Muslims and LA County sheriff launch anti-terrorism initiative

Mercury News ^ | 02-22-06 | PETER PRENGAMAN @ AP

[Sgt.Po-Po]

Muslims and LA County sheriff launch anti-terrorism initiative PETER PRENGAMAN Associated Press

LOS ANGELES - Muslim leaders from Southern California and Sheriff Lee Baca launched an initiative Wednesday to increase cooperation in the fight against terrorism and expand the role of American Muslims in denouncing extremist groups like al-Qaida.

The Muslim-American Homeland Security Congress, with representation from nearly every prominent Muslim organization in Southern California, will share information on possible terrorist threats, create a youth council to reach Muslims who might feel alienated in American society and give religious leaders a collective platform to condemn terrorist acts.

"Together, we will fight bigotry and work jointly to prevent terrorism," Baca told a news conference where he was joined by Muslim leaders.

Weekly meetings to set up the group began six months ago. After bombings in July killed 52 people and four attackers in London, Baca and local Muslim leaders began exploring ways to prevent a similar attack here, said the sheriff's spokesman, Steve Whitmore.

[Sgt.Po-Po]

Hope this works and isn't just "window-dressing" for a warm fuzzy feeling that never lasts. Maybe it's a sign that headway can be made and some Muslims are willing to come forward. Worth watching!

[Redbob]

Admit it: you got this off scrappleface, right

[isthisnickcool]

Fine! Let them give it a try. I'll just stand here and watch them!

[La Enchiladita]

Since when did we hire a sheriff to "fight bigotry?"
You're supposed to fight CRIME, Mr. Baca.
How did he become the lackey of islam?

[absalom01]

You know, the Sheriff's Core Values don't even mention crime:

As a leader in the Los Angeles County Sheriff's department,
I committ myself to honorably perform my duties,
with respect for the dignity of all people,
integrity to do right and fight wrong,
wisdom to apply common sense and fairness in all I do, and
courage to stand against racism, sexism, anti-Semitism, homophobia, and bigotry in all its forms.

Well, there is that bit about anti-Semitism. Arabs are Semites, neh?

[American Quilter]

The Council on American-Islamic Relations has routinely issued public condemnations of terrorism, even collecting hundreds of thousands of signatures in a petition campaign denouncing hatred in the name of Islam.

I want--very much--to believe this article, but the above statement makes me extremely skeptical. CAIR is linked through funding to terrorist groups, and routinely accuses the U.S. of racism when Americans speak out against Islamofascism. I've read two "condemnations" they've put out against terrorism, and they're in the line of "We condemn terrorism, but it's all America's fault."

I'm not convinced this group is trustworthy or honest. However, I'd love to be convinced otherwise. Time will tell.