Why is she not the speaker at a dozen commencements, insted of the usual clintons and gateses?

Posted by: Hugh at April 17, 2007 1:08 AM

"I don't want her to poison anyone's mind," Mahmood A. Qazi, the center's founder and past president, told the Tribune-Democrat in Johnstown. "She doesn't believe in God. How can she talk about God?"

Right , i see ...because you do not believe in something you are not entitled to discuss it !
WRONG !
What else would you expect from the likes of
Mahmood A.Qazi ?
I presume the truth is just too ugly for some
to comprehend.

Posted by: aladdinsane57 at April 17, 2007 1:11 AM

I would love to hear her speak in person. I hope that she has very good security when such public appearances are scheduled.

Posted by: alexon at April 17, 2007 1:12 AM

Why is she not the speaker at a dozen commencements, insted of the usual clintons and gateses?
--Hugh

Because academia is even more screwed up than the MSM and our government. Is there any aspect of the West more neurotically suicidal than academia? Its like they pride themselves on making absolutely no sense.

I am curious as to why she doesn't make more media appearances though. Is she not being asked, or is she trying to keep a more modest profile for security reasons?

Posted by: JSobieski at April 17, 2007 3:23 AM

"I don't want her to poison anyone's mind," Mahmood A. Qazi, the center's founder and past president, told the Tribune-Democrat in Johnstown.

Truth is poison.

Posted by: FreeSpeech at April 17, 2007 4:12 AM

Im sure they dont mind when islam is praised by "atheist" .And where does this bigot get off making comments about her beliefs , cant she have them ,aren't they private and no one else's business. I supose he thinks my beliefs are his business too.

Posted by: KAOSKTRL at April 17, 2007 4:38 AM

"I am curious as to why she doesn't make more media appearances though. Is she not being asked, or is she trying to keep a more modest profile for security reasons?" asked above.

She is very busy on a wider scale than just Europe and the USA.

She was interviewed very sympathetically for 30 minutes on New Zealand National Radio Monday, prime slot, well advertised, intelligent questions. She spoke clearly and covered most of the issues I imagine she was keen to get across.

Probably reached a wide audience with ideas and facts many were hearing for the first time.

A pleasant surprise.

Posted by: MBR at April 17, 2007 6:05 AM

When will she meet Oprah ??

Posted by: apostate_islam at April 17, 2007 6:10 AM

"Why is she not the speaker at a dozen commencements, insted of the usual clintons and gateses?

Posted by: Hugh"

....$$$$$...

Posted by: exsgtbrown at April 17, 2007 6:36 AM

“I don’t want her to poison anyone’s mind,” Mahmood A. Qazi, the center’s founder and past president, told the Tribune-Democrat in Johnstown. “She doesn’t believe in God. How can she talk about God?”

* Only Muslims have the right to poison peoples minds. For that, they are experts. And they don’t like competition. And ‘Allah’ is not Gd …

http://sheikyermami.com/2007/04/17/muslims-fail-to-muzzle-hirsi-ali-in-johnstown-pa/

Posted by: sheik yer'mami at April 17, 2007 6:42 AM

Mr. Qazi,

You get along well because there are so few Muslims. The Legacy of Jihad (a book by Bostom) tells the story quite well. A few Muslims, no problem. A few more, their disrespect of outsiders begins to show outside of the family. Yet more? Growing horror for "infidels."

The Islamic "golden ages" are greatly exaggerated and probably have more to do with the continuation of "protected" communities, where are "protected" in the sense that Islam (to outsiders) is a mafia-like protection racket.

Your ancestors were forced into the Mohammedian idea of what God intends. Others had superior revelations, not so much based on expedience and personal preference, as was the case with Mohammed. Why not respect those ancestors -- and the true God -- by stepping away from a tradition that has brought poverty and political despotism to so many people?

Posted by: StillBreathing at April 17, 2007 8:20 AM

"I don't want her to poison anyone's mind," Mahmood A. Qazi, the center's founder and past president, told the Tribune-Democrat in Johnstown.

"She doesn't believe in God. How can she talk about God?"

So since this Moslem doesn't want to hear what she has to say, no one should hear it? How arrogant...and ignorant.

Posted by: DCWatson at April 17, 2007 8:28 AM

I got her book "Infidel". I would recommend it. A real eye opener

Posted by: PapaBear at April 17, 2007 8:58 AM

"Hirsi Ali, who joined the Washington, D.C.-based conservative think tank American Enterprise Institute last year, also wrote the best-selling autobiography, "Infidel," which gives a graphic account of how she rejected her faith and the violence she says was inflicted on her in the name of Islam." - AP article

1. It's interesting that the article mentions the "conservative think tank", but fails to mention other, more relevant pieces of information about Hirsi Ali.

2. "she says" violence was inflicted upon her in the name of Islam. "She says" - as if it may not be true?

Posted by: Jan Sobieski at April 17, 2007 9:35 AM

Hirsi Ali was in Toronto last month for a book signing and speech. An evening well spent on my part and I hope everyone has the opportunity to hear her.

Posted by: johnb at April 17, 2007 10:01 AM

Baby steps but steps nonetheless.

To paraphrase Plato:

Never discourage anyone... who continually makes progress, no matter how slow.

Posted by: A_Plague_on_Both_Houses at April 17, 2007 10:30 AM

Does anyone remember the significance of Johnstown, PA? This was where United 93 went down on 9/11 after passengers, who realized the awful reality of the highjacking, refused to passively let their aircraft be used to murder more people.

Johnstown should be considered a brave symbol of anti-Jihad resistance.

Posted by: gravenimage at April 17, 2007 10:38 AM

Even today we can read about some of Ayaans Hirsi Ally's former Dutch supporters when she served in the Dutch parliament. With the exception of her staunch supporter Geert Wilders who has never wavered from his position on the Islamic threat to his country, some are beginning to collapse like a deck of cards in the Netherlands; I suspect out of fear as have many who do not have the courage to stand up for their principles, and their foundations against this ever aggressive ideology that seeks political control wherever it is.

Read "Hirsi Ali's ally attacked by fellow Islam critics"
http://ayaanhirsiali.web-log.nl/ayaanhirsiali/english/index.

At least from the article above there is some backbone in the Dutch Parliamen, but one can't help wondering what a poll might produce among Dutch Muslims regarding the denial of a visa to Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh?

Posted by: Mackie at April 17, 2007 11:13 AM

He doesn't want HER to poison anyone's mind? Now, that's rich.

Posted by: Daisytoo at April 17, 2007 2:41 PM

Hugh asks, "Why is she not the speaker at a dozen commencements, insted of the usual clintons and gateses?"

Seems she would be just the thing at Virginia Tech's Commencement (and I'm quite serious).

Speaking directly and honestly about the consequences of unchecked evil (and the redemption and freedom that are possible when one can face evil squarely) can be both edifying and healing for those most injured. Hirsi Ali offers hope like nobody's business.

Wonder who they'll get instead? Maybe Noam Chomsky (I heard him speak when my brother-in-law rec. his PHD .. Chomsky, the self-appointed Linguist For Life, arrogantly MUMBLED his whole speech).

Posted by: Daisytoo at April 17, 2007 2:50 PM

I wonder if she is thinking of going to any all-women colleges, including mine which is located in Oakland. I wonder if they will invite her.

Posted by: wrathofasma at April 17, 2007 3:02 PM

Best reach she had was on Bill Maher. Maher's audience listening to him agree with her probably turned around a few thousand fence sitters to the anti-jihad circle.

Posted by: Tushar Saxena at April 17, 2007 3:13 PM

Poison?

Only in the sense that you use snake venom to provide a cure for the snakebite.

I don't believe in Islam, but why should that prevent me from discussing it?

One might not believe in "witches", but, to talk about the medieval world, you canot avoid commenting on this mass-delusion.

Which is what I also consider Islam to be.

Although far more tenacious and pernicious.

Posted by: profitsbeard at April 17, 2007 6:01 PM

Poison?

Only in the sense that you use snake venom to provide a cure for the snakebite.

I don't believe in Islam, but why should that prevent me from discussing it?

One might not believe in "witches", but, to talk about the medieval world, you canot avoid commenting on this mass-delusion.

Which is what I also consider Islam to be.

Although far more tenacious and pernicious.

Posted by: profitsbeard at April 17, 2007 6:01 PM

(The internet must have hicupped...because I only pressed POST once.)

Posted by: profitsbeard at April 17, 2007 6:03 PM

"I don't want her to poison anyone's mind,"

That statement points to why Muslims aren't ready to live in democratic societies where there is free speech and the free exchange of ideas. It's up to each individual to decide what they believe, to listen to all sides and then make up their own mind. The Islamic way is to act like an unthinking robot, preprogrammed to believe everything Allah and his prophet says.

Posted by: Roxane at April 17, 2007 6:45 PM

"I don't want her to poison anyone's mind," Mahmood A. Qazi, the center's founder and past president, told the Tribune-Democrat in Johnstown. "She doesn't believe in God. How can she talk about God?"

So he's calling her an 'infidel'. Incidentally the title of her most recent book.

PS. If he used the word "God" I daresay he used it in vain. Let noone say these moslems have no chutzpah!

Posted by: Allahfanculo at April 17, 2007 6:50 PM

I don't want her to poison anyone's mind," Mahmood A. Qazi

The Ummah is being outed by a former follower so yes she is poison by their logic. She could reach some of those muslims who want to leave but are frightened for good reason.

This is the main reason why I am such a Hirsi Ali fan. Of course she is some what of a "prima donna" at times which rubs some people the wrong way BUT I feel she is a pain in the ass for muslims like Qazi. She could taint the flock! Make some muslims go awol not to mention inform many people with a special ability to move infidel liberals who can still think or those moderates on the fence.

Of course there are many other former muslims who are also doing great work. I am not saying they can't but all you have to do is mention Hirsi Ali to any devout hard core muslim and watch their eyes glaze over like a shark about to attack.

If you are a typical liberal man she presents a problem..

Do you side with a crusty bearded cleric going about allah or a very attractive non-european female going on about women's rights?

Oh she is such a problem! Once the muslim jihadist lose the liberals or least half of them it is really all over for them and the gloves come off.

Posted by: greatcometof1577 at April 17, 2007 9:10 PM

"I am curious as to why she doesn't make more media appearances though. Is she not being asked, or is she trying to keep a more modest profile for security reasons?"

I for one would love to see her on The View, and watch as her cool, calm rationality devolves rosie into a sputtering pile of goo. LOL

Posted by: kelisw at April 17, 2007 9:47 PM

This wonderful, plucky Somali lady reminds me a lot of David in the Old Testament's David and Goliath parable.

I am personally most grateful that Ms. Ali chose to come to America. We need more of her type! (much more than we need Hillary Clinton).

Posted by: pythagoras at April 17, 2007 10:12 PM

I saw Hirsi Ali a few weeks ago in Soho.. a blustery Saturday afternoon.. I won't detail her entourage for obvious reasons.

She looked frail and harried from across the street. Which is where I remained and kept walking..

No need to draw attention to her.. the enemy is all around us.

Posted by: Allahfanculo at April 17, 2007 10:20 PM

I for one would love to see her on The View, and watch as her cool, calm rationality devolves rosie into a sputtering pile of goo. LOL
Posted by: kelisw

Oh, the Rosie PIGFAT!! All on behalf of her moslem masters.. Rosie o Rosie.. don't you see.. they say that swine are impure... :-)

Look in the mirror, Rosie..

Think "Moonraker", Rosie :-)

But then.. "Jaws" had not only better looks than you, but also WAY more brains and most importantly - HEART!

Posted by: Allahfanculo at April 18, 2007 12:19 AM

Why is she not the speaker at a dozen commencements, insted of the usual clintons and gateses?

Bill Gates is a pompous ass.

Most people think that he had a hand in the wonders of computer technology we now enjoy, when in fact his manipulative greed, technical incompetence, inept management, and fervid dedication to low quality have put us back 20 yrs.

Posted by: Alarmed Pig Farmer at April 18, 2007 4:26 AM

Truth is knowledge and knowledge shall set you free...simple really. If everyone was allowed to hear from more people like her, then there would be more turning against the jihadis and fighting this war. The Muslims in power are deathly afraid of the truth. It would the end of them if it were known. I hope more colleges and universities and media outlets have Hirsi Ali and others like her on to speak out. Talking about the issues of Islam and what it means and what it wants is the only way to bring out the truly moderate voices...we need to squelch the fear factor against them and help them speak out.

Posted by: TeamNfdL at April 18, 2007 6:51 PM

Bill Gates is a pompous ass.

Most people think that he had a hand in the wonders of computer technology we now enjoy, when in fact his manipulative greed, technical incompetence, inept management, and fervid dedication to low quality have put us back 20 yrs.

Posted by: Alarmed Pig Farmer

APF - you got THAT right. Gates is proof that mediocrity rises to the top. It's non-threatening.

Windows was stolen from Apple who'd stolen the concept of files an folders from Xerox.

So when it came time to demo Windows they were so unready that Bill ran video instead of using a computer.

Someone in the back played the video on cue as the demonstrator "moved" to cursor with his mouse and made various things happen.

Micro$oft always used Apple [not that they are so great either] as their R&D department. Much cheaper than to pay for these things by yourself.

Windows still has more bugs than a roach motel thats spent an August in Times Square.

Bill Gates is the quintessential snake oil salesman.

Sadly, so is Steven Jobs.

Madonna has nothing on these guys in the way of self-promotion!

Posted by: Allahfanculo at April 18, 2007 6:51 PM

From the Philadelphia Daily News

http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/20070313_SOME_WOMEN_MORE_EQUAL_THAN_OTHERS.html

SOME WOMEN MORE EQUAL THAN OTHERS
By DONNA BAVER ROVITO

ZILLA HUMMA Usman and Ayaan Hirsi Ali may be the bravest women on the planet.

Not brave like they might lose their jobs or be insulted for speaking out about workplace inequities, or they might get cold or wet demonstrating against "Bush's war."

I mean really brave, like they might be shot or stabbed or stoned or set on fire for having the courage to fight for the rights of Muslim women who are being oppressed, mutilated, abused, raped or even killed for the crime of being a woman.

Sadly, one of these brave women, Pakistani provincial minister Usman, IS dead - killed because she wasn't wearing a head scarf and held pubic office. "I just obeyed Allah's commandment," said gunman Mohammad Sarwar. "I will kill all those women who do not follow the right path." Many fundamentalist Muslims apparently feel the same way, if the number of "honor killings" in Pakistan - and in Germany, Canada and Australia- is any gauge.

The president the National Organization for Women immediately issued a statement denouncing Usman's murder and praising her work, calling on feminists throughout the world to continue her fight for gender equality for Muslim women.

Oh, wait . . . no, she didn't.

Neither NOW nor its Web site said anything about this brutal murder or the loss of this significant female leader. Not a word. (There is, however, an important piece on the site about how " 'Desperate Housewives' Misleads Viewers About Teen Contraception.")

Ayaan Hirsi Ali, the Somali-born author of "Infidel," learned of a death threat against her when it was stabbed into the nine-times-shot-and-nearly-beheaded body of Theo Van Gogh. They had collaborated on a short film called "Submission" about the oppression of women in conservative Islamic cultures.

Forced out of her adopted home of Holland, where she was member of Parliament, Hirsi Ali now lives in the United States, where she was warmly welcomed by sister feminists from NOW, which offered her a weekly column about Muslim women's rights on its Web site and features her writings prominently in its Books section, as well as a link to download "Submission."

Oh, wait . . . no, they didn't.

There isn't a single entry about Ayaan Hirsi Ali on the NOW Web site. (But there IS a helpful video about "how advertising effects women's body image, health and self-esteem.")

There isn't a single book about Islamic gender apartheid among the 48 books on the NOW Web site. There are, however, six books bashing George Bush, a book attacking Mormon treatment of women and others advocating gay marriage - but nothing about forced marriages, honor killings, rapes, beatings or other forms of oppression suffered by Muslim women.

Fortunately, the American Enterprise Institute does offer Ali's books and a forum on which she can express thoughts like: "A culture that carves the genitals of young girls, hobbles their minds and justifies their physical oppression is not equal to a culture that believes women have the same rights as men . . . Just as we put an end to slavery, we must end the gendercide."

Their Web site claims that NOW's goal is "equality for all women" and fighting those who want to "keep women in their place." But they seem to have no outrage for the hideous place in which Islamic fundamentalists keep their women.

NOW has plenty of outrage, though, for Christian leaders they call "the American Taliban," anyone who doesn't support gay marriage and unrestricted abortion, and the "bully-in-chief" himself, George W. Bush, whom they targeted in a recent "peace march" in Washington, demonstrating their solidarity with some of the worst oppressors of women in the world - fundamentalist Islamic regimes.

In this case, I suspect that the enemy of their enemy (Bush) is not really their friend.

All of which makes me want to paraphrase Orwell's famous line about hypocrisy: "All women are created equal - but some women are more equal than others."

The women who are more equal might be identified as elitist non-religious Western feminists who support abortion, gay marriage and Hillary Clinton, and who just hate George W. Bush.

Sadly, at least in the eyes of America's most visible women's group, some women who are not as equal as others apparently include those subjugated by radical - and sometimes not so radical - practitioners of Islam throughout the world.

America and the rest of the western world's feminists are suffering from a self-absorption that fails to see the world outside their own sphere of privilege.

But they're also suffering from the trivialization and politization of what once used to be a noble fight for ALL women's rights.

Posted by: DBR at April 20, 2007 9:49 AM