Posted on 12/30/2004 2:08:16 PM PST by Marine Inspector
Carloads of Muslim New Yorkers, all U.S. citizens, were detained for hours by federal agents after they returned from an Islamic convention held in Toronto over the weekend. A Pace University student said she was asked by a border patrol officer at the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge crossing whether the wire in her bra was a weapon. A white Flushing resident said U.S. officials refused to tell her why she was being held for eight hours.
"It's just appalling," said Jean Tassi, 53. "If I didn't have on a head covering, I would have never been stopped."
A U.S. Customs and Border Protection official said agents acted on intelligence that conventioneers may have terrorists in their cars.
"We understand that most of these conferences are legitimate, but it is our duty, it is incumbent on us to verify the identity of everybody entering the U.S. - even citizens," said Kristi Clemens, a Washington spokeswoman. "I understand their frustration."
More than 30 people had attended "Reviving the Islamic Spirit" convention at the Skydome that was billed as a spiritually uplifting event.
"I refuse to be treated like this in my own country," said Miriam Soliman, 20, a Brooklyn-born finance major who said she was interrogated about her underwire bra.
I do prescribe to the "All American Citizens are American Citizens" stuff. I guess in your America, only certain Americans have rights. I don't want to live in that American, thank you very much."
worth repeating - I'm signed on...
How having a chip implanted in your head, all in the name of keeping the country free of undesirables.
Sorry, First and foremost these people are American Citizens.
American citizens that are Muslim put their religion first. They love the riches that America has to offer and yet refuse to decry the despicable terrorist acts of beheading innocents loudly and publicly. They will not speak out against their Muslim brethren.
bttt
Your knowledge of Islam seems superficial at best. I have a number of Muslim friends and aquaintances and most take their religion no more seriously than I take mine.
I am reminded of an incident here in Arizona shortly after 9/11. Some brain dead honky walked up to a gent wearing a turban and killed him. The dead guy was a Sikh from India. The differences between Sikhs and Muslims are so vast and antithetical that you and I and Osama bin Laden should be going to church in the same building.
How many Marines have you ever known? Ever been military? Ever been overseas or heard a shot fired in anger?
I had the same suspicion. Those and other typos were not random screwups, but types that a foreigner would make.
Better safe than sorry. How would you feel if an attack happened, and it was discovered that the people who perpetrated the attack came through your port of entry? Stay extra alert, and assume EVERYONE is planning an attack. This is war officer...we depend on people like you to keep us safe! Do your duty!
BANG...ZOOM...(Ralph Cramden)
I am not ignorant, nor superficial. I DO know the difference between Sikhs and Muslims. I AM awaiting the MUSLIM outcry. The Sikhs have been heard from.
LIke most, you missed the point.
Like that does not happen with the majority of religions. LOL.
You read mids also? You are indeed a mighty one!
What the hell should these idiots expect running up to communist Canada to attend a terrorist training seminar.
That happened about a mile from my house.
The differences between Sikhs and Muslims are so vast and antithetical that you and I and Osama bin Laden should be going to church in the same building.
Exactly. These folks around here see head gear and think Muslim. Most have no clue.
I know we are at war and I'm on the front lines.
There are smart ways to fight wars and dumb ways. I prefer the smart ways; they have been more effective over the course of human history.
This was not profiling, this was a bust based on information about people associated with a religion that wants to kill all of us, even you.
What do spawners of terrorism expect - a gold medal? Why was their conference held in Canada, the U.S.A. was not a good enough place to spend their dollars?
The phony Muslim religionists can love this country or leave it and the latter is my preference for them.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.