Sen. Barbara Boxer recalls award she had given to Islamic activist w/ties to terrorist activities.

Newsweek ^ | Michael Isikoff and Mark Hosenball

[Hadean]

Dec. 29, 2006 - In a highly unusual move, Sen. Barbara Boxer of California has rescinded an award to an Islamic activist in her home state because of the man’s connections to a major American Muslim organization that recently has been courted by leading political figures and even the FBI.

Boxer’s office confirmed to NEWSWEEK that she has withdrawn a “certificate of accomplishment” to Sacramento activist Basim Elkarra after learning that he serves as an official with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). After directing her staff to look into CAIR, Boxer “expressed concern” about some past statements and actions by the group, as well as assertions by some unidentified law enforcement officials that it “gives aid to international terrorist groups,” according to Natalie Ravitz, the senator’s press spokeswoman...

...Ironically, just last month, Boxer had sent CAIR a letter in connection with its 10th anniversary fundraising dinner endorsing the group as a “constant support system for the American Muslim community” and praising it for its work on civil liberties. "As an advocate for justice and greater understanding, CAIR embodies what we should all strive to achieve," Boxer wrote in the Nov. 18 letter.

Boxer tells NEWSWEEK she never saw the letter to CAIR signed in her name or was even aware of the award to Elkarra before it was sent out. "I feel terrible about this," she says. "We just made a mistake. I was not in the loop. That was an automatic signature [on the letter]." ...Boxer says. “I'm going to take a lot of hits for this. But I'm just doing what I think is right."

[steveo]

I was forum before I was agin'um.

[Bahbah]

This is quite surprising.

[gov_bean_ counter]

I question the timing of this.

[ExTexasRedhead]

Covering her rear so to speak.

[weegee]

This is significant because it indicates that CAIR's "good" image is wearing thin and the tarnish and agenda is showing through.

It may not be an eye opener to those at FR, but when others (Congress and Newsweak) start to report it, then "it has legs".

[gov_bean_ counter]

Usually a Dems gets a conscience before stuff hits the fan. Something is up.

[Lazamataz]

When even the Barking Moonbat Left deserts CAIR, it's time for them to leave America.

[ExTexasRedhead]

Liberals love the enemies of America. They reserve hate for Republicans.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

She got caught....that is the only reason she rescinded the award......

*****************************************

The press is the propaganda arm of the American left and they have an agenda...see this:

Unholy Alliance: Radical Islam and the American Left

[Dutch Boy]

I think you are right. This seems to be a smidge on the CYA side. I'll be watching the news for the next week or so for a huge anti CAIR story.

[Spiff]

When even the Barking Moonbat Left deserts CAIR, it's time for them to leave America.

When even the Barking Moonbat Left deserts CAIR, it's time for them to leave America. self-immolate in protest.

[3AngelaD]

What an ass. This is what she gets for sucking up to people who are trying to destroy her country. I would be willing to bet that the head of someone on her staff is rolling right now.

[beansox]

What a MAROON! did she give back the money too? *snickerin*

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Harry Reid didn't give any money back!

[kcvl]

Basim Elkarra

On April 20, 2000, while a member of the Muslim Students Association (MSA) at the University of California at Berkeley, Elkarra moderated a pro-terror, anti-Israel program, entitled 'Continued Resistance in Palestine.' One of the program's speakers, Mohammad Salah, had been imprisoned for five years in Israel for being a Hamas operative and had been labeled by President Clinton, via executive order, a "Specially Designated Terrorist." (Washington Report on Middle East Affairs, 'Muslim Students Sponsor Palestine Program at Berkeley,' June 2000)

[Dallas59]

She needs to see this...

[LdSentinal]

Newsweek prints this - after the election. FU liberal media.

[AnotherUnixGeek]

After directing her staff to look into CAIR, Boxer “expressed concern” about some past statements and actions by the group, as well as assertions by some unidentified law enforcement officials that it “gives aid to international terrorist groups,” according to Natalie Ravitz, the senator’s press spokeswoman...

Well...good. My estimation of Boxer has gone up a bit.

[Bahbah]

You may be right. It's amazing that the uber-lib, Boxer, is stepping away from CAIR.