Hasner shrugs off CAIR slam

The Council on American-Islamic Relations is calling on House Majority Leader Adam Hasner to disassociate himself from a "free speech summit" he's helping host that features, among others, a controversial Dutch politician, Geert Wilders, often criticized for extremism and being anti-Islam. Wilders has likened the Koran to Mein Kampf.

“If Rep. Hasner truly wishes to represent Florida’s diverse religious and ethnic population, he should immediately disassociate himself and the state Legislature from this motley collection of Islamophobes and Muslim-bashers,” CAIR-South Florida Executive Director Altaf Ali said of Wilders and others involved in the event.

Hasner brushed off the CAIR criticism: "These are the same people who have been attacking me all session. This isn't about being anti-Islam, this is all about the right to free speech and they are trying to stifle it."

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Comments

[Joe Kauf]

The KKK used "free speech" as an excuse to spew their hatred. Just because it's free speech doesn't mean you endorse it.

[First Ammendment]

CAIR has supported all kinds of limits on Free Speech - the government cannot punish a person for what they say except in extreme cases where it will incite immediate danger. CAIR attacks anyone who criticizes their organization rather than embracing the freedoms our country offers. Good for Adam!

[Sheila Jacobs]

Joe, you're absolutely right. But knowing that the KKK can say whatever it wants means that you and I and John Stewart can say whatever we want is security enough.

I do not stand for limits on free speech except in the most egregious circumstances, and definitely not when someone's feelings are hurt.

[Michael]

First Ammendment: Check out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yrvi_uGSnuU

CAIR supported the rule which bans commentary on Islam which offends another party. This is why we need real conservatives like Hasner to defend our liberties before we allow other countries to dictate what we can say.

[Ike Zimmerman]

Screw CAIR. They are nothing but an Islamic terrorist front group.

[Tea time]

I don't think CAIR is saying these "free-speech summit" people don't have the right to say what they think, they're just saying it's totally inappropriate for an elected representative to endorse it because it's hateful.

I agree.

[Alice from Clearwater]

Where's the evidence? Go read up on CAIR's support for Hamas, watch them jump at any chance to grab attention and play the victim!

This is where Hasner got it right! http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=53303

[Jospeh]

Hasner, the only man in the House!

[george hewes]

A TRUE CONSERVATIVE STANDS BY HIS BELIEFS

WE STAND WITH YOU, ADAM

[Sam Tyler]

Welcome to America.

Hasner has the right to be stupid and bigoted.

His constituents have the right to elect or not to elect a hateful nuts to represent them.

[Orion]

This is for real, Hasner knows what he's talking about - CAIR is and always has been a radical front group for Hamas.

[Orion]

http://www.nysun.com/national/islamic-groups-named-in-hamas-funding-case/55778/

http://counterterrorismblog.org/2009/01/the_importance_of_the_fbis_cai.php

http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2007/08/018211.php

[Orion]

Sam, why don't you do your research rather than make personal attacks, you might learn something

[David Shon]

CAIR supports terrorism and attacks anyone who disagrees with the methods or ideology of radical terrorists - just look at their actions, their employees, and their associations

[jus' askin']

What would Ron Klein's position be on this if it was in his court????

[Lobna Hewedi]

Elected Representatives should not be endorsing any type of hate regardless of who it's against. This is not about stopping free speech. It's about those who are supposed to be representing the greater society act responsibly and ethically.

[Alan Bergstein]

Adam Hasner is a hero in my book. He stands up against those who would outlaw free speech. If CAIR is permitted to support the terror tactics of Hamas, why can't any citizen bring this to the attention of the public without being harrassed by the likes of CAIR? Free speech for one party should be free speech for all. God bless you, Adamm, for standing up for our Constitution.

[marc g]

hasners stand for free speech, and willingness to stand up to cairs attempt to stifle it, must be applauded by all americans who really care about the future of freedom

[Bigoted]

When will people wake up and realize that bigotry is wrong, no matter if it's against women, African-Americans or Muslims. I bet 30 years from now this representative will be apologizing for being ignorant and stereotypical of Muslims. Just like the racists did after the civil rights movement. Sad...give Muslims a break. They are good people.

[Thomas]

Wake Up!

CAIR doesn't represent all Muslims. They're radical and fringe - attacking even the notion that Islam and certain Terrorist organizations are related, banning speaking out against Islamic fascism and even assist in funding terrorist groups. If you have a problem with that, enjoy your ability to say so without fear from government reprisal.

[:::]

Keep up the great work Adam

[Joyce Kaufman]

Adam Hasner is a Patriot who is sounding the alarm. Radical Islam is a political, not simply a religious, entity. They support and endorse terrorist activities against Western civilization. We need to stop hiding behind moral relativism and ignoring the CAIR operatives. They are intent on forcing their medieval sharia laws on us. Stay on the wall, Adam!

[P Feaman]

CAIR is a mouthpiece for terrorists groups.
If they condemn a free speech summit, then you know Adam Hasner is on the correct side on this one.

[lulululululululululululul]

“If Rep. Hasner truly wishes to represent Florida’s diverse religious and ethnic population, he should immediately disassociate himself and the state Legislature from this motley collection of Islamophobes and Muslim-bashers..."

A classic example of ignorance....

"It's all about diversity... except for you!"

[just sayin']

The head of CAIR has stated, in no uncertain terms, that he would like to see the United States operate under Sharia Law.

Until all members of CAIR unequivocally condemn Muslim extremism, I'll be on the opposite side of the line from where they stand.

[When will the madness end?]

I suggest we have public discussion and debate regarding the compatibility of Islam and Western Culture.

In fact, I will start the conversation:

1) Islam is not compatible with Western Culture.
2) Islam will never be compatible with Western Culture.
3) The best solution is to keep the Cultures separate.
4) Since Western Culture pre-dates Islam here in America, Muslims should not be admitted here and the ones here should be encouraged to leave.

[Enough Already]

I suggest Altaf Ali go to Iran, Saudi and the like to promote the American values of free speech and womens rights.

Anyone want to take bets on how long it would be before he had his tongue cut out?

[John]

Adam Hasner and Joe Kaufman; two peas in a pod. Joe Kaufman supports the Kahani Chai movement; an oganization deemed to be a terrorist organization by the State Department.

Several years ago, Robert Goldstein, a podiatrist in the Tampa area plotted with three other conspirators to blow up 50 mosques in Florida; his reason? He believes that Muslims were responsible for 9/11 and he was upset with the Palestinians.

See the connection?

[George]

There is a burgeoning Muslim community in America that takes advantage of our religious freedoms and tax-exemptions and who publicly denounce the radical Muslims who support al-Qaida. But many are actively a part of the radial fringe. One of those groups is CAIR. It doesn't take much research to find out the details. Why every one of our representatives don't step up with Adam Hasner to tell it like it is a disgrace. CAIR's goal is to replace the US Constitution with the Quran --read their stuff, it is no secret.

[zTruth]

CAIR has a history of slamming American leaders who criticize Islamism or political Islam and sometimes more broadly Islam, itself. Most public figure, that I am aware, are not against the theology of Islam, per se, but are against political Islam which can and does lead to Islamic rule. Some, though, do not see these two components as separate issues as both are in the Quran.

CAIR does not distinguish Islamism from theological Islam. They lump any criticism of it as an attack against Islam, itself. This is how exactly how Sharia law works in Islamic countries to keep their citizens in check. If you criticize any part of Islamism or Islam, for that matter, you are dead.

In order for Muslims to co-exist and thrive in America they should be encouraged to denounce political Islam and not hide behind or partner with CAIR.

The good news is there are Muslim organizations and individuals actually speaking out! This is a good sign and they need to get stronger and more visible with all our help. These groups and individual include Kemal Silay, president of the Center for Islamic Pluralism; Supna Zaidi, assistant director of Islamist Watch; M. Zuhdi Jasser of the American Islamic Forum for Democracy; Imaad Malik, fellow with the Center for Islamic Pluralism; Ahmed Subhy Mansour with the International Quranic Center; Khalim Massoud, Nawab Agha Mousvi of the American Muslim Congress; Kiran Sayyed of the Council for Democracy and Tolerance; Stephen Suleyman Schwartz, executive director of the Center for Islamic Pluralism; Shia Protest; and Jalal Zuberi, Southern U.S. director with the Center for Islamic Pluralism."

CAIR, is merely an outgrowth of the Muslim Brotherhood/Hamas infrastructure in America, which seeks to impose Sharia Law on any public figure who is critical of their religion, either the political component or the theological component.

No religion should ever be above criticism.

[david r goldberg act for america palm beach county]

our country's strengths and belief system revolve around : LIFE, LIBERTY, and the Pursuit of Happiness ! why would any organized group deny another group, or people or political entity the right of FREE SPEECH ? if we give in to the demands of C A I R or any other radical islamic entity we are dimishing our valuable inalienable rights ! CUDOS to REPRESENTATIVE ADAM HASNER FOR STANDING UP TO THIS ORGANIZATION THAT DOES NOT REPRESENT THE BEST INTERESTS OF AMERICANS OF WHATEVER RELIGIOUS BELIEF SYSTEM !!

[Ira B.]

Thank you Rep. Hasner for having the courage to take a stand on this important free speech issue, keep up the good work!

[Marc]

Adam stands for free speech and allows ALL view points to be heard. Our country is founded on these ideals!

GO HASNER!

[Medic]

Hey Joe Kauf, do you say the same about Islamic people in our country who say Christ was but a subject of Mohammed? Do you say the same thing or do you defend Islamists who chant for destruction to Isreal? The KKK was no different than CAIR. Both use the disguise of religion to preach hate, the difference is that CAIR and Islamic radicals hate the entire West proding us as pigs and dogs who should convert, die, or pay tribute. Words used by Mohammed and echoed by radical islamists including bin laden through time. Beware the speech police! Inciting violence is not speech, inciting violence is not free. Impeeding free speech is a bigger danger to our freedoms than issue liberals had with Bush.

[Medic]

Acting responsibly and respectfully in our society means allowing free speech, speech short of inciting violence or jihad. Free speech is speech that other may find offensive. tough cookies Hewedi, Bigoted, and Tea Time. There is no open flow of ideas without free speech. by the way, Sharia law has no place in America. You do not, like my great great grandfathers did not, come here to make America like your home. You come here to make America your new home. If it is Sharia you want, there are plenty of Middle East countries under strict Sharia law. The Islamic Imperialization stops here, Europe may not fight you until its too late, but America will defeat it.

[Yank]

Muslims have alot of nerve whining about discrimination when they

dont allow non-muslims in Mecca

won't allow churches or synagogues to be built in Saudi Arabia--where the govt also burns bibles

execute you for leaving Islam

imprison you for carrying bibles

***THE SHAMELESS HYPOCRICIES ARE ENDLESS***

[william bradley]

deprt all cair members as threats to are constutuion and as a terrorist support group

[Madelyn and Danny Zelman]

Representative Hasner,
You are my hero! You bravely stand up for the safety of Americans as you fully recognize the dire threat this nation and our world face from radical Islam. Geert Wilders made a film showing radical Islam using the words of the radicals themselves. For speaking the truth, Geert Wilders is being persecuted. The same can be said about Adam Hasner. Keep up the fight, Representative Hasner. The people of Florida will be indebted to you.
We are grateful for your courage. We are honored and very fortunate to have you serve in the Florida House of Representatives!

[zeeman]

Adam Hasner is a Hero and true Patriot striving to preserve our country's precious freedoms. CAIR, on the other hand, is using our freedoms against us to forward their aim of ultimate domination and islamification of the USA.
Freedom of Speech will prevail as long as there are men such as Adam Hasner.

[Jasmine Basso]

Thanks for the article. I applaud both of you Adam Hasner and Geert Wilders!

[mad moderate]

Well one thing is certain,hasner has someone on this blog.The majority of posts are from one person,this hasner is dangerous to a free America and our way of life.Did all of you see the weirdo pic's of him on that vespa? What sort of
people do that? What sort of people live completely to be a politician?
This guys entire life has been focused on being an elected official,,,tell me thats not mentally unstable.
I am sure the tyrants in history have started just like this guy.
What we need is a person who lives a normal life,that understands what normal people go through,what its like to be NORMAL.
Pass on this guy that stacked this thread with his pro hasner crap.
Anyone can see its the same poster but I'll bet the forum knows the ISP

[Wilfred Sargent]

Being a voter here in Florida,
Adam Hasner will always get my vote.
CAIR is nothing but a front group for terrorist, financed by the kingdom of
SAUDI ARABIA!
We true Americans bow down to NO ONE!

[dreu]

Joe Kauf

CAIR is the Muslim KKK - and they have all the free speech rights they want

[Reiko]

Good! It's wonderful to see a politician not intimidated by islamic nazis.

[Donald E. Van Curler]

House Majority Leader Adam Hasner has my congratulations and my respect. He believes in our Constitution and is courageous! enough to defend it. Americans must learn that our way of life is under serious threat from radical Islam. Very few politicians in America are willing, capable, or intelligent enough to get in the real battle for our liberty.

God Bless that man.

[Timothy Moore]

When will people realize that CAIR IS a terrorist organization??!?!?

They WOULD prevent FREE SPEECH.

Keep the faith Adam!!

Tim

[anonyaazy]

Hasner is a bigot; he even suggested formulating an counter Jewish lobby to a "Muslim Day" at Florida's state capital. All people, regardless of faith, have the right to engage in productive political activity.

The majority of the commenters' are also one-sided, xenophobic, and luckily, a minority. Just check the site below (posted by:...); those people are def. racists and I hope everyone sees the false hood behind the smears.