Robert Spencer with loon Pamela Geller
Loonwatchers, it seems the big bad blogger himself, Robert Spencer, is beginning to worry about our little blog over on Jihad Watch (hat tip: Mallorcaman). In a blog titled, Daily Kos Sides with Islamic Supremacists Who Want to Extinguish Free Speech and Oppress Women and Non-Muslims (how many stereotypes can you fit in a single title?), Spencer targets Daily Kos contributor Devon Moore who has written comments on our site previously and has linked to us on his site.
Spencer’s post is interesting both for what Spencer writes as well as the comments which end up proving the depths to which Spencer has sunk. I don’t know if Spencer is giddy at the mere fact that he received some mention on Daily Kos or if he is truly fuming in his traditional, up-tight and conspiratorial way that “stealth jihad” is being perpetuated under the guise of some dreaded and fanciful “leftist-Mooslim” alliance. There is probably an element of both in his paranoia, but as in his attempt to pick a fight with Bassiouni it looks as though it is more of the conspiracy card.
The title itself is quite perplexing and makes bold the fact that Spencer has a penchant not only for melodrama (to stroke his ego) but also misinformation. Whenever anyone disagrees with Spencer or disputes his claims (and the list of people is ever increasing) he takes it personally, and reacts with violently worded blog posts that sling innuendo to-and-fro.
The question is: why is it that Spencer can dish out the criticism but is unable to take it? Is it the hallmark of an objective scholar to think that he or she is above any criticism? That everyone outside of the choir he sings to is wrong and part of some Leftist-Mooslim alliance? The ALA is wrong? Muslim scholar and International Law expert Cherif Bassiouni is wrong? Chicago activist Ahmed Rehab is wrong? Islamic scholar Carl Ernst is wrong? Islamic scholar John Esposito is wrong? Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto is wrong? Religious scholar Karen Armstrong is wrong? Islamic scholar Khaleel Mohammed is wrong? Academic historian Ivan Jablonka is wrong? Journalist and neo-Con Stephen Shwartz is wrong? Conservative ex-boyfriend of Ann Coulter Dinesh D’Souza is wrong? Spencer’s former friend Charles Johnson is wrong? Blogger and columnist for Commentary Magazine Kejda Gjermani is wrong? The list goes on and on.
Of course, the plain truth is that all of these diverse individuals are neither wrong or incorrect but they are on to something: Spencer is not an objective scholar, he is not in fact very scholarly, in fact he traffics in some of the oldest and well abused stereotypes about Islam and Muslims out there, while all at the same time putting up a front that he is objective and part of the elite vanguard safe-guarding Western values such as freedom of religion and free speech.
This methodology of Spencer is belied by the fact that he takes umbrage at other people expressing their right to free speech which is exactly what Devon Moore did. He stated his opinion (one shared by many), yet according to Spencer what he did was the equivalent to teaming up with “Islamic Supremacists who want to extinguish free speech and oppress women and non-Muslims.” Say what?
Spencer really should go through our website, especially the articles relating to him. He will see that all we do is report the facts — his instances of Islamophobia and anti-Muslimism. Like when he joined the genocidal Facebook group which called for the reconquista of modern day Turkey and its transformation through ethnic cleansing of the whole peninsula; driving out its Muslim Turkish inhabitants and replacing them with Christians.
Malkin's Book
We don’t have time to go through a detailed list of the odious friends and individuals of a very anti-Muslim bent that Spencer calls allies, but they include: Michelle Malkin of In Defense of Internment fame, Geert Wilders a neo-Fascist European politician (though Spencer thinks he is not a “genuine” neo-fascist) who wants to ban the Qur’an, Muslim immigration and deny religious freedom to Muslims, Serge Trifkovic one of the leaders of the Bosnian Serbs during the ethnic cleansing of Bosnian Muslims, the Gates of Vienna website which advocates an end to Muslim immigration and the dominance of the original indigenous White Europeans, and more. One day we will list all his buddies but just this small oeuvre should be a chilling reminder of who Spencer is: a biased, self proclaimed scholar who does not view Islam from a dispassionate and objective lens.
Spencer’s blog post also reveals a bit more of the strange world he inhabits. He writes, first quoting Devon Moore,
The anti-Muslims cover a wide spectrum though most can be found slithering in the Right-Wing. They range from academics such as Daniel Pipes, self-declared scholars like Robert Spencer and his JihadWatch, to open racists such as Debbie Schlussel, Pamela Geller and the blog Gates of Vienna.
“Open racists”? When the Left can’t argue (which is most of the time), they smear and lie. Schlussel and Geller are freedom fighters, warriors for human rights. Only to a Leftist would that be “racist.” They are not open racists or closet racists or any kind of racists.
Moore made the incontrovertible point that Pamela Geller and Debbie Schlussel are racists, he could have also added loony extremists. Yet, according to Spencer, Debbie Schlussel and Pamela Geller are “freedom fighters” and “warriors for human rights.”
Pamela Geller, you may recall is one of the bloggers who initiated and pushed (and still is pushing) the Birther conspiracy about Barack Obama. That Barack Obama was born in Kenya, and that he is a secret Muslim subverting America through Jihad. She also “uncovered” somehow that Barack Obama was the illegitimate son of Malcolm X. This is what her WikiAnswer page has to say about her,
Pam Geller’s blog has earned her a spot in the Conservative limelight. She frequently attacks Barack Obama, pushing and originating conspiracy theories that include: Obama is a secret Muslim, Obama is not American, Obama is the illegitimate son of Malcolm X, Obama is an anti-Semite. She writes in an August 1st blog about Obama’s travel to Pakistan in the 80’s, “I think he went for the drugs and came back with jihad.”
Debbie Schlussel
The other “freedom fighter” for Spencer is that delightful, if deranged blogger known as Debbie Schlussel. She gives us so much fodder that there should be a website devoted exclusively to her. Debbie Schlussel was the one who proclaimed after the Virginia Tech Massacre that the shooter was a Muslim, and when early reports came out that he was Asian, she wrote that “Pakis are considered Asian” and that the attack could have been “part of a co-ordinated terrorist plot by Pakistanis.” Even when it was revealed that the shooter was a Korean she persisted with her story that he could have been a secret Muslim. Not too long ago she was on the record making a genocidal joke about Palestinians, while writing about clashes between rival Palestinian forces which left six dead Schlussel stated, “As we say in lawyer jokes, that’s a start. Six down, a few million to go.”
Now with friends like those can we really take Robert Spencer seriously? Especially when he gives these crazies ringing endorsements as “freedom fighters” and “warriors for human rights.” It seems even some of his followers are a little queasy about his endorsement, one commenter on JihadWatch, JoeChill writes,
Sorry, Mr. Spencer–you make some excellent points, but Debbie Schlussel is a highly disturbed woman. Granted, the idiots at Kos don’t like her, but even a broken clock, etc.
Schlussel initially suggested that the VA Tech shooter was a Muslim (he wasn’t). She claims that one of the 9/11 victims, Jon Schlissel, was a “cousin” of hers (based on the idea that someone with a similar name had the same ancestor a few centuries ago) and she repeatedly attacks those she disagrees with by making unsubstantiated claims, or, more often, lies.
I agree with you that Islamic jihadists and those who follow Sharia law are little more than brutal thugs who are trying to remake the world into their own twisted image. But Schlussel’s pretty twisted herself, even though she opposes them. If conservative writers are guardians of the Constitution, Schlussel is a rabid German Shepherd. By espousing her, you weaken your otherwise excellent column.
Posted by: JoeChill
at August 25, 2009 4:35 PM
It would be wise for Robert Spencer to take this advice from JoeChill, he should retract his endorsement of the racist Debbie Schlussel, apologize for it, condemn her and distance himself from her. Then he should do the same with Pamela Geller. That way he might be on the road to rehabilitating his image as an apologist for fascism and an endorser of racists, instead of boohooing about a fictitious “Leftist-Mooslim” alliance.
August 28th, 2009 at 12:11 am
One of the finest pieces yet. Great read, Garibaldi, keep them coming.
August 28th, 2009 at 2:58 am
A very good post.
August 28th, 2009 at 5:37 am
“That way he might be on the road to rehabilitating his image as an apologist for fascism and an endorser of racists, instead of boohooing about a fictitious “Leftist-Mooslim” alliance.”
islam isnt a race so one cant be racist towards muslims. Well unless you consider the ummah a race.
August 28th, 2009 at 10:35 am
Elric,
Pam and Debbie are racists. That’s a fact. Using derogatory terms like Pakis, wishing genocide on a people etc. Pam’s caricature of Obama, of Arabs, etc. That on top of their hatred for Muslims and Islam.
August 28th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
The term “Paki” is racist? LOL Geesh people are thin skinned. I guess the term “Brit” is “racist” as well.
August 28th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Great Analysis! Just note that Spencer will probably attack ‘LoonWatch’ again, by declaring a ’secret’ Wahabbi. Keep up the good work!
August 29th, 2009 at 2:26 am
Well, well well, if it isn’t the neo-Nazi troll known as “elric666″ from Stephania Harris’ blog. I remember your antics there didn’t last too long. Note also the oft repeated and utterly retarded and disingenuous line that Muslims cannot be the victims of racism because Muslims aren’t a race(never mind the fact that Muslims are seen as a “race” by the usual suspects). Last I checked Jews aren’t a race either(with European, Asian and African followers) yet its considered antisemitism to target them.
Religion is not only about faith but also about identity, background and culture, and Muslims are overwhelmingly non-white. Islamophobia is racist, and so is antisemitism.
August 29th, 2009 at 11:13 am
Looks like I asked too difficult a question. But I guess calling someone a Nazi is ok on this blog.
“never mind the fact that Muslims are seen as a “race” by the usual suspects”
Nobody refers to them as a race except the apologists.
August 30th, 2009 at 9:01 am
Spencer’s main thesis that every school of Islamic jurisprudence teaches that jihad means warfare on unbelievers.
If he is wrong, prove it! Find one school or sect of Islam that teaches living with non-Muslim on equal basis.
No one yet has been able to do so. This despite websites like this and the many people you’ve listed above. Yes, they’re wrong; because they
-don’t even TRY to prove Spencer wrong, but simply call him names (loon, self-educated, racist, neo-Fascist).
If Spencer is so wrong and loony, meet his challenge and prove it. He has said that if anyone can, he will publicly apologize and go away.
So what are you waiting for? Show us the proof!
(I know what I’m waiting for; my first comment to actually be posted. It’s been days now.)
September 3rd, 2009 at 2:48 pm
Thanks for the great rebuttal of Spencer. I didn’t know my piece would infuriate him so much! I owe it all to you guys though. Keep up the fight against those ravenous loons. I wonder if Spencer might respond, or if he has been silenced finally?
September 3rd, 2009 at 3:04 pm
@Elric66, I guess you’re never had ‘go home you paki’ yelled at you by some aggressive moron? I have, my parents have… ‘paki’ is a racist term because if the context it sprung up, because it is used generically for anyone brown who may be South Asian….My parents generation had it thrown at them and you’re ‘thin skinned’ remark is just offensive to them.
It is in no way the same thing as ‘brit’ or ’scot’- its beyond stupid to even compare it to that.
September 14th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
“If he is wrong, prove it! Find one school or sect of Islam that teaches living with non-Muslim on equal basis.
No one yet has been able to do so. This despite websites like this and the many people you’ve listed above. Yes, they’re wrong; because they ”
Easy
The Prophet Muhammad Sallalhu alahyi wa alhi wa sallam set up a peaceful coexistence in Medina with non Muslims including Jews.
September 22nd, 2009 at 3:38 am
Uhm.. every single Islamic school of thought calls for co-existance, in fact
Qur’an 2:62:
“The Believers, the Christians, the Jews, the Sabians, and all others who believe in God, and do good deeds shall have their reward from their Lord, nor shall they grieve nor should they be fearful.”
Wow… is it me or is Islam the only religion specifically saying that not only Muslims go to heaven but that Christians, Jews, and just about anyone that does good deeds gets to go to heaven? Religion of hate my butt.
ANYWAY even if Islamic scripture or schools of thought or Islamic contemporary scholars said that Jihad based expansion was necessary, it wouldn’t mean anything.
WHY? Because I seriously can’t think of any Islamic government TODAY that is in pursuit of expansion through Jihad. Even the 2 Muslim countries (Iran and Saudi) that claim to follow some form of “Shariah” (Sharia just means any code of laws that is even remotely related to Islam) haven’t launched any wars of aggression on any country to date.
So really, where is the Islamic threat? OH yea it doesent exist!
September 30th, 2009 at 1:06 pm
Finally, someone stepping up to that bonehead Spencer. Keep it up.
October 22nd, 2009 at 5:32 am
The humor was another thing entirely! ,
October 23rd, 2009 at 4:36 am
Are all those involved in agreement? ,
November 25th, 2009 at 10:52 pm
Damn! Pam Geller looks like a sexy stripper in that picture! Robert Spencer is certainly relishing his “Western freedoms” as he hugs that lean, toned body close to his! Yet another reason why Shariah law is a threat to Robert Spencer: he might not be able to grab and fondle sexy half-naked women the way he is used to! Hooray for Western freedoms!
On another note, couldn’t Pam Geller do a little better than being groped by an ugly little troll like Spencer?
November 25th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
“Spencer’s main thesis that every school of Islamic jurisprudence teaches that jihad means warfare on unbelievers.”
It is easy to prove that Spencer is wrong in this claim. The fact that nobody calls him on it is due to (a) lack of knowledge of Islam in this society (b) most people don’t really take Spencer seriously due to his lack of credentials and his obvious anti-Islamic bigotry.
According to three of the four Sunni schools (Hanafi, Maliki, Hanbali), military jihad is legislated as a response to the *belligerence* of the disbelievers, and *not* on account of their disbelief. This is made very clear in the appendix on jihad in Hamza Yusuf’s translation of “The Creed of Imam Tahawi”. There are also some quotes from the great Hanbali jurist Ibn Taymiyya which stress the defensive nature of jihad.
November 25th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
“Find one school or sect of Islam that teaches living with non-Muslim on equal basis.”
All Sunni schools of Islamic law teach that in an Islamic state, the property of non-Muslims is sacred, just as the property of Muslims is sacred.
All Sunni schools of Islamic law teach that in an Islamic state, the lives of non-Muslims are sacred, just as the lives of Muslims are sacred.
All Sunni schools of Islamic law teach that in an Islamic state, the honour of non-Muslims is sacred, just as the honour of Muslims is sacred. In fact, the Prophet prmised hell to anyone who even makes a snide comment to a Jew or a Christian.
All Sunni schools of Islamic law teach that non-Muslims have a right to practice their religions in all matters pertaining to their personal lives (Muslims don’t always get this right in the West).
All Sunni schools of Islamic law make it an obligation on the Muslim state to defend its non-Muslim citizens against internal or external aggression in exactly the same way that it defends its Muslim citizens.
All Sunni citizens strictly forbid harming their non-Muslim citizens, in accordance with the Prophetic command that “Whoever harms a dhimmi harms me.” Thus, harming the non-Muslim citizens is tantamount to harming the Pophet himself, the most beloved human of all to Muslims.
November 25th, 2009 at 11:14 pm
Elric, yes the term “Paki” is indeed racist. It is exactly the equivalent for South Asians of the term “nigger”. Just ask South Asians who grew up in England, where it is a common term of racial abuse.
Now do you have any other questions revealing your ignorance?
November 26th, 2009 at 3:08 am
“Well, well well, if it isn’t the neo-Nazi troll known as “elric666″ from Stephania Harris’ blog. I remember your antics there didn’t last too long.”
Calling him a nazi is amusing since your blog defends Amin el-Husseini.
“Religion is not only about faith but also about identity, background and culture, and Muslims are overwhelmingly non-white.”
Wrong there are countless white (Kurds, Turks, Persians, Syrians, Circassians, Lebanese etc.) muslims.
“…any people having origins in any of the original people of Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa”.
-The US government’s definition of White
“Islamophobia is racist, and so is antisemitism.”
That’s ironic since your blog contains vile anti-semitism, I love it when bigots rant about racist, it’s like David Duke whining about the lack of an ‘ivory magazine’.
November 26th, 2009 at 9:37 am
Elric66, Islamophobia is not racism, it is bigotry, an equally vile state of mind. Anti-Semitism is also bigotry.
A large part of the Ummah is white, just as it is Asian, African, Arab, mixed race, Oriental etc. Mecca at Hajj time is a hotch potch of races from all over the globe, from blonde to black and red haired, and every skin colour under the sun.
Bigotry is intolerance of a religous group or religon, and that can include all races. Both Muslims and Jews include all people of all colours, from blacks, white, asian, oriental, and others.
In the case of Pam Geller and other bigots, if they make racist remarks based on a race of people then they are racist too. It’s ironic that they fall into the same category as Al Qaeda fanatics. When Obama threatened Al Qaeda at his election speech, they responded by calling him “Abeed” the next day, prompting CAIR to issue to a statement condemning their racism.
Thus racism is alive and well amongst our own people too.
So you can be a bigot, or a racist, or you can be a bigot and a racist.
What is ironic, is that Pam Geller herself is not white.
These people are too disgusting for words.