I trust you remember the Beach Boys’ classic hit “Surfin’ Sephardi.” Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia that any web surfer can edit, has always been a haven for surfin’ ideologues and nutcases. And now they have figured me out: “His Jewish background is cited the main reason for his ant-islamic thesis.He is originally of Sephardic Jewish background.” I see that this deliciously ridiculous section, sent to me by Jihad Watch reader Moondog, has been taken down — but it was too revealing, with its barely coherent paranoia and open antisemitism, to consign unremarked to the dustbin of e-history:
Critics have snubbed Spencer for his confused character which they say,is mirrored in his writings.He is considered psychologically impotent to be a scholar and his writings are mainly based on internet browsing.Most Arab and Western media personaal are even ignorant of his presence as a biased orientalist.The most common accusations he has to face are his zionist cause.His Jewish background is cited the main reason for his ant-islamic thesis.He is originally of Sephardic Jewish background.Publications in major US dailies of his works is mocked by critics as they are alreaddy know n to be Zionist tools.Furthermore neutral Political Scientists throughout the Western world consider his articles as ludicrous and laughable.His Jewish looks are evident of his cover as a catholic as to propagate and incite hatred towards Muslims.
What remains in the Wikipedia entry about me is not much more accurate or pertinent to my work than this, but it isn’t nearly as funny. Seriously, however, it is worth noting that neither this section nor the rest of the Wikipedia entry can pinpoint anything I say about Muslims or Islam that is actually untrue. Whether it’s CAIR or Omid Safi or Stephen Schwartz or anyone else, my critics can only issue blanket dismissals of my accuracy (without providing any examples), or mutter about my alleged true allegiances and dark motives, or try to smear me for statements I did not make.
These tactics doubtless impress the ignorant and credulous, but others are not so willing to be diverted from the real issues.