Dean's World

If we trusted the news we read in the papers or see on TV, we'd believe that the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is the only Muslim advocacy group in America.

If we trusted those sources, we'd be wrong. The Islamic Supreme Council of America (ISCA) is a Muslim advocacy group that is "dedicated to differentiating the majority of peace-loving, moderate Muslims in the world from the handful of extremists who mar the beautiful image of Islam."

In 2002, the ISCA opposed House Resolutions HR 2357 and HR 2931 which would permit churches and other houses of worship to engage in political campaigns. From their publication, Do Not Turn the Pulpit Into a Political Podium

Throughout the ages, the leading thinkers of the Islamic world have warned against turning the mosque into a political forum. These men and women valued the sanctity of the mosque and knew that allowing it to become a political venue would diminish its holy status. They also knew that doing so would divide the members of a congregation along political lines, turning a house of worship into an arena for political wrangling, in-fighting, and all manner of intrigues.
We believe the same holds true for churches and synagogues, too. What sincere believer would like to see the pulpit of his church or the bima of her temple turned into a stump for political lobbying, fundraising or vote seeking? Who would like to see their pulpit turned into the floor of Congress?
While there are surely members of every faith community that would, in their short-sighted pursuit of greater political influence, welcome the increased lenience proposed by the authors of these two bills, we believe that the problems created thereby far outweigh any possible benefits.
The tragic events of September 11 are a grim reminder of the ultimate consequences of transforming religion into a political tool. It is an extreme example, but one which should not be forgotten in the present debate.

A Muslim organization speaking out in favor of the separation of Church and state. Did you hear about this? I didn't.

In the press, statements made by the Islamic Supreme Council are hopelessly overshadowed by statements made by wealthy, Saudi-sponsored organizations like CAIR. I did a quick google search - the "Islamic Supreme Council of America" produced 5020 results.

A search for "Council on American-Islamic Relations" produced 103,000 results.

If the press is looking for the voice of American Muslims, why do they prefer to listen to wealthy, terror-connected CAIR while ignoring a moderate organization like the ISCA?

Dean just posted a press report issued by the Free Muslims against Terrorism, a group that states that Muslims not only need to join the war against extremism and terror, they need to "take the lead in this war." If Dan at Winds of Change hadn't mentioned the Islamic Supreme Council of America, I'd never know that they existed. There are many moderate Muslim voices out there, including writers like Irshad Manji, Sufi Stephen Schwartz, and Faith for Freedom.

Moderate Muslim voices are out there, but for some reason, they're not getting as much publicity as the Wahhabi-funded CAIR - at least in the mainstream media.

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Van Helsing (mail) (www):

I'm sure Saudi financing is helpful in getting publicity for CAIR. Saudi financing for ISCA does not seem likely. Even so, you would think more people in the media would be interested in Muslims who denounce extremism.

2.21.2005 7:39pm

maryatexitzero (mail):

The ISCA have denounced the extremist Saudi form of Islam, Wahhabism, many times.

I wonder if the press ignores the ISCA because they tend to ignore good news about Islam - or if they ignore them because the ISCA doesn't have the kind of money for publicity that CAIR has.

2.21.2005 8:26pm

DSmith (mail) (www):

I seem to remember that in the first days after major combat was over, there were some reports of papers found in Baghdad with long lists of the bribed and the bought, from very senior UN and government officials to many members of the press. We heard these stories for a few days then, poof, down the memory hole.

Since, due to the diligence of Claudia Rosett among others, these reports have begun to be substantiated, to the extent of sudden firings and retirements at the more visible levels of the UN.

But what about those reports of records of payments to journalists, all over the world? Haven't heard a thing since. Funny, that.

2.21.2005 8:30pm

maor (mail):

"If the press is looking for the voice of American Muslims, why do they prefer to listen to wealthy, terror-connected CAIR while ignoring a moderate organization like the ISCA?"

That question practically answers itself. CAIR has connections! You can't just say they're nobody!

2.22.2005 4:13am

KathyK (mail) (www):

"A Muslim organization speaking out in favor of the separation of Church and state. Did you hear about this?"

I heard about it at the time, and linked it.

But you are right, these guys are under-reported and under-linked, both by MSM and by bloggers.

2.22.2005 7:17am

KathyK - I heard about it at the time, and linked it.

I'm glad someone was paying attention :-)

Bloggers seem to be paying more attention to moderate voices lately - hopefully, eventually, the MSM will catch on.

2.22.2005 10:33am