We heard two stories in which mosques were accused of recruiting young Muslims to terrorism. In the first case, Melvin Bledsoe testified that the FBI failed to intervene to prevent his son Carlos traveling to Yemen, despite his being under surveillance. After returning to the U.S., Carlos carried out an attack on an Army recruiting station in Little Rock that left one man dead.
The second case was that of Burhan Hassan, who left Minneapolis to join al-Shabaab in Somalia, where he was killed. In both cases, there were scarce details of any criminality on the part of mosques. Real evidence in either case would presumably have led to prosecutions of those involved, given the wide-ranging powers available to prosecute material support of terrorism, and the eagerness of the FBI to do so.
But little attention was paid to identifying potential crimes, or the failure to prosecute them. Rather, as Zuhdi Jasser, a self-appointed expert on Islam, testified, the focus was the ideology that he thinks gives rise to violence, not the violence itself. His target was what he called “Islamism” or “political Islam,” what others referred to as “radical Islam.” If this was to be something of a show trial, it was this ideology, not any individual, that was in the dock.
The hearing portrayed a minority of American Muslims, the leading Muslim community organizations and an unspecified number of mosques as complicit in this ideology. King’s clear aim was the creation of a new Muslim leadership that would, as Jasser put it, go on “an ideological offensive into the Muslim community to teach liberty.” And King hoped the hearing would break the barriers of political correctness that he thinks prevent such a leadership from emerging.
For this to have any plausibility, we would have needed to hear a definition of “radical Islam” and evidence of how it leads young people to become terrorists. At one point, Jasser pointed out that his biography was almost identical to that of Nidal Hasan, who carried out the shooting attack on Fort Hood, Texas, in 2009. What led to one becoming a murderer and the other a regular commentator on Fox News? No answer was forthcoming.
In fact, the hearing only offered one real account of a young person’s path to violence, that of Carlos Bledsoe. But in describing this case, little distinction was made between his radicalization and his conversion to Islam, giving the impression that Islamic belief itself is dangerous, and implying a hopelessly broad suspicion of Muslims en masse. Yet prosecutors in the Carlos Bledsoe case tell a different story, saying his radicalization began years after his conversion.
More generally, the basic problem with the hearing was that it blurred the distinction between opinions and action. It is one thing to go after those involved in violence, quite another to pursue those whose only offense is belief in a “radical” ideology. Indeed, this distinction is precisely what defines the American approach to liberty. Rather than calling for Muslims to be taught the meaning of freedom, King and Jasser need some education of their own on the constitution.
Similarly, while Jasser held the separation of church and state to be the key issue dividing moderate from extremist Muslims, he himself violated that separation with his call for a concerted political intervention into the religious beliefs of Muslims.
Such muddled thinking and lack of systematic analysis are wholly counterproductive in understanding how to prevent terrorism. But it makes for great political theater. And it bolsters the efforts of those on the Right who want a new Cold War, with radical Islam replacing Communism as an enemy ideology.
Therein lies the great danger of the King hearing—that it encourages Americans to think about Muslims through a McCarthyist lens. If that happens, all of us, not just Muslims, will need lessons in liberty.
festivals.(NEWS)
Star Tribune (Minneapolis, MN) June 3, 2009 | Walker, Melissa Byline: MELISSA WALKER; STAFF WRITER ANDOVER Andover Family Fun Fest Parade, craft show, 5k run/walk, beer garden, food vendors and live entertainment. July 10-11. Free. City Hall Complex, 1685 Crosstown Blvd. NW. 763-755-5100. www.ci.andover.mn.us.
ANOKA Anoka Riverfest and Craft Fair More than 150 crafters and artisans will display and sell their wares, plus entertainment, skate competitions and boat rides. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. July 11. Downtown Anoka. 763-576-2700. www.ci.anoka.mn.us. maplegrovecommunitycenternow.net maple grove community center
ANOKA COUNTY FAIR Live entertainment, tractor pull, midway rides, craft and animal exhibits. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. July 21-25; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. July 26. Anoka County Fairgrounds, 3203 NW. St. Francis Blvd. www.anokacountyfair.com.
BLAINE Blaine's Blazin' 4th Festival Carnival and live music, parade, craft show and vendor fair, helicopter rides, live music. June 26-28. Aquatore Park, 9191 NE. Lincoln St. Continues July 4 with an 8k run, 9 a.m., and fireworks, 9 p.m. at the National Sports Center, 1700 105th Av. NE. www.blainefestival.org.
BROOKLYN CENTER Earle Brown Days Parade, golf tournament, kids' fishing contest, games, live entertainment, craft and business expo, ice cream social. Fireworks at 10 p.m. June 27. June 25-28. Central Park, 6301 Shingle Creek Pkwy. 763-569-3400. www.cityofbrooklyn center.org.
BROOKLYN PARK Tater Daze Parade at 6:30 p.m. June 18. Carnival, Spud Run, craft fair, sports tournaments, fireworks and live entertainment. Fireworks at 10 p.m. June 20. 5-11:30 p.m. June 19; 9 a.m.-11:30 p.m. June 20; noon-6 p.m. June 21. Noble Sports Park, 4701 97th Av. www.taterdaze.org.
CHAMPLIN Father Hennepin Festival Carnival, petting zoo, contests, bicycle stunt show, live entertainment and parade. Fireworks at 10:45 p.m. June 13 over Mill Pond. June 12-14. Free. Mississippi Point Park, 651 West River Rd. www.fatherhennepinfestival.com.
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS Columbia Heights Jamboree Kids fishing clinic, carnival, parade, sports tournaments and "Heights Idol"; fireworks at dusk June 27. 5 p.m. June 25; 1 p.m. June 26-28. Huset Park, 3965 Jefferson St. 763-781-0527. www.ci.columbia-heights.mn.us.
COON RAPIDS Coon Rapids JULY 4th Celebration Sponsored by the Coon Rapids Fire Fighters and Lions, featuring a midway. 3 p.m. July 2-3; noon July 4-5. Parade at 6 p.m. July 2. Fireworks 10 p.m. July 4. Sand Creek Athletic Field and Park, 940 NW. Northdale Blvd. 763-767-6565, ext. 601. www.coonrapidslions.org.
FALCON HEIGHTS Back to the `50s Weekend More than 11,000 street rods, custom, classics and restored vehicles from 1964 and earlier. Automotive exhibits, craft fair, swap meet, musical concerts and more. 8 a.m.-10 p.m. June 19- 20; 6 a.m.- 3 p.m. June 21. $10. 12 and under free with each paid adult. State Fairgrounds, 1265 N. Snelling Av. www.msra.com.
FRIDLEY Fridley `49er Days Street dances, tournaments, Run for Fun, car show, live entertainment and food concessions. Carnival at Fridley Community Center. 5-11 p.m. June 25; 9 a.m.-11 p.m. June 26-27. Fireworks June 27 at Commons Park, 10 p.m. www.ci.fridley.mn.us. site maple grove community center
MAPLE GROVE Maple Grove Days Art fair, parade, games, live entertainment and fireworks. July 9-12. Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Rd. www.maplegrovedays.com.
MAPLEWOOD Maplewood JULY 4th Celebration All-American Lumberjack show, food vendors, inflatables, family games and fireworks at dusk. 5-10:30 p.m. July 4, Hazelwood Park, 1663 Cty. Rd. C. www.ci.maplewood.mn.us.
RAMSEY COUNTY FAIR Live music, food, petting zoo, fireworks, carnival rides, parade. 5-11 p.m. July 8-9; noon-midnight July 10-11; noon-9:30 p.m. July 12. Free. Ramsey County Fairgrounds, Frost and White Bear Av. www.ramseycountyfair.com.
New Hope Duk Duk Daze Kiddie parade, carnival rides, fireworks, live music and more. July 17-19. Northwood Park, 38th and Boon Avs. www.newhopelions.org. ROBBINSDALE Whiz Bang Days Carnival, block party, parade, sidewalk sale and live entertainment. Fireworks at dusk July 12. July 9-12. Lakeview Terrace Park, 3500 Beard Av. N. www.whizbangdays.com.
ROSEVILLE Rosefest Live music, medallion hunt, wellness fair, disc golf tournament, parade, Run/Roll for the Roses, Taste of Rosefest and live entertainment. Various times and locations throughout Roseville. See website for detailed information. June 21-28. www.cityofroseville.com.
FREEDOM FESTIVAL PARTY IN THE PARK Live music, kids games, a climbing wall, crafts, adult softball tournament, and fireworks at dusk. July 4. Central Park, Lexington Av. and County Rd. C. www.ci.roseville.mn.us.
SHOREVIEW Slice of Shoreview Art fair, live entertainment, carnival and petting zoo. July 24-26. Island Lake Park, 3655 N. Victoria St. 651-303-4667. www. sliceofshoreview.com.
St. francis Pioneer Days Parade, live entertainment and craft vendors. June 12-14. St. Francis Community Park, along Hwy. 47, south of St. Francis Elementary.
ST. PAUL ST. ANTHONY PARK ARTS FESTIVAL More than 100 artists displaying pottery, fiber arts, jewelry and paintings. 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. June 6. St. Anthony Park Carnegie Library, 2245 Como Av. www .stanthonyparkartsfestival.org.
GRAND OLD DAY Live music, family fun area, children's parade, teen battle of the bands, Minnesota RollerGirls, cultural arts and performances. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. June 7. On Grand Av. 651-699-0029. www.grandave.com/grandoldday.
TWIN CITIES JAZZ FESTIVAL June 18-20. Free concerts in Mears Park, 5th St. and Sibley. Additional charge for concerts at the Artists Quarter and Hat Trick Lounge. For complete information go to www.twincitiesjazzfestival.com.
RONDO DAYS FESTIVAL Parade, 5K walk/run, live music, food, vendors. Festival at 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. July 18. Martin Luther King Park, St. Paul, 270 N. Kent St. Drill team competition at 6 p.m. at St. Paul Central High School, 275 Lexington Pkwy. 651-646-6597. Irish Fair of Minnesota Irish music, sheep herding demonstrations, Run with the Celts, sports, food, marketplace and more. 3-11 p.m. Aug. 7; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Aug. 8; 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Aug. 9. Harriet Island, Plato Blvd. and Justus Ohage Blvd. www.irishfair.com.
PABA FEST Ethnic dance performances, food and merchandise sales, and live entertainment. Held on Payne Av. between York and Jenks Sts. Noon-6 p.m. (Kids' fun run, 11:30 a.m.) Sept. 12. 651-771-1152. STILLWATER Stillwater JULY 4th Fireworks Family activities and entertainment. Fireworks at 10 p.m. in downtown Stillwater. July 4. Free. Lowell Park, on Main St. 651-430-8800.
LUMBERJACK DAYS Music featuring national acts, the Stihl Timbersports Championships of professional lumberjacks, arts and crafts, 19th-century-style baseball and family activities. Fee for some music concerts. Thunder in the Valley fireworks spectacular at 10:05 p.m. July 26. Festival held July 23-26. Lowell Park, on Main St. www.lumberjackdays.com.
VADNAIS HEIGHTS TASTE OF VADNAIS Foods from local restaurants and eateries, music by John Evans, Dan Perry and Friends, and other family entertainment. 6-9 p.m. June 11. City Hall, 800 E. Cty. Rd. E. www.ci.vadnais-heights.mn.us.
VADNAIS HEIGHTS DAY IN THE PARK Ice cream social and entertainment by Sticks and Tones. 6:30-8 p.m. July 8. Community Park, 661 E. Cty. Rd. F. www.ci.vadnais-heights.mn.us.
HERITAGE DAYS AND BOOYA Senior picnic, pig roast, live music, car show, medallion hunt (begins Aug. 10), parade, fire truck rides, and entertainment and games. Aug. 12-16. Community Park, 661 E. County Rd. F. 651-204-6000. www.ci.vadnais-heights.mn.us.
WHITE BEAR LAKE MARKETFEST Held in downtown White Bear Lake, this event includes fine art, live entertainment, children's activities, farmers market and more. 6-9 p.m. Thursdays June 18-July 30. Downtown White Bear Lake, 4701 Hwy 61. www.marketfest.org.
Melissa Walker - 612-673-4461 Walker, Melissa
Stay Informed
This is a bunch of hogwash.
The left is very guilty of what this writer accuses King of. That is, going after those it sees as extreme or "radical," such as the militias.
McCarthy was right. The government and news media was and is heavily infiltrated by communists.
This entire article draws conclusions without supporting facts.
Stop being afraid, please.
Does anyone care to comment on Sharia Law? Islam is not just a religious belief, it is also a blueprint/mandate for governing. Islam makes no effort to hide the agenda of a global caliphate. The threat is to our country's founding principles. Does anyone care?
Islam has never said a thing about making a global caliphate; that was Glen Beck.
Both Katie and Scott make the logical error of generalizing from the specific, just as King does. There are around 1.2 billion Moslems in the world and there are bound to be a few radicals in the bunch. If you haven't heard, Scot, the Cold War has been over since 1991.
Global Caliphate? Bullpoop. If so, then why are Moslems fighting and killing each other in Sudan, Darfur, Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, etc.? Why are they revolting against their rulers in the Middle East?
Why aren't the Nigerians, Indonesians, Malayans, etc., joining in?
Events disprove what you say.
There are as many varieties of Islam as there are Chrisitian churches in the USA. If they can not unite in spite of a common
language and culture, the Moslems, divided by language, tribe, nationality and customs, unite for a Caliphate.
Some people are just natural born fraidy cats.
Genesis 12 verse 3
And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
That is what YHWH's stance on Israel is. You might dismiss those promises as superstition. The Quran is antisemitic. The Quran is anti-christian. The Quran is so called anti-infidel. That means they are anti non believers. Hagar had the other son of Abram. His name was Ishmael. The Quran says that Abram gave up his son Ishmael when all the christian texts say the opposite. All the Hebrew texts say different. All texts except the Quran say, Abram gave up his son Isaac [Israel] for a sacrifice and YHWH spared his son. The christian texts also say this in Genesis;
Gen 16:11 And the angel of Yahweh said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because Yahweh hath heard thy affliction.
Gen 16:12 And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.
Behold, the Arabic religion is against every man. The Arabic religion Islam is against itself Sunni vs Shia. It is against Jews, it is against Christians, and it is against the non believer.
Far left listen. Muslim is anti you.
I echo Katie-- where are the answers from those who bash King for holding these hearings to question on how they see sharia law? Anyone who looks into sharia law can see that it is in contradiction to our founding principles and is not just a "religious" court. Sure, accuse the King hearings of creating a muddle, but don't do anything to clear the waters you complain about by being clear on what the real aims of radical Islam are.
You say :"It is one thing to go after those involved in violence, quite another to pursue those whose only offense is belief in a “radical” ideology. Indeed, this distinction is precisely what defines the American approach to liberty." First of all: What if a good portion of that ideology is specifically death to all Jews, death to those who disagree with Islam, and clearly believes in an eventual global rule? Just how is that inoffensive to an American who believes in the constitution? You attempt to make a fine distinction between those who hold to radical beliefs and those who not only hold to those beliefs but act on them? That looks really noble. What about mosques where imams repeatedly exhort their followers to act on their beliefs? Do you deny that is a problem? Do you deny that does in fact take place, in Detroit, LA, etc? That would appear by most any definition to be radicalization, that is, putting ones belief into action. Please cut out the cute distinctions and get to the real question the hearing were looking at.
Second: the "American approach to liberty" is not trumped by her defense of her collective right to exist. We defend liberty of speech, but not to the extent of defending anyone who incites others to mass murder as a "religious" belief. Islam is attempting to ingratiate itself in the shelter of a country that believes in freedom, and is using that freedom as a shield to develop with aim of destroying its host.
You ask questions, but then make it clear that no possible answer is acceptable.
How is an Imam exhorting his followers to follow him in any way different than a Baptist preacher doing the same with his congregation? Pick any religion, any denomination, -you can find something to fear and hate if you try hard enough.
Educate yourselves, stop living for thrills, spills, and chills.
If we are going to say that Muslims are extremists just because they are Muslims, then let us not leave out the Christian Dominionists, the Hutterites, the Christian Reconstructionists, the Mormons, the Orthodox Jews, and every other religious group one can think of that does not believe precisely what you believe.
If we removed from the planet every single thing, person, and idea that someone finds objectionable, we would be left with an empty void. Be assured that there is someone out there who finds you objectionable, and you would disappear into the hate-void, too.
Adaptation, compassion, acceptance... really, these things take far less energy and effort than hate and fear.
in order to understand this,we must live in it.
Sharia law must first be understood. In the process of understanding it is subject to judgement and criticism This is where the fear comes in. You can say "stop being afraid" from there but here ( asia ) we are afraid to judge or criticize therefore we are reluctant to understand.In the west a muslim might critizise christianity and i am sure he will not be met with violence,everyone entitled to his oppinion. Here we might be killed.
Do you think this is fair?
All we want is fairness and freedom to express.
I have very mixed feelings on this subject. There is simply way too much information floating around and one has no idea who is the right person to listen to, when all are speaking to strengthen their own beliefs. I guess I look at 9/11 and say "those were muslim extreamists" well weren't they? If so then we have been attacked by Islamists and are, in fact at war with Islam, since they represented no nation, then they represent a religion, and if that religion says we should all die or accept their religion then there is ample reason to fight, is there not?
When we were attacked by Japan, we isolated the Japanese who lived in America to protect ourselves from an attack from within, should we not then lock up the muslims who live within our borders?