Implications of the move against 4 mosques by the Feds

Today’s New York Times has a story titled “U.S. Moves to Seize Properties Tied to Iran” that discusses yesterday’s move by the Feds to seize 4 mosques allegedly controlled by the Iranian regime’ under the guise of the Alavi Foundation.

We’ll have to see what actually comes out in court.  From what I’ve heard, however, from one Iranian American Imam is that this foundation’s main function involved assisting schools, especially those who teach Persian (Farsi) and helping religious institutions including CHURCHES.

A community advocate summed up many Muslims feelings preciously in this story.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/13/nyregion/13seize.html

“Because information is lacking, this might well cause yet another wave of fear in the Muslim community,” said Adem Carroll, chairman of the Muslim Consultative Network, an advocacy group. “It would be sad if word in our community starts spreading that the government will shut us all down. Already some think this is a war against the religion; that is a very unhelpful perception.”

CAIR Concerned About Government Seizure of U.S. Mosques

http://www.cair.com/ArticleDetails.aspx?ArticleID=26137&&name=n&&currPage=1&&Active=1

CAIR Concerned About Government Seizure of U.S. Mosques
		(WASHINGTON, D.C., 11/12/09) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today expressed concern about the government’s move to seize mosques in New York, Maryland, California, and Texas. Officials accuse the foundation that owns the mosques of being tied to the Iranian government. SEE: Feds Move to Seize 4 Mosques (AP) CAIR said the unprecedented move by the government may have First Amendment implications for the American Muslim community. “Whatever the details of the government’s case against the owners of the mosques, as a civil rights organization we are concerned that the seizure of American houses of worship could have a chilling effect on the religious freedom of citizens of all faiths and may send a negative message to Muslims worldwide,” said CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper. He said the government’s move comes at a particularly bad time, as American Muslims are fearful of a backlash resulting from the recent shooting spree at Fort Hood in Texas. Hooper said CAIR will monitor the case as it moves through the court system. CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding. - END - CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-488-8787 or 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Communications Coordinator Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787 or 202-341-4171, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com

Lou Dobbs Resigns from CNN

Xenophobe, Islamophobe Lou Dobbs announced tonight that he resigned from CNN.

I wonder if this resignation was forced upon him because of the many civic groups, who launched complaints with CNN regarding his racist rhetoric.  I personally wrote CNN myself regarding his offensive comments regarding Latino undocumented immigrants.

Dobbs will probably pop up on Fox News next or writing for World Net Daily.

Thank G’d that he’s gone from CNN though!

 

Detroit-area Muslim veterans celebrate, pray

*Just a note that I was Muslim while serving in the U.S. Navy, not “converting” after being discharged.

http://www.freep.com/article/20091111/NEWS05/91111055/1001/NEWS/Detroit-area-Muslim-vets-celebrate-holiday-pray-for-Fort-Hood-victims

By Niraj Warikoo
Free Press Staff Writer

With a backdrop of American flags and a picture of the Quran, local Muslims who served in the U.S. military gathered inside a Detroit mosque today to mark Veterans Day.“We salute all the veterans today,” said Shelton Hasan, 54, of Detroit, to a crowd at Masjid Wali Muhammad in Detroit. “We honor you for serving.”

The gathering started with a singing of the U.S. national anthem followed by a silent prayer for the victims of the shooting in Fort Hood, Texas, last week. The shooting has brought attention to Muslims who serve in the U.S. military since the shooter was a Muslim. One conservative Christian group has called for a ban on Muslims serving in the U.S. military.

But those who attended today’s ceremony said what the shooter did has absolutely nothing to do with their faith.

Hasan served in the Army from 1975 to 1977. He said he gained a lot from the experience.

“They made a man out of me, and made me responsible,” he said.

Dawud Walid, a Navy veteran who is now head of the Michigan branch of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, attended the ceremony in a building that is the oldest mosque in Detroit with a predominantly African-American congregation.

Walid said he hopes people will not paint all Muslims with a broad-brush “based on the actions of one sick individual.”

“We honor all who have and continue to defend our nation through their service,” Walid said.

Video of protest outside Federal Building

Video protesting the FBI in Detroit regarding the killing of Imam Luqman Ameen Abdullah.