Michelle Malkin » Live from the YAF student conference Update: Video added

Live from the YAF student conference Update: Video added

By Michelle Malkin • August 2, 2007 03:56 PM

Update: Bryan has posted after-speech remarks from YAF’s Jason Mattera and Robert Spencer.

Update: LGF has a video clip of Brit Hume’s coverage of the CAIR vs. Spencer/YAF battle.

I’m in D.C. covering the Young America’s Foundation national conservative student conference. Humberto Fontova, Cuban dissident and author of Exposing the Real Che Guevara: And the Useful Idiots Who Idolize Him, is taking questions from students. Fontova’s book needs to be on every college campus reading list.

Robert Spencer will be giving the speech CAIR doesn’t want anyone to hear in a few minutes. Stand by.

Washington Times: CAIR vs. YAF.

Round-up at Jihad Watch

***

Update 4:01pm Eastern. YAF’s Jason Mattera introducing Spencer. Mattera is recounting the CAIR demand to cancel Spencer’s speech. “To CAIR, we have a message for you and your lawyer: We love Robert Spencer (applause) and in fact, we love his book, The Truth about Muhammad…”

This is America, not Saudi Arabia. And in America, we have something called the Bill of Rights. We advise you to review amendments one and two…We are bringing you the speaker that CAIR doesn’t want you to hear…Robert Spencer.

(Standing ovation.)

Robert Spencer: They say in the letter that I am a well-known purveyor of hate…with a history of false and defamatory statement…but they do not manage to quote any…this is a common tactic…instructive lesson in bully-boy tactics…that is, to accuse every critic of purveying hatred and bigotry…everyone, no matter what…it’s good to see that you are not intimidated. I am not intimidated…so I’m here to tell you about the Truth about CAIR…

Can they really sue you for telling the truth?

…CAIR is highly successful…Law enforcement officials have received sensitivity training from the group…Mainstream media [has embraced]…There’s another side…it’s a side everyone needs to know about…

“CAIR is unusual in its extreme rhetoric and association with those who are suspect”…I’d like to say to CAIR’s lawyers that that’s not my statement. It was said by
Rep. Richard Durbin.

“CAIR has ties to terrorism…”

That was Rep. Charles Schumer.

“…nothing more than a apologist for groups bent on destroying Israel…”

That was Republican Rep. Bill Shuster.

Spencer reads from NYSun’s report on CAIR being named as unindicted co-conspirator in Hamas funding case.

Federal prosecutors have named three prominent Islamic organizations in America as participants in an alleged criminal conspiracy to support a Palestinian Arab terrorist group, Hamas.

Prosecutors applied the label of “unindicted co-conspirator” to the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the Islamic Society of North America, and the North American Islamic Trust in connection with a trial planned in Texas next month for five officials of a defunct charity, the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development.

While the foundation was charged in the case, which was filed in 2004, none of the other groups was. However, the co-conspirator designation could be a blow to the credibility of the national Islamic organizations, which often work hand-in-hand with government officials engaged in outreach to the Muslim community.

A court filing by the government last week listed the three prominent groups among about 300 individuals or entities named as co-conspirators. The document gave scant details, but prosecutors described CAIR as a present or past member of “the U.S. Muslim Brotherhood’s Palestine Committee and/or its organizations.”

…Is all this just defamation? False statements?

…Where does CAIR come from? Spencer reviewing founding, Nihad Awad, and IAP/Hamas ties. See here.

Spencer explaining the Hamas “glory record.” CAIR founded by IAP officials. IAP funded with Hamas money…But we’re supposed to believe there is this huge ideological divide between CAIR and Hamas? Where is the evidence for it?

Spencer reviewing CAIR arrest record. CAIR claims the employees didn’t work for CAIR at the time of their jihad activities.

Spencer cites Randall Ismael Royer. See here.

How did he get his job [at CAIR] in the first place? If CAIR is a moderate group that abhors all jhad violence, then how did Randall Royer get his job there?

Spencer reviews conviction of Ghassan Elashi.

Next: Bassem Khafagi and Rabih Haddad.

This “moderate” group demanded that a billboard be removed that said Osama was the sworn enemy. CAIR said it was offensive to Muslims and demanded it be taken down.

…What is CAIR’s goal in the United States?

San Ramon Valley Herald reported CAIR official Omah Ahmad in 1998 saying, “CAIR is not in America to be equal to any other faith…but to dominate…” Ahmad denied. He lied. See here.

Look at what CAIR does, not what it says…threatening letter to YAF about this very talk…just the latest example of a larger, ongoing campaign to silence critics and those who say things about jihad that they don’t like…Look at the campaign against Paul Harvey, 24, National Review, and others.

Just last Tuesday night, Ibrahaim Hooper quoted a comment on JihadWatch on CNN’s Paula Zahn…falsely attributed to Spencer…see here.

Spencer recounts CAIR’s role in the flying imams lawsuit–lawyer is CAIR’s head of NY chapter.

Notes irony of CAIR’s protest of Koran-flushing case for crossing the line from free speech to intimidation. They speak from experience (laughter).

…CAIR wants us very much to believe they abhor terrorism…I conclude today by asking CAIR–and I know they’ll be listening if they’re not already here.

Set aside legal weapons of intimidation…enter into a public discussion of all I have spoken about here.

Show me where it’s wrong.

Let’s have a dialogue. A debate. Whenever they want. Wherever they want.

Or sue me now. Sue the YAF. Try to silence us. But you can’t silence all theAmericans…those Americans won’t go away.

CAIR can join us now in genuine resistance to…violent jihad and Islamic supremacism. It’s up to them.

Standing ovation.

Washington Times has excerpts of Spencer’s remarks here.

***

Questions.

- Jihadists deported from the US: Do they end up becoming another risk?
RS: Yes. Mentions Imam Fawaz Damra.

- Student asks about Spencer’s new book, Religion of Peace? Will be out August 13.

-What can we do as conservatives to encourage moderate Muslims in our lives?
RS: There are moderates and there are “moderates.” There are people who don’t know the elements of Islam that jihadists use. There are people who are very involved. People who will deny those elements. Honesty is always best. Realism is always best…As a general principle, there will be no viable reform of Islam until there is a rejection of the violent elements.

- We hear a lot of talk in our universities about how jihad is rooted in our foreign policy.
RS: There was jihad before there was a United States. Not about Israel’s existence either. But somehow’s it’s all our fault.

- Question about Iran and the 12th imam.
RS: Yeah, he was supposed to be back by now. (Laughter)

- Would renouncing violent passages compromise Muhammad’s role as prophet?
RS: Mmmyeah…it’s theoretically possible there could evolve a unitarian kind of Islam that does not take texts literally…but do I think it’s likely they will gain a large following? No…goes against so much of the weight and tradition of Islamic beliefs…the group of true reformers are the real “tiny minority.”

- Student asks if Spencer changed his speech as a result of the CAIR threat.
RS: Don’t worry. Same speech.

Mockery, vilification, criticism–things Christians and Jews have to tolerate al the time.
Contrast with Danish cartoons…

Spencer’s last word: “Come and kill me if you want, but I’m not going to submit.”

Posted in: CAIR

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#1

On August 2nd, 2007 at 4:00 pm, Tru said:

Excellent! Best to RS.
#2

On August 2nd, 2007 at 4:00 pm, xler8bmw said:

I just finished reading Exposing the Real Che Guevera. And I wasn’t suprised by anything if he wasn’t part of the revolution he would have just been another rapist serial killer. Amazing how the libs haven’t changed since the early 60’s romancing common criminals and miscreants.
#3

On August 2nd, 2007 at 4:11 pm, James Felix said:

Can they really sue you for telling the truth?

I’m not a lawyer, but I’ve always read that truth is an absolute defense in any kind of liebel of slander case.
#4

On August 2nd, 2007 at 4:14 pm, desertdweller said:

I hope someone is catching the YAF audio.

And I bet the CAIR trolls are watching this thread. Who else expects a CAIR-posted troll comment posted before the hour’s out.
#5

On August 2nd, 2007 at 4:28 pm, swj719AWG said:

Rep. Richard Durbin.

Does he mean Senator Durbin, or is there a Dicky D in the House as well?
#6

On August 2nd, 2007 at 4:28 pm, orlandocajun said:

Jason Mattera should run for President. Boy do I wish that our politicians would talk like that.
#7

On August 2nd, 2007 at 4:35 pm, bear1909 said:

How To Throw a Monkey Wrench in CAIR activities on College Campuses-

Review the budgetary allocations given to Muslim Student Association campus chapters for CAIR affiliated speakers.

These allocations pay for hefty speaking fees for on-campus speeches, trainings, and presentations by off-campus experts on a wide range of topics and issues. It is safe to say that hundreds of millions are spent on this venue by colleges each year.

Track expenditures to CAIR speakers. Push the “tied to terrorism” case histories and help conservative student groups shut down this money pipeline.

NOW.
#8

On August 2nd, 2007 at 4:38 pm, jeanie said:

Thanks Michelle. You put in a lot of time and effort keeping us informed. It does not go un-appreciated.
#9

On August 2nd, 2007 at 4:40 pm, bear1909 said:

Re #7

Google “Islamic Speakers Bureau” (2200 plus hits)

Then search within the results
“CAIR”
(300 plus hits)

FYI Draw your own conclusions. (about the search results. not me
)
#10

On August 2nd, 2007 at 4:42 pm, bear1909 said:

re #8: Ditto, Michelle. This is an important story about how CAIR inroads to railroad our institutions and the young into sharia one conflict at a time.
#11

On August 2nd, 2007 at 4:48 pm, collinb said:

I wonder if YKos will cover this type of Dominion theology?

Collin
http://evangelicalperspective.blogspot.com
#12

On August 2nd, 2007 at 4:53 pm, Myra Langerhas said:

I’m not a lawyer, but I’ve always read that truth is an absolute defense in any kind of liebel of slander case.

Truth might mean you’ll prevail at trial but I really don’t believe winning is CAIR’s ultimate goal. Their intention is to silence their enemies. Most people don’t have hundreds of thousands of dollars needed to defend themselves in a libel/defamation case. CAIR’s goal is to stifle people BEFORE they even begin to speak. Witness the letter YAF/Spencer received yesterday.
#13

On August 2nd, 2007 at 5:10 pm, aunursa said:

Will there be a video available?
#14

On August 2nd, 2007 at 5:13 pm, Rational Thought said:

Spencer’s last word: “Come and kill me if you want, but I’m not going to submit.”

Amen, brother.
#15

On August 2nd, 2007 at 5:22 pm, Brian72 said:

On August 2nd, 2007 at 4:53 pm, Myra Langerhas said:

You hit the nail on the head right there. Flying Imams, same deal. Shut up or lawyer up. Most people can’t afford to lawyer up and take them on even if they could win. It’s intimidation from a group that’s got lots of Gulf money but 1700 members in this country.

Something is wrong with that.
#16

On August 2nd, 2007 at 5:40 pm, zorro said:

I wish I could have attended (wearing my Hot Air ball cap)…
#17

On August 2nd, 2007 at 6:01 pm, Jaded said:

I think Robert Spencer is a rock star to conservatives like myself, why? because he has the facts and he is unafraid to speak them he does not live in the PC world and that makes him the very definition of conservative, you rock Spencer go get them.
#18

On August 2nd, 2007 at 6:19 pm, AlohaGuy said:

Spencer’s last word: “Come and kill me if you want, but I’m not going to submit.”

Enter the Second Amendment…
#19

On August 2nd, 2007 at 6:32 pm, Leatherneck said:

Robert Spencer is correct.

Death before Dishonor!
#20

On August 2nd, 2007 at 6:36 pm, IrishEi said:

Brit Hume just did a short bit on YAF/CAIR/Spencer. Told about CAIR’s threatening letter, and YAF’s awesome response (complete with the 72 virgins!) Had a picture of Mr. Spencer and mentioned he was a best selling author and expert on Islam.
#21

On August 2nd, 2007 at 7:19 pm, bridgetown said:

Well done, Mr. Spencer & the whole of YAF. Well done!
#22

On August 2nd, 2007 at 7:22 pm, elpresidente said:

We’ve got your back Mr. Spencer, any time.
#23

On August 2nd, 2007 at 7:28 pm, desertdweller said:

Brit Hume just did a short bit on YAF/CAIR/Spencer. Told about CAIR’s threatening letter, and YAF’s awesome response (complete with the 72 virgins!) Had a picture of Mr. Spencer and mentioned he was a best selling author and expert on Islam.

Time for a big show of support for R.S.

CAIR lawyers are raking in the Saudi cash, no doubt, preparing all the law suits they threatened. Or else the ~2,000 CAIR members are being seriously hammered for contributions.
#24

On August 2nd, 2007 at 7:32 pm, ThackerAgency said:

Yeah thanks michelle, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your vigilance on issues that are important to me. You are like a breath of fresh air when all the news is bad anyway. You are the silver lining to the dark clouds.

I’d be getting uber pis##d if I didn’t know that there was a Robert Spencer speaking truth to the rising Islamic power (more like intimidation), and you are good enough to use your platform to highlight it. Like Gomer Pyle said, “Thank ye, Thank ye, thank ye!”
#25

On August 2nd, 2007 at 8:01 pm, whatthecrap? said:

Spencer is the man!
#26

On August 2nd, 2007 at 8:14 pm, bear1909 said:

That’s the style, Robert. Make them toss their own bitter salads.
#27

On August 2nd, 2007 at 8:22 pm, Myra Langerhas said:

Lets take a lesson from 300. If anyone is told to submit, please dropkick offending party into bottomless pit.
#28

On August 2nd, 2007 at 8:28 pm, suek said:

They silence too many by suing. Maybe the pendulum will swing enough that people will support those who are sued - or maybe not…

http://astuteblogger.blogspot.com/2007/08/dhimmitude-strikes-again-cambridge.html
#29

On August 2nd, 2007 at 10:03 pm, bear1909 said:

Sticker on pylon at the toll gate leading to the Oakland Bay Bridge:

JIHADWATCH.ORG w/ We will not submit in
Arabic.

Heh-heh….stay on *their* minds.
#30

On August 2nd, 2007 at 10:22 pm, KCtheKat said:

Islam didn’t kill the messenger this time. This time the message was told, despite CAIRs best efforts to stifle the truth. Way to go guys. Way to fight the good fight.
#31

On August 2nd, 2007 at 10:34 pm, Lousy-ana-Texan said:

Thank you YAF and Robert Spencer for standing against the stalinist tactics of CAIR and like organizatons.
#32

On August 2nd, 2007 at 10:34 pm, sheik_rattle_n_roll said:

Thank God for Robert Spencer. He is truly a light in the darkness.
#33

On August 2nd, 2007 at 11:14 pm, katieanne said:

It’s great to show that not all Americans are going to lie down and let CAIR walk all over them. I loved the response from YAF to CAIR’s threats.
#34

On August 3rd, 2007 at 8:56 am, Rick Moran said:

What will it take to finally expose CAIR for the thuggish bunch of extremists that they are?

I can’t imagine why they continue to dupe the MSM and others. My only surmise is that these people wish to be duped - that the truth is too horrid to contemplate.

The same goes for most of the “moderate” Muslims out in America who continue to wear blinders where CAIR is concerned. What will it take for them to denounce these terrorist enablers?
#35

On August 3rd, 2007 at 9:27 am, Boomer said:

Michelle,

Thanks for covering this important event and providing us with a great round-up. I learned a long time ago it is always best to know your opponent. Mr. Spencer’s courage to out this fifth column terrorist enabling organization is a great service to the people of this nation. I embrace and plan to live by the final comments of this thread, “Come and kill me if you want, but I’m not going to submit.”
#36

On August 3rd, 2007 at 1:34 pm, shooter said:

One of the questions;

- Would renouncing violent passages compromise Muhammad’s role as prophet

Therein lies THE problem. An entire religion/cult built around a guy that wants everyone IN THE WORLD to think like he did, or die
What choice do the muslims have? Their holy book is a book of lies, deceit and submission…or death by anyones hand that says ‘allah’ first.
Rewrite the book, or change beliefs?

What?
#37

On August 3rd, 2007 at 1:36 pm, shooter said:

That’s how islam was spread, thats what the madrrassas teach today, that is what islam IS. -Submission or death.

p.s. there are some problems with the comments section. It does not include everything typed in….even in preview.
weird.
#38

On August 4th, 2007 at 12:19 pm, Sergeant Tim said:

“CAIR has a long history of threatening legal action against anyone who disagrees with their positions. They say they want to foster a dialogue between America and Islam. However, this lawsuit and CAIR’s refusal to fully admit their ties to known terrorist groups only creates a chilling effect that freezes out the kind of dialogue they publicly call for.” — Congressman Bill Shuster (R-PA)