Posted on 03/07/2004 9:44:28 AM PST by Sub-Driver
Rep. Peter King Calls Muslim Leaders Irresponsible
Says 85 Percent Of The Nation's Mosques Are Involved In Terrorist Activities
Mar 7, 2004 7:02 am US/Eastern NEW YORK (AP) Leaders of 85 percent of the nation's mosques are involved in terrorist activities, and some have made irresponsible statements about the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, said Rep. Peter King, a Long Island Republican.
"I don't see any need to be politically correct here — the stakes are too high," King said in an interview broadcast Sunday on New York television station WNBC.
The 85 percent figure was drawn from research done for his recently published novel, "Vale of Tears," about the World Trade Center attacks, King said.
Muslim groups on Long Island have denounced the claim, accusing him of fanning anti-Muslim sentiment to sell books.
King denied that charge. He said leaders of the mosque in Westbury, N.Y. had tried to pass blame for the attacks on a Zionist conspiracy and had not cooperated with law enforcement officers investigating potential terrorist activities.
"When I have police telling me the Muslim community is not coming forward and cooperating, I have a responsibility to speak out. The Muslim leaders have to be more responsible and there should be new leadership," he said.
King said he supported President Bush's use of images of ground zero in campaign ads.
"Considering all that's gone on over the past two and a half years since Sept. 11, how it is defining our politics, diplomacy and foreign policy, the president would be remiss in not mentioning Sept. 11," King said. "But he's doing it in an understated way."
When asked about Bush's support for a constitutional amendment barring gay marriage, King said he was in favor but urged caution. Individual states should first be given time to consider the issue and pass laws on their own, he said.
King, of Seaford, briefly considered challenging Democratic Sen. Charles Schumer in Schumer's re-election bid, but later dropped the plan. He is now the only Republican congressman between Manhasset and Montauk.
The theory of strength through diversity and even the logic (if there is such a thing) of tolerance is at stake. It is critical for responsible Muslims to cooperate with authorities.
I believe you are correct. We need to quite the PC BS and call them for what they are.
King's courage needs to spread to alot more politicians too many have been silent on this for too long.
Having said that, the muslims need to get out and promote their views too. Their silence can lead to two conclusions (1) They agree with militant islam or (2) They are as afraid to speak out directly against it as most politicians.
Neither conclusion is especially encouraging.
There's a mosque here in Columbia. I always get an uneasy feeling each time I go by it...I reckon there's a nest of demons there...
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