Anti-Islam Activists Vow to Destroy CAIR and Other U.S. Muslim Groups
Join us in empowering our community and standing up for constitutional rights

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 10/15/2009) - CAIR today said that anti-Islam activists are vowing to destroy national American Muslim groups and asked for support in empowering Muslims and standing up for their constitutional rights.

Also today, CAIR applauded statements by members of the U.S. House of Representativesrejecting claims made yesterday by four of their fringe right-wing colleagues that Muslim congressional interns are “spies.”

Yesterday, the four right-wing members of Congress launched a book called “Muslim Mafia” and asked for an investigation of Muslim “spies” on Capitol Hill.

An article in Politico said the alleged spying by Muslims was in fact a “fairly straight forward public relations and lobbying strategy,” with the goals of "’placing Muslim interns in congressional offices’ and registering people to vote.”

In response to the right-wing smears, the Atlanta Journal called CAIR a “mainstream, all-American civil liberties and advocacy group.”

An article on Salon.com called the actions of the elected officials who launched the anti-Muslim book the “most despicable domestic political event of the year.” The article calls the co-author of “Muslim Mafia” a “ranting, insane hatemonger.”

Dave Gaubatz, the anti-Islam blogger who co-authored “Muslim Mafia,” has a long history of bigotry targeting Islam and Muslims. Gaubatz has called Islam an “evil ideology” and worked for a racist group that sought to make “adherence to Islam” punishable by a 20-year prison term. A post yesterday on his blog outlined his wish to “destroy CAIR.”

SEE: GOP House Members Call for Investigation of Muslim Political Activity (Salon)
SEE ALSO: The Muslims are Coming!
CAIR Says Death Threat Followed House GOP Spying Allegations

The demand for a probe of Muslim “spies” in Congress drew condemnation from other elected officials, one of whom called it a “witch hunt.”

Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-CA) issued a statement yesterday, which read in part:

“I am appalled by this request [for an investigation of Muslim ‘spies’ in Congress], and the insinuation that Muslim-Americans are somehow conspiring against this country through their work on Capitol Hill. As a strong advocate for diversity and religious freedom, I find these claims to be outrageous and offensive. I urge the rest of my colleagues to join me in denouncing this witch hunt, which is clearly intended to create fear and distrust in our Capitol Hill community.”

House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) today issued the following statement in support of American Muslim congressional interns:

"It shouldn't need to be said in 2009, and after the historic election of our first African-American president, but let me remind all my colleagues that patriotic Americans of all races, religions, and beliefs have the right - and the responsibility - to participate in our political process, including by volunteering to work in Congressional offices. Numerous Muslim-American interns have served the House ably and they deserve our appreciation and respect, not attacks on their character or patriotism."

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ACTION REQUESTED:

1. Make du’aa (supplication) for our community and our nation’s safety and for God to help us work to overcome bigotry and ignorance.

2. In the face of challenge, we need to do more not less. Be part of the civil rights movement to establish American Muslims’ full participation in our constitutional system of government. Redouble your support for Muslim advocacy organizations working to empower our community. If you’re not already a member, become a member today.

3. Let’s make CAIR’s 15th anniversary banquet in Arlington, Virginia a strong display of unity.Show far-right members of Congress that the American Muslim community won’t be intimidated. Express your support for CAIR by registering online for our 15th annual banquet on October 24 in Arlington, Va. Register online TODAY by going to:http://www.cair.com/banquet/ To make a reservation over the phone, call 202-488-8787, or you may e-mail: banquet@cair.com

4. If you are unable to attend the dinner but would like to support CAIR’s important work, please make a donation here.