd-eh-swmpl-SR_Rules_PRINT_COPY_2-8-01.pdf) , "...a person wearing street clothes or shoes, is not permitted in a swimming pool". Typically this type of rule is enacted for hygenic as well as safety reasons.

In the interim, both the Michigan ACLU headed by a self-loathing Jew named Michael Steinberg and representatives from CAIR took up the cause. As a result, the county commisioners caved in and will permit such garb. County Commissioner Conan Smith, D-Ann Arbor mistakenly remarked, "We're a country built on tolerance and we have an obligation.'' Well, Mr. Smith, the United States was a nation built on the rule of law not simply "tolerance".

Who is this Comissioner Smith? According to his bio (http://www.ewashtenaw.org/government/boc/members/district_10/index_html) Mr. Smith, a dyed-in-the-wool leftist, "is active in the community through his involvement with the Sierra Club, the NAACP, the ACLU and the Public Interest Research Group in Michigan. " Email Mr. Smith at: smithco@ewashtenaw.org or call him at: (734)662-0268

The full article can be found here: http://www.mlive.com/news/aanews/index.ssf?/base/news-16/113690763014580.xml&coll=2&thispage=3

Swimwear policy to accommodate religious requirements
Washtenaw County to become 1st Michigan county to implement such a policy
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
BY ART AISNER News Staff Reporter
On one of the last days of school last June, Ann Arbor resident Jumanah Saadeh, then 13, changed into long gym pants, a head covering and a long-sleeved collared shirt and joined her classmates from Ann Arbor Open School at the Rolling Hills Water Park in Ypsilanti.
The outfit was in accordance with Islam's modesty requirements, but violated health and safety regulations at the pool and lifeguards ordered her out of the water.
"This was a terribly humiliating incident for her and she felt like she was forced to choose between her religious beliefs and her classmates,'' said Michael Steinberg, legal director with the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan.
After six months of planning, the county's Park and Recreation Commission is expected tonight to unanimously pass the first swimwear policy to accommodate individuals who cannot wear traditional swimsuits for religious reasons.
Washtenaw County is slated to become the first county in Michigan and possibly the nation to implement such a policy.
Steinberg, an Ann Arbor resident, said the family and school officials contacted him about the incident, prompting him to draft a letter to Parks Director Robert Tetens saying that staff violated the girl's constitutional rights to religious accommodation.
Saadeh and her family could not be reached for comment for this story, but they did attend meetings where the new policy was developed, officials said.
Fearing that someone could be seriously injured or worse and that the county, as well as their teenaged lifeguards, could be held legally responsible, Tetens said staff acted appropriately.
"There was some definite exposure there, no question.'' Tetens said. "Anyone who's ever jumped into the water in street clothes or some clothing knows how difficult it can be to move.''
Executive director of the Council of American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Dawud Walid said his organization has received only a few similar complaints over the years but noted that may be because many Muslims avoid public pools strictly because of the clothing issue.
In Islam, females approaching puberty must have their head covered, and body covered from their neck to their ankles at all times in public, said Walid. The clothing should not be form fitting.
Males may be shirtless but must be covered from above the belly button to the knee cap in non-form fitting attire, he said.
Similar requirements are customary for Orthodox Jews and the Amish, county officials said.
The proposed policy, which will apply to all county aquatic facilities, is intended to provide guidelines that protect public health and safety while accommodating the diverse community. Street clothes and shoes remain prohibited in the water, but unlike the state regulations, the proposal defines street clothes.
The parks will accommodate those who cannot wear traditional bathing suits for religious reasons by permitting appropriate clothing with the following conditions:
Clothing must allow free movement of arms and legs and be free from hardware such as belts, buckles and rivets.
The clothing material must be lightweight as to not inhibit a patron's movement or weigh them down in the pool. Fabric such as nylon, polyester, Lycra or thin cotton are acceptable.
Clothing also must not be so loose that it could cause entanglement, entrapment or strangulation in pool equipment.
The parks have allowed T-shirts and other torso coverings in the pools for years, as long as patrons wear swimsuits as well.
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality prohibits wearing street clothes in public pools but left it up to local communities to define what street clothes are, Tetens said.
Not even Dearborn, noted for having one of the largest Muslim populations in the country, has a written policy to address the matter at its nine pool facilities.
"We treat everyone the same way and there's no exception,'' said Eric Peterson, deputy director of recreation for the city of Dearborn. Peterson said the city falls back on the DEQ regulations and strictly prohibits head garments and any clothing other than lined swimsuits in the water due to public health concerns.
"It may seem like we're being hard-nosed, but we have to be consistent.''
Crafting a policy that allowed observant people of multiple religions to swim in public while wearing clothes is the first of a three-pronged approach to the issue, said County Commissioner Conan Smith, D-Ann Arbor, who also sits on the Parks Commission.
Park staff will also receive religious sensitivity training to learn about the different faiths practiced by patrons so they are better prepared to handle future situations, Smith said.
Commissioners also felt it was important to offer alternatives and, in addition to the swimsuits already on sale at the facilities, the county will offer inexpensive long nylon pants and long-sleeved shirts that meet safety regulations and respect religious requirements.
"This way we won't have to limit access to the pool,'' Smith said. "We're a country built on tolerance and we have an obligation.''
Walid said that upon approval in Washtenaw County, CAIR may present similar proposals to state legislators.
"We were just as surprised to learn there hasn't been any pool policies before this and we'd like to see if it's possible to implement a law in Michigan that accommodates religion in public pools,'' he said.
Art Aisner can be reached at aaisner@annarbornews.com or (734) 994-6823.

2006-01-14T09:57:00.000-08:00

Inauguration Statement

Today, marks the inauguration of a new blog, "The Fifth Column Report". The "Fifth Column" refers to a secret subversive group that works against a country or organization from the inside. This term was first coined by General Emilio Mola during the Spanish Civil War in a radio broadcast on October 16, 1936, in which he said that he had una quinta columna ("a fifth column") of sympathizers for General Franco among the Republicans holding the city of Madrid, and it would join his four columns of troops when they attacked.

"The Fifth Column Report" is a blog dedicated to exposing the "Fifth Column" operating in the United States. Please join me as we reveal the insidious assault on the American way of life, its values, and laws.