Bush to Make Recess Appointment to Peace Institute (Will Appoint Daniel Pipes!)

AP Breaking News ^

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Aug 12, 2003

Bush to Make Recess Appointment to Peace Institute By Lolita C. Baldor Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush is expected to bypass the Senate and appoint an outspoken Middle East scholar to a federal think tank over the objections of Democrats and others who say he is anti-Muslim. According to sources close to the matter, Bush intends to appoint Daniel Pipes, director of the Philadelphia-based Middle East Forum, to the board of the U.S. Institute of Peace.

The move would come just weeks after Democrats on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee raised strong objections to Pipes' nomination, forcing the panel to postpone a vote on the appointment.

The White House does not comment on personnel appointments prior to their announcement, but spokeswoman Ashley Snee said Bush continues to support Pipes, who was nominated for the post on April 2. Pipes also had no comment on the nomination.

Pipes, said Snee, "is a well-respected scholar." His supporters include a number of Jewish groups such as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and the Anti-Defamation League.

Critics call Pipes an extremist who should not be named to a peace organization.

"I continue to believe that Dr. Pipes is not the right person for this position," said Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., in a statement issued Tuesday. "His record and experience do not reflect a commitment to bridging differences and preventing conflict. Surely the administration can find someone better to serve on the Board of the United States Institute of Peace."

Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., spoke out against Pipes during the committee meeting, saying his positions are inconsistent with the USIP's efforts to "contribute to the promotion of international peace and the resolution of conflicts without recourse to violence."

Bush has made no recess appointments during this August break, but he appointed 11 individuals to various boards during Congress' April break. By signing appointments during a congressional recess, Bush can bypass the Senate confirmation process.

The appointment would be valid until the next Congress is sworn in, which would be January 2005.

Pipes is a Harvard-trained scholar who, as head of the Middle East Forum, has called for a war on Islamic extremism, declaring in one post-Sept. 11 interview, "What we need to do is inspire fear, not affection."

The expected appointment "is a defeat for democracy and an affront to Muslims, Arab-Americans and all those who seek peace," said Ibrahim Hooper, spokesman for the Council on American-Islamic Relations. "This person has such a long record of anti-Muslim bigotry."

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On the Net:

U.S. Institute of Peace: http://www.usip.org/

AP-ES-08-12-03 1914EDT

This story can be found at: http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGAFJVAJAJD.html

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[kellynla]

And if W had a really large set he would make recess appointments of federal judges!

[pgkdan]

Good! Now, a few Judicial recess appointments are in order, don't you think?

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

That should put the muslim lobby's panties in a wad, LOL!!

[Pubbie]

"That should put the muslim lobby's panties in a wad"

And Grovelling Grover Norquist's too!!!

Maybe Rove isn't a complete stooge of Grover's after all!

[Rummyfan]

This is great news! Way to go President Bush and congratulations to Daniel Pipes!

[governsleastgovernsbest]

I'm with all those who welcome this news. Pipes is the voice of reason, and it says so much about the Democrats that they instinctively side with the enemies of America.

[PhiKapMom]

This is great! He deserves the appointment!

[nwrep]

What the hell is the Peace Institute anyway? Wasn't this Kucinich's dream?

[John Valentine]

Pipes is the guy who said, "The answer to militant Islam is moderate Islam."

Now who can object to that kind of common sense?

Furthermore, I have read a lot of Pipes writing and if he is an anti-Islamic bigot, I'd never know. It's sure that Pipes doens't think much of blowing up school children and shoppers.

I'm very surprised (or am I, really?) that Ted Kennedy opposes sopmeone who stands against violence against the innocent.

[Dan from Michigan]

Kudo's for Bush here. (Yes, I actually say something good about him when he does something good)

[Ron in Acreage]

It's no surprise the democrats would side with anti-Israeli sentiments. They kissed Arafats ass for 8 yrs while Clinton was pres.

[Mo1]

Good! Now, a few Judicial recess appointments are in order, don't you think?

I would love for him to do that

[PhilDragoo]

This is excellent.

I've read Daniel Pipes for several years and he's excellent.

Here we have the drunken homicidal driver of Chappaquiddick and his Le Brasserie waitress sandwich partner sucking up to their Islamist donors.

Hitlery Smoocher of Suha the Blood Libeler will be hurtling furniture through walls, windows and doors.

Daniel Pipes--along with moderate Islam--is the antidote for radical Islamism.

[DPB101]

Sick of Rats escaping.Getting Democrat Senators on the record with a vote would have been better. Much, much better. But apparently they would filibuster it from even getting out of committee.

[PhilDragoo]

It's no surprise the democrats would side with anti-Israeli sentiments. They kissed Arafats ass for 8 yrs while Clinton was pres.

[Ron in Acreage]

Imagine what Hitlery is whispering in Suhas ear.

[sarasmom]

This is not an announcement of what President Bush has done.
This is speculation as to what he might do.
I will not clap and give him points for doing it, untill he does it.

[GirlShortstop]

President Bush is expected to bypass the Senate and appoint an outspoken Middle East scholar to a federal think tank over the objections of Democrats and others who say he is anti-Muslim.

WooHoo!

[Uncle Miltie]

Good news Pipes-Fan Bump!