"What you won't hear from this campaign or this party is the kind of politics that uses religion as a wedge," says Mr. Obama, while denouncing statements of him being a Muslim as a smear. Why is the presidential candidate who claims to be religiously inclusive is treating the word "Muslim" as an insult? Apparently, it is OK for Mr. Obama to be associated with terrorists like William Ayers or racists like Jeremiah Wright, but God forbid somebody would call him a Muslim! No, he won't stand for that kind of smear! We admit that most terrorists are Muslims, but most Muslims are not terrorists and the statement on Mr. Obama's website is insulting to hundreds of millions of people.
How could a man who discards his family heritage in favor of political expediency be even considered for presidency of the United States? Where are all the so-called "Islamic civil rights groups" like CAIR, MPAC, ISNA, MAS, etc. who are quick to defend every Islamic terrorist, but are silent when Muslims in general are being denigrated? Would Mr. Obama have the same reaction if someone claimed that he was raised as a Jew? We sincerely doubt that.
"In the wake of 9/11, my meetings with Arab and Pakistani Americans, for example, have a more urgent quality, for the stories of detentions and FBI questioning and hard stares from neighbors have shaken their sense of security and belonging. They have been reminded that the history of immigration in this country has a dark underbelly; they need specific reassurances that their citizenship really means something, that America has learned the right lessons from the Japanese internments during World War II, and that I will stand with them should the political winds shift in an ugly direction."
Well, the political winds did shift in an ugly direction. Is equating "Muslim" with "smear" Obama's idea of "stand[ing] with [Muslims]?
Muslims Against Sharia demand immediate removal of "SMEAR: Barack Obama is a Muslim" statement from the official Barack Obama's website as well as an apology for giving the word "Muslim" a negative connotation.
Source: Fight The Smears
Updates:
Muslim Barack Obama fans told to hide from television cameras
Muslims barred from picture at Obama event
Muslim Women Receive Apology From Obama Staff - Not Good Enough
In Michigan, Obama Meets Privately with Yet Another Hezbollah Agent; But Publicly Excludes Muslims @ Rally
Pro-Muslim Discussion Is Not Welcome on Sean Hannity Forum
Update for dummies:
Do we think Obama is a Muslim? - No
Do we think Obama was a Muslim? - Highly unlikely
Do we care one way or the other? - No
Update for real dummies:
Please do keep "others do it too" arguments out. For the purpose of this discussion, we concede that Muslims Against Sharia and all their affiliates may be the "worst people in the world." However, it doesn't change the fact that "SMEAR: Barack Obama is a Muslim" statement is a manifestation of anti-Muslim bigotry.
How could a man who discards his family heritage in favor of political expediency be even considered for presidency of the United States? Where are all the so-called "Islamic civil rights groups" like CAIR, MPAC, ISNA, MAS, etc. who are quick to defend every Islamic terrorist, but are silent when Muslims in general are being denigrated? Would Mr. Obama have the same reaction if someone claimed that he was raised as a Jew? We sincerely doubt that.
"In the wake of 9/11, my meetings with Arab and Pakistani Americans, for example, have a more urgent quality, for the stories of detentions and FBI questioning and hard stares from neighbors have shaken their sense of security and belonging. They have been reminded that the history of immigration in this country has a dark underbelly; they need specific reassurances that their citizenship really means something, that America has learned the right lessons from the Japanese internments during World War II, and that I will stand with them should the political winds shift in an ugly direction."
Barack Obama, "The Audacity of Hope", page 261.
Well, the political winds did shift in an ugly direction. Is equating "Muslim" with "smear" Obama's idea of "stand[ing] with [Muslims]?
Muslims Against Sharia demand immediate removal of "SMEAR: Barack Obama is a Muslim" statement from the official Barack Obama's website as well as an apology for giving the word "Muslim" a negative connotation.
Source: Fight The Smears
Updates:
Muslim Barack Obama fans told to hide from television cameras
Muslims barred from picture at Obama event
Muslim Women Receive Apology From Obama Staff - Not Good Enough
In Michigan, Obama Meets Privately with Yet Another Hezbollah Agent; But Publicly Excludes Muslims @ Rally
Pro-Muslim Discussion Is Not Welcome on Sean Hannity Forum
Major update:
Obama changes "SMEAR: Barack Obama is a Muslim" to "SMEAR: Barack Obama is secretly a Muslim" as well as removes his pledge not to use religion as a wedge from site's header.Update for dummies:
Do we think Obama is a Muslim? - No
Do we think Obama was a Muslim? - Highly unlikely
Do we care one way or the other? - No
Update for real dummies:
Please do keep "others do it too" arguments out. For the purpose of this discussion, we concede that Muslims Against Sharia and all their affiliates may be the "worst people in the world." However, it doesn't change the fact that "SMEAR: Barack Obama is a Muslim" statement is a manifestation of anti-Muslim bigotry.
* There is no such statement on John McCain's website. The reason for second poll is to show that equating belonging to any religion with smear is offensive regardless of religion or candidate.
Posts
62 comments:
No offense but it is pretty obvious why he would say that.. it is used AS a smear which we all know that the dumb dumbs of voters will use to NOT vote for him. It is not a commentary against Muslims or Islam, but a matter of debunking what people are saying about you. If they were to say he was a Jew, there simply wouldn't be an easy UNLESS it was made as such by the opposing candidate. And as I'm sure you will know, that would never happen here in this country where the bias is actually the opposite. Candidates seem to 'have to' be considered as 'pro' in order to get that Jewish voting block..
so no offense, but I think you're over reacting.
Ingrid
"I think you're over reacting"
Are you saying "SMEAR: Barack Obama is a your religion" would not be offensive to you?
Obama's Fight The Smears website has incited controversy despite the rather tame lies it feels necessary to explain. I'm sure everyone truly needed to be set straight on the fact that Obama was not trying to hide his birth certificate and that he was born a Muslim.
What I have found far more entertaining are the numerous response websites that have sprung up, some of which do a far better job tackling larger misconceptions in the political race. One of the websites, albeit its content is rather thin is http://www.despitethesmears.com .
I think this all just illustrates the absurdity this political race is sinking too.
I sincerely disagree and think that you are ignoring the context of this Presidential race. Yes, if you strip away all context, saying that "Barack Obama is a X." is a smear appears to be disrespectful of X.
However, if you have been paying attention to the race at all, you would know that there has been a smear campaign to paint Senator Obama as a "radical Muslim" when he is clearly a Christian. It is a smear, not because there is anything wrong with being a Muslim...there isn't, but because it is a falsehood that is being used to make voters (intolerant voters) think negatively of a candidate.
So, while I think that your intent is good, you have approached the question the wrong way.
Thanks for the comment on my blog. Perhaps I didn't explain myself well enough...I think using religion as a scare tactic is equally as bad as using race to divide us. And unlike many ignorant Americans, I do understand that most Muslims are not terrorists. In as much as I understand that most Christians would never bomb an abortion clinic and most Black people would never rape me.
Perhaps you'd feel more comfortable if Obama were to educate us rather than state the truth. But the fact of the matter is, he's not Muslim and this was a tactic by the Republican party to breed fear from ignorance. While I understand your frustration, I think it is misplaced. Who's making the word Muslim a dirty word? Obama or the Republican party?
He's also using the term smear regarding Michelle using the term Whitey, which was a term used by many Black people in the civil rights movement (the more militant side than MLK Jr.) And frankly, I think there are probably quite a few Black people who wouldn't if she did use the term and might actually identify with her. However, he's not making any attempt to educate the studpid masses on that subject either. He's just saying this was made up to scare people. Should it scare people is another question.
I really appreciate your perspective and am open to be educated. I hope you can also appreciate a bit of mine.
The same people who are insisting that Barack Obama is a Muslim are smearing Muslims as the source of evil in the world today.
The page isn't offensive at all.
What is offensive is the fact that "Muslims against Sharia" would manufacture this outrage rather than addressing reals smears.
Many anti-Muslim smears can be found in the comments of the "Atlas Shrugs" blog. Why would you blithely ignore these truly hateful attacks on your faith to draw attention to what is at worst Obama's assumption people understand the claims that he is a Muslim is part of a vicious campaign against him AND against Muslims?
First of all, if you want to read so much into words maybe you should have a second look. Obama's website "Fight the Smears" references the emails circulating that he is a "Secret" Muslim. He is trying to debunk a claim that many people seem to believe.
In case you haven't heard, some people believe the emails they are getting about Obama and forwarding them to their family and friends.
Definition of "Smear": a usually unsubstantiated charge or accusation against a person or organization —often used attributively
The email starts out like this:
"Barack Hussein Obama has joined the United Church of Christ in an attempt to downplay his Muslim background,”
That is a smear.
Also, it is sad that you are inserting words like "dirty" when you know it's not being said on Obama's website. Who knows you may be a troll or just crazy.
I'm sorry but Obama is accused of being a Muslim, and he isn't (regardless of whatever background he comes from), so how is that a denigration of Islam or Muslims?
While I understand why you find the comments offensive, I think it's worth noting that the website seems to be very brief and hasty in addressing the Muslim rumor, whereas Obama himself has spoken repeatedly about how the "Muslim smear" is offensive to him, but even more offensive to Muslims, since it carries the negative connotation.
I think the real problem lies with current US sentiment, where many less-educated people believe that all Muslims are terrorists. I got an e-mail a while back that reads, in part:
"When will our pathetic Nation quit turning their back on God and understand that this man is 'A Muslim'....First, Last and always....and we are AT WAR with the Muslim Nation"
Thus the real offense isn't "Obama is Muslim," but the unspoken implication of, "and thus he's un-American / a terrorist."
But I agree, the Obama website could do well to better addressing this.
Thanks for posting on my piece about FOX News and the attempt to bring racial and ethnic hate into play in this campaign.
I would at first sympathize with your concern, but, lets face facts, Obama's Fight The Smear website is an attempt to confront a concerted effort to destroy him with lies which only imflame the basest tendancies of the mindless masses.
You have to embrace the truth and confront the lies head on because the lies breed fear and hate and are more destructive in the long run.
I live in rural France and confront anti Islamic prejudice every day. I work 3 months every year with Moroccans and we are after 8 years, great friends.
Confronting racism and ethnic prejudice is one of the flaming passions of my life!
Ben Main,
Come back when you understand thew difference between "SMEAR: Barack Obama is a Muslim" and "SMEAR: Barack Obama is a radical Muslim". Statement like "SMEAR: Barack Obama is a Muslim" perpetuate the myth that all Muslims are the same.
Aimeepalooza,
"Perhaps you'd feel more comfortable if Obama were to educate us rather than state the truth." - Which truth? That being called a Muslim is tantamount to smear?
"He's also using the term smear regarding Michelle using the term Whitey" - Oh, that's nice. So, according to you, using a bigoted term is just as bad as being a Muslim.
B C,
"The same people who are insisting that Barack Obama is a Muslim are smearing Muslims as the source of evil in the world today." - So, in other words, it is OK for Obama to denigrate Muslims because others do it too, right?
"Many anti-Muslim smears can be found in the comments of the "Atlas Shrugs" blog." - You should probably learn the difference between Islam and Islamofascism before making any more dumb statements.
t o n i l e e,
"you may be a troll" - A degenerate posting on OUR blog accuses US of being trolls. That's an interesting perspective.
Muhamad Lodhi,
"Obama is accused of being a Muslim, and he isn't (regardless of whatever background he comes from), so how is that a denigration of Islam or Muslims?" - You don't get ACCUSED of being something good or neutral. People who ACCUSE Obama of
being a Muslim just are as bigoted as Obama stating that the claim of him being a Muslim is a smear.
Matt,
"I think the real problem lies with current US sentiment, where many less-educated people believe that all Muslims are terrorists." - Yes, and statements like "SMEAR: Barack Obama is a Muslim" perpetuate this sentiment.
microdot,
If you "confront anti Islamic prejudice every day", shouldn't you also be condemning "SMEAR: Barack Obama is a Muslim" statement?
So, in other words, it is OK for Obama to denigrate Muslims because others do it too, right?
By "in other words" do you mean "words that have a meaning completely different from the words that you have written"? As every commenter here has pointed out, Obama is responding to a 'smear' because the Obama-is-a-Muslim rumor was invented, circulated, and propagated by anti-Muslim activists like those at the site "Atlas Shrugs."
You should probably learn the difference between Islam and Islamofascism before making any more dumb statements.
I don't make dumb statements. You are validating a blog (Atlas Shrugs) that is unquestionably anti-Muslim. It has called for the carpetbombing of Gaza, takes great delight it calling the Prophet Muhammad a pedophile, and allows comments like this:
"Eventually it will come down to this: if we nuke Mecca and Medina the majority of them will get the message pretty quickly that Muhammad was a false prophet and allah is a false god and turn on the others..."
Posted by: Timur |
And Barack Obama's insulting Muslims?
Oh I've got it! I know the truth. Obama is a "Kennewickan" oooooooooo, scaryyyyy.
:)
Honestly, I wouldn't vote for this clown no matter what, he's very good at changing his tone with the prevailing wind, and glossing over controversy so well he ends up looking like a victim (planned of course)
Perhaps take it as a badge of honor that perhaps Obonehead is smearing Muslims.
Please note also that the proprietor of the website "Atlas Shrugs" favors an amendment to the US Constitution that would outlaw Islam.
Not "Islamofascism." Islam.
http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/2007/06/islam_amendment.html
I don't know about Dirty, but he was a Muslim. The fact the he lied about it must be taken to consideration if you want to vote for Obama. I won't vote for him not because he was Muslim, just because he lied about it.
B C,
We are allowing your idiotic comments, but it doesn't mean that we agree with them. Same goes for Atlas blog and idiotic comments posted by Timur.
Robert,
"Please note also that the proprietor of the website "Atlas Shrugs" favors an amendment to the US Constitution that would outlaw Islam."
1. There is a difference between "favors" and "ponders."
2. The definition provided in the proposed amendment ("Islam includes a complete political and social structure, encompassed by its religious law, Sharia, that supersedes any civil law and that Islam mandates that no secular or democratic institutions are to be superior to Islamic law") is of Islamism, not Islam.
3. In our manifesto (http://www.reformislam.org/) we also state that "Islam, in its present form, is not compatible with principles of freedom and democracy."
Unfortunately, not many Westerners understand the difference between Islamism and Islam. And statements like the one on Obama website are not helping.
gr8inferno,
"he was a Muslim" - That is your opinion. There are no facts proving that Obama was ever a Muslim.
And yes, I'm aware that "The definition provided in the proposed amendment ("Islam includes a complete political and social structure, encompassed by its religious law, Sharia, that supersedes any civil law and that Islam mandates that no secular or democratic institutions are to be superior to Islamic law") is of Islamism, not Islam."
The proprietor of Atlas Shrugs doesn't make that distinction. Instead he/she presents it as Constitutional amendment about Islam, not Islamism.
He/she didn't "ponder" enough to overlook this important error and as a result continued to propagate misconceptions of Islam on the hateful website.
That this tripe is propagated by hate sites like Atlas Shrugs
Robert,
“That the proprietor of the Atlas Shrugs blog would even consider such legislation, let alone publicize it so favorably, is horrific.”
Really? We don’t think it would be such a bad idea to ban Islamism worldwide. It is a totalitarian ideology that will be responsible for the deaths of hundreds of millions of people in the not-so-distant future.
“Yet you think the bigger problem is that part of Barack Obama's website”
The people who are attacking him for being a Muslim are not running for presidency, so we see no reason why we should care what they think.
“There is no honor in Islam. Muhammad was a filthy, murdering pedophile and a false prophet. His followers are no better.”
That’s his opinion. Obama’s opinion is that being called a Muslim is a smear. They are both entitles to their opinions, just as we are entitled to disagree with them. The problem is that Obama is likely to be my president and Timur is not. Timur’s idiotic rants are not going to affect my life. Obama’s - are.
“calls to nuke the people of Mecca and outlaw Islam -- don't bother you?”
They do. And we never claimed that we agree with everything that is posted on Atlas site or with everything that Ms. Geller writes. However, our main goal is to get rid of radical Islam and Ms Geller is exactly on the same page with us when it comes to fighting Islamofascism.
“The proprietor of Atlas Shrugs doesn't make that distinction.”
She does. She could do a better job making the distinction, though, so dimwits like you wouldn’t be running around calling Atlas a hate site.
Robert,
One of your comment was deleted because it screwed up the post by reformatting the page. You are welcome to repost it providing you break down long URLs to page width.
“The proprietor of Atlas Shrugs doesn't make that distinction.”
She does. She could do a better job making the distinction, though, so dimwits like you wouldn’t be running around calling Atlas a hate site.
It's funny that you give "Atlas" the benefit of the doubt on this matter. Even though she thinks that "Islam 2008: Religion of Barbarism" is a legitimate and, according to your opinion, not-hateful way to categorize her blog. Even though she allegedly knows the difference between "Islam" and "Islamism" and still republishes a proposed constitutional amendment to outlaw Islam without adding any caveat that it should be targeting Islamism.
At the same time, you insist that Obama's website must be read so literally that we have to unreasonably suspend our disbelief and think that he thinks being called a Muslim is a smear rather than read it in the context (as you pointed out) of his presidential campaign which has seen "Muslim" used as a dogwhistle call for anti-Muslim bigots (both the proud, like the commentators at Atlas Shrugs and the proprietor that allows them to spew their hate; and the timid, who would never admit to such bigotry in public) to attack Obama's candidacy and the man himself.
Re:Robert's statement of Atlas "hate site".
Robert, if I had a nickel and copied and pasted all the vicious hate sites I've seen over the years from Muslims, I'd be a very rich person.
The file would be encyclopedic.
There's plenty of hate mongering going around and a hefty dose of it comes from the "Islamic" side.
So let's just be a little more than one sided when it comes to this particular complaint, shall we?
Robert,
As we stated on the other blog with a similar conversation, not to detract from the main argument, we concede that both Atlas and Muslims Against Sharia are the worst of humanity. How does it make "SMEAR: Barack Obama is a Muslim" statement any better?
M.A.S. : I never asked you to say that you were the worst of humanity. I do appreciate you recognizing that most of what comes out of "Atlas Shrugs" isn't fit to drink.
Does the racism of "Atlas Shrugs" make the Obama statement better? No, but I'm still really quite shocked that you think Obama's statement is anti-Muslim when the context is clear that he's addressing the bigots who tried to paint him with their hateful "Obama is a Muslim and Muslims are evil" brush. Certainly you, as Muslims (and I am assuming you live in the United States), have faced this too.
After all, who would care about whether or not Obama was a Muslim, but for bigots who use religion to divide?
People, don't be duped. These guys aren't Muslims. They're just guys who dislike Islam and happen to be anti-Obama as well.
Robert,
"I do appreciate you recognizing that most of what comes out of "Atlas Shrugs" isn't fit to drink." - you must be dumber than you thought. But then, again, with your admiration for Daily Kos, it is not at all surprising. And please, look up what the word "racism" means before embarrassing yourself any further.
Blane Conklin,
Are all Obama supporters as dumb as you are?
muslims against sharia: Come back when you understand thew difference between "SMEAR: Barack Obama is a Muslim" and "SMEAR: Barack Obama is a radical Muslim". Statement like "SMEAR: Barack Obama is a Muslim" perpetuate the myth that all Muslims are the same.
So you really don't want to listen. That's a shame.
The point was that falsely calling Barack Obama a Muslim has been a smear during this campaign, because unlike you and I, many, many Americans think that being Muslim is a bad thing.
So, calling it a smear is calling it what it is. Yes, it is stark when read without context, which is exactly what you are doing, which was the main point of my last comment. Since you didn't address that, I assume that you don't intend to listen and will instead continue to insult anyone who dares to disagree with your lack of contextual understanding.
M.A.S.:
First of all, please be respectful to your readers. The customer is king, as the old saying goes...
I am interested to know how you define racism, since the vile slurs posted at "Atlas Shrugs" don't seem to be racist in your opinion(s).
How does stating the fact that "Atlas Shrugs" is a terrible site (which you have conceded) make me "dumber than [I -sic-] thought"? We are in agreement here.
And what's this stuff about The Daily Kos? You must have me confused with someone else.
Finally, and to the heart of the matter, what is your interesting in condemning Obama's "anti-Muslim" smear? If you don't like anti-Muslim rhetoric, there are bigger fish to fry, the the hate sites "Atlas Shrugs" and "Debbie Schlussel" and "Little Green Footballs" which all frequenty and purposefully smear Muslims. Also, if you don't like Obama's "smear" why did you compound it by adding the word "dirty"? Obama said nothing about dirt or cleanliness and for you to pair "Muslim" with "dirty" is a pretty bad anti-Muslim smear yourselves.
Oh well, if one could foresee that you would nitpick at "accused" one would have articulated one's self differently. Well, call Obama what you will, but he isn't a bigot, and, furthermore, he isn't a Muslim, so, it IS a smear, and some would say it's a calculated one.
Muhamad Lodhi, um...not quite.
On several occasions Mr.Obama has certainly indicated racial preference, as has his lovely wife.
Look at it this way, Muslims Against Sharia: What if some of the Muslims who are for Sharia started telling everyone that you aren't Muslims at all -- secretly you're all Catholics. Wouldn't you regard that as a smear? If you tried to set the record straight, would Catholics have a right to feel offended?
Does statement "SMEAR: Barack Obama is a Muslim" denigrate Muslims? Daily Kos has a poll. So we decided to create our own poll. It is interesting to see the difference of opinions between "Obama can do no wrong" crowd and readers of this blog.
Doug Muder,
"What if some of the Muslims who are for Sharia started telling everyone that you aren't Muslims at all -- secretly you're all Catholics. Wouldn't you regard that as a smear?"
1. If you read comments on our blog and postings about us, they do it all the time.
2. Of course not. It would be a lie, a false statement, but not a smear. If someone calls you a Catholic it is not an insult, unless you consider Catholic label libelous.
Barrack Hussein Obama was born to a Muslim father and was registered as a Muslim while attending school overseas. Correct me if I'm wrong, but dosn't that qualify him as a Muslim according to the teachings of Islam? And if he is a Christian now, dosen't that make him an apostate in Islam? Now he is an infidel and the price for leaving Islam is death.
Personaly I have nothing against Muslims. It is the evil teachings of Islam that I oppose. It is Islam that teaches to hate:
O you who believe! Take not the Jews and Christian for friends. They are friends to another. He among you who taketh them for friends is one of them. Lo Allah guideth not wrongdoing folk.
Sura 5:51
or
So fight them till all opposition end and the only religion is Islam.
Sura 8:39
It is Islam at it's truest form that teaches hate. Why is it that almost all conflicts around the world involves Islam against unbelievers? It is Islam and it's teachings that do not allow non-Muslims to step foot into Mecca. It is Islam that causes Muslims to riot whenever someone writes, says or draws anything offensive about Muhammed. It is Islam that teaches that the Jews are the desendence of monkeys and pigs. I could go on and on.....
I commend you for this site and will pray for your safety. Watch out, true Islam will declair a fatwa on you.
Webslinger.....
Come back when you understand thew difference between "SMEAR: Barack Obama is a Muslim" and "SMEAR: Barack Obama is a radical Muslim". Statement like "SMEAR: Barack Obama is a Muslim" perpetuate the myth that all Muslims are the same.
Can you explain why you think "Senator Obama is not a Muslim" and "Senator Obama is not a dirt Muslim" are the same? Statements that use "Muslim" and "dirty Muslim" interchangeably perpetuate the myth that all Muslims are dirty.
Robert,
Original Obama's statement implies that "Muslim" is something to be ashamed of, i.e., dirty. Are you really that dumb?
Webslinger: "Barrack Hussein Obama was born to a Muslim father and was registered as a Muslim while attending school overseas. Correct me if I'm wrong, but dosn't that qualify him as a Muslim according to the teachings of Islam?"
1. Obama's father was gone by the time Obama could make informed decisions about his religion.
2. Registering as a Muslim could have been a requirement to attend a madrassa, but unless a person considers himself a Muslim, he is not a Muslim.
"It is Islam at it's truest form that teaches hate."
No, it is Islam's perversion that does. Read OUR Koran and see if you can find anything objectionable.
Robert, have you even bothered to look at "Fight the smears" site, you disingenuous ass? Look at the smears:
1. Obama's wife uses a racial slur
2. Obama is hiding his birth certificate
3. Obama is a Muslim
4. Obama uses racial slurs
5. Obama won't say Pledge of Allegiance
What, all of them have negative connotations except for #3?
Now let's look at what is NOT on the list of smears. Some crackpot claims to have had homosexual encounter with Obama, which is one of the the most ridiculous pieces of BS in current campaign, right up there with Hilary's landing under sniper fire. So, why wouldn't Obama characterize that as a smear? Because "SMEAR: Barack Obama is a homosexual" is offensive to homosexuals. While it is politically expedient to denigrate Muslims - you might gain some votes, it is NOT politically expedient to denigrate homosexuals - you will definitely loose votes. This means that you are either too stupid to understand the issue in the post, or deliberately ignoring it. In either case, you're not welcome to post on this blog anymore. There are plenty of "Obama-can-do-no-wrong" blogs. Use them for your demagoguery.
Re: Does statement "SMEAR: John McCain is a Jew" denigrate Jews? *
I think I messed up the answer; I answered NO but I was thinking, "Does the statement 'John McCain is a Jew' denigrate Jews?" to which the answer is no, but calling this a smear is definitely insulting to Jews.
Similarly, Obama putting the word "smear" before "Obama is a Muslim" is indeed insulting to Muslims.
Winged Hussar 1683,
Thank you for clarifying that.
Due to HTML error, we had to reset results in both polls to zero. First poll had 14 votes with 1 Muslim "no" and 1 non-Muslim "no". Second poll had 7 votes with 1 Jewish "no", but, according to Winged Hussar 1683, "no" was chosen by mistake.
I don't really get the point of this article. Any Muslim that is politically astute or has a good deal of common sense as it relates to political mood of the country right now and the general attitude/sterotype about Muslims has to understand the logic of the Obama campaign. It wouldn't be good campaign strategy for him to expect to successfully win a campaign for president of the USA with a name like "Barack Hussein Obama" by going around to every Masjid in the country and be in photos surrounded by Muslims (especially with all the email rumors that are being spread about him being a radical Wahabi Muslim....checkout www.snopes.com). We as Muslims shouldn't allow the news media to press our buttons over something that is really a non-issue. Vote for the best candidate, whoever it is to you.
Just a few facts that I found out reading Obama's two books regarding Obama and his relationship with Muslims:
1. His grandfather was Muslim
2. His father was born Muslim
3. Many of his Kenyan relatives are Muslim.
4. His indonesian stepfather was Muslim.
5. He attended an indonesian school with predominantly Muslim children from 1969 to 1971
6. He mentions soothing call of the muethin in the closing of his book the Audacity of Hope
I think its safe to say that even if he's not doing a tour of every Masjid in America and taking photo ops with every Muslim at his rally, he has a more informed view of Islam than any previous President or current candidates. But that's just my opinion.
May Allah continue to bless and guide you in all that you do
"I don't really get the point of this article."
The point is that it's wrong for a presidential candidate to denigrate Muslims, especially after he claimed to stand by them and not to use religion as a wedge.
Imagine this. As a way to discredit this argument, I said this:
"The blogger of this site is a Catholic."
"The blogger of this site is a Catholic."
"The blogger of this site is a Catholic. "
This is a smear.
When you say "Smear: Blogger is a Catholic", it doesn't mean you're insulting all Catholics. Someone else in this thread already pointed this out.
As far as the homosexual argument... this was skipped because this hasn't been heard of. I follow politics quite a bit and I've never heard a single report of this. I've never received a forwarded email with this claim. I've never heard my friends ask if he was lying about the homosexual experience.
I have, however, had/seen all those things with the Muslim claim. There are a great many who are trying to use a clear falsehoods to scare, confuse, and make voters question. That IS a smear, regardless of content.
You've already made up your mind, however, so clearly no amount of discussion or debate will change your position, so I'm not sure having such a debate is worthwhile.
Everything in context.
Barack has spoken of Islam in an inclusive way on several separate occasions.
The fact that his opponents are calling him out because they are the one's smearing him with it means he has to correct the record.
If, say, Bob Barr was "smeared" as a black man passing for white in order to suggest that he's got a secret and he's dangerous for that secret and we shouldn't trust him because he might be some radical who wants to destroy us and Bob Barr made a statement that he was not a black man passing as white, I wouldn't feel offended because I would know exactly what he was doing.
If he went on to denigrate black men that would be another story.
Barack isn't saying "I'm not a Muslim, Muslims are terrible people, and we should be afraid of all of them." That would be another thing altogether.
I understand your feelings, but I don't see him smearing Islam by setting the record straight about his faith.
It's going to take more time for Islam to be embraced in this nation in the same way Christianity and Judaism are, but I have hope it will happen. I also think a President Obama will be more outspoken about it than a Senator Obama running for President.
Peace.
'"The blogger of this site is a Catholic." This is a smear.'
No, it's not. Since there is nothing wrong with being a Catholic, this is not a smear. It's a false statement, but it's not a smear.
Thank you for taking the time to comment on my blog. Although I agree with your intentions, there should not be anything wrong with an individuals Muslim faith, in this context it is much different. It isn't that it is "negative" to be Muslim as much as it is wrong to label someone that is not as one.
If the statement claims "SMEAR" Barack Obama is X" and if one were to apply any label such as Gay, Woman, Chinese, Poor, Old or High-School Dropout- does this then become offensive and of a negative connotation? Instead of attacking Obama for denying the false claim, one should seek those responsible. They are typically purported by the right-wing and loony talk-radio that share similar talking points.
Obama never claimed that he was not Muslim because he felt that he needed to smear the religion. He was labeled as one as a smear tactic and he responded appropriately. In a society and culture that hosts some individuals that still think Hussein was involved in 9/11 or that the world is flat . . . should we not be surprised that these simplistic yet negative attacks will do damage.
Instead of attacking the individual that was falsely labeled as Muslim . . . dedicate MAS' resources to finding the culprit. It was they who concieved the ingenious idea that being "muslim" is bad.
“They are typically purported by the right-wing and loony talk-radio that share similar talking points.”
We must live in different worlds. Most of the "Obama is a Muslim" rumors that we see come from Hilary supporters. Is there a chance that you are a degenerate ideologue who would blame anything on the other side even if it means ignoring the facts?
“Instead of attacking the individual that was falsely labeled as Muslim . . . dedicate MAS' resources to finding the culprit.”
There will be a cold day in hell, before we follow the advice of someone who doesn’t understand the difference between a smear and a false statement. As for dedicating our resources, the fact that Obama changed his web page from this to this speaks for itself.
Hi!
Will you, please, elaborate on the following:
_"We must live in different worlds. Most of the "Obama is a Muslim" rumors that we see come from Hilary supporters."
How did you reach, this conclusion with respect to Hillary R. Clinton supporters?
_"Major update: Obama changes "SMEAR: Barack Obama is a Muslim" to "SMEAR: Barack Obama is secretly a Muslim" as well as removes his pledge not to use religion as a wedge from site's header."
Do you believe that this "change" by Barack H. Obama, sufficiently addressed and corrected, the issue at hand...equating "Muslim" and those of the "Muslim" Faith with the word "SMEAR?"
Thank you!
Tina
Hi Tina,
1. If you look through the blogosphere, you'll notice that "Obama is a Muslim" theme is more common on pro-Clinton blogs than on pro-McCain blogs. We also did a poll
on who likes or dislikes Muslims and the Right seems to be more tolerant than the Left. That doesn't mean that the Right does not have its share of Islamophobes and "Obama is a Muslim" conspiracy theorists.
2. No, we don't believe it sufficiently addressed the issue; Obama should have apologized for this blunder. However, we welcome this change as a step into positive direction.
Muslims Against Sharia:
Thank you, for responding to my post!
Based on my personal experience, I have in fact seen discussions with regard to "is Obama a Muslim" or "Obama is a Muslim!" The discussions were primarily with regard to various articles (e.g., World Net Daily, Daniel Pipes, Israel Insider, Israpundit,) citing sources and specific information that directly contradicted/contradict Barack H. Obama's statements!
I had already voted for Hillary R. Clinton, in the primary election, before checking the internet, and related blogs and websites...it was only after I became aware of Barack H. Obama's personal friendship and association with former terrorist members of the Weather Underground Organization, and his so-called pastor and mentor of twenty years, Jeremiah A. Wright that I decided to participate in the discussions!
Apparently, Barack H. Obama, found it necessary to label me a "typical white person," his supporters, chose to be more creative, with the label "uneducated, racist white voter" and as for his so-called pastor...I fall into the category of Jeremiah A. Wright's least favorite -- to put it mildly -- person/people: a white, European, native Italian, Roman Catholic, American citizen! It seems that Wright also has serious issues with "garlic," my nose and Romans/the Roman Empire! Hopefully, Wright's TUCC retirement package includes mental health medical benefits and coverage, in addition to his reported 10,000 plus square foot mansion!
With all due respect to your readers, simply stated, I feel utter contempt and disgust towards Jeremiah A. Wright, his racist and hate filled rhetoric and so-called theology, as well as his "congregant" of over twenty years! Moreover, I absolutely reject, Obama's statements that he didn't know...never heard...never saw...was not present...does not share in the beliefs...etc! It defies logic! At this point, I'm still not sure of the truth with regard to Barack H. Obama's life's history or religious affiliation, if any, but I'm absolutely certain of the fact that Obama, is a blatant, pathological liar! I would rather not share my feelings with respect to Obama's supporters, or their related statements!
With regard to the recent "changes" on "FIGHT The SMEARS" Web site...I see it more as an unapologetic, arrogant politician making a "necessary" compromise. There is no question, Obama lacks good judgment and moral character!
In a perfect world, we wouldn't have racism, bigotry, violence, murder...and last but not least, a United States presidential candidate, "officially" equating an implied, or direct association, with a population of people, a religion, as well as religious practices and traditions with the words, "FIGHT" and "SMEAR!"
Muslims Against Sharia, has taken on a monumental task! I commend your group, for taking that first step, in bringing about positive change...!
Have a good 4th of July weekend!
Tina
"There is no question, Obama lacks good judgment and moral character!"
This is as painfully obvious as the blindness of some of Obama's supporters. There are millions of people who believe that Obama is not a typical politician.
I understand your anger and frustration, but with all due respect, your wrath should be targeted at the people who insist on calling the presumptive Democratic nominee "Barack Hussein Obama" in order to emphasise his middle name - thanks to that attempt to associate him with Saddam (in addition to lame attempts to link Obama and Osama), I've learned that Hussein means "beautiful child" or "handsome one". Obama was placed in a very difficult position by bigots who do see being a Muslim as a smear, and are accusing him of being a "Manchurian candidate" (presumably for Osama, because Saddam is no more). At least one Black Muslims has also spread this notion on the Web - ironically agreeing more with their sworn enemies than a candidate who could promote religious peace and understanding in the world, based on his own life experience. I'm a Unitarian by the way.
"your wrath should be targeted at the people who insist on calling the presumptive Democratic nominee "Barack Hussein Obama" in order to emphasise his middle name"
Do you mean all those Obamessiah groupies who took "Hussein" as their middle name?
"lame attempts to link Obama and Osama"
That's just uncalled for. Ted Kennedy was clearly hung over when he said that. He didn't mean it.
"bigots who do see being a Muslim as a smear"
Those bigots don't run for president. Why should we care what they think?
"a candidate who could promote religious peace and understanding in the world"
What makes you think that Obama would do it then, when he promotes religion divisiveness now? You don't base your conclusions on facts, do you?
Peace out.
Other Muslims have in the past accused you of secretly being Jewish. Do you think that this is an honest mistake on their part? No, of course not. They claim you are Jewish because they hate Jews and think that they would pose as Muslims in order to attack Islam. By claiming you are Jewish, they attack your credibility in the eyes of those who view Jews the same way. Is this then a smear? Yes, obviously. Likewise, those that hate Muslims have been accusing Obama of being a Muslim. Are they doing this out of the kindness of their hearts? No, of course not. Sean Hannity is not an Obama supporter. The reason they're accusing him of being Muslim is that they want to convince other people who hate Muslims not to vote for him. It is therefore a smear.
"By claiming you are Jewish, they attack your credibility in the eyes of those who view Jews the same way. Is this then a smear?"
It maybe a smear in their eyes if they consider "Jew" a dirty word, but it not absolutely not a smear in ours. Do you understand the difference between a smear and a false statement?
Besides, doesn't the fact that Obama changed his page or our poll results prove that your argument holds no water?
Please see the "editorial reply" on my blog
"Do you understand the difference between a smear and a false statement?"
smear
-noun
12. vilification: a smear by a cheap gossip columnist.
vilification
noun
1. slanderous defamation [syn: smear]
def·a·ma·tion
noun
the act of defaming; false or unjustified injury of the good reputation of another, as by slander or libel; calumny: She sued the magazine for defamation of character.
(Source: Dictionary.com)
Smearing is in the intent.
"Besides, doesn't the fact that Obama changed his page or our poll results prove that your argument holds no water?"
No. The first indicates that he does not wish to insult hypersensitive people. The second indicates that hypersensitive people visit your site.
Do you really think that it is more likely that majority of our visitors are hypersensitive rather than your ideology precludes your from being logical. Majority of polled people are not Muslims; they have no dog in this fight.
"Do you really think that it is more likely that majority of our visitors are hypersensitive rather than your ideology precludes your from being logical."
How am I being illogical? I have provided dictionary definitions showing that what determines whether something is a smear or not is the intent. You yourself have acknowledged that the intent of the people who have been claiming Obama is a Muslim is to smear. Yet you refuse to put two and two together and admit that their claims are, therefore, smears, and that Obama is, therefore, correct in referring to them as smears.
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