• Why Jihad Watch?
  • About Robert Spencer and Staff Writers
  • FAQ
  • Books
  • Muhammad
  • Islam 101
  • Privacy

Jihad Watch

Exposing the role that Islamic jihad theology and ideology play in the modern global conflicts

Hugh Fitzgerald: The Education of Donald Trump

May 15, 2016 9:15 am By Hugh Fitzgerald

Donald Trump

The new golden boy of multicultural politics and Moderate Islam, Mayor Sadiq Khan of London, fresh from his electoral triumph, told an interviewer on May 13 that he would like to “educate” Donald Trump about Islam. Certainly Trump, like many of those who oppose him, could stand to be educated about Islam, but what he needs to know is not what Sadiq Khan surely has in mind. Sadiq Khan plans for his tutorial a few innocuous verses from the Qur’an that are always trotted out by the “moderates”: 2:256 and 5:32 without 5:33 (we’ll be getting to them later on). He also no doubt plans to offer Trump a potted history of Islam’s conquests, and a sanitized version of Muhammad’s biography, that will leave out as much of the gory bits as he, Sadiq Khan, thinks he can get away with omitting. And a good time will be had by all, if by all we mean Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton and Bill de Blasio. It won’t do.

It is not that Trump has been misinformed, but that he has not been sufficiently informed to do more than speak in dismissive generalities about Islam. He knows there is something worrisome about Islam, and thinks – sensibly – that it might be a good idea to put a stop to Muslim immigration “until we figure out what is going on.” Who could disagree? Well, apparently a great many of those people who, knowing so little about Islam, assume they know all they need to know, and believe there is nothing more to “figure out” – they could and do disagree with the “islamophobic” Donald J. Trump.

Now instead of softening his previous statements by re-labelling them as “suggestions,” Trump might have held off and done what Muslims fear most, which is to educate himself, and without their “help,” about Islam. He’s a combative sort, and were he to put in hours of study of the canonical texts (and Robert Spencer has published a verse-by-verse exegesis, Blogging the Qur’an, that Trump would find most useful) – and not allow himself to be scared off by the usual claims, e.g., that non-Muslims simply can’t understand the Qur’an because they don’t know Arabic, or can’t interpret a verse or a Tradition (Hadith) correctly unless they know the “context,” the results could be salutary and bracing. Imagine that Trump, fortified with his new knowledge, came out from his corner quoting, able to clarify for his rapt audience what the Qur’an contains, and what the Hadith are, and why both matter to Muslims as sources of authority. Imagine a Trump able to explain how, through the interpretative doctrine of naskh, or abrogation, Muslims are able to reconcile contradictory passages in the Qur’an by abrogating the earlier, “softer” verses in favor of the later, more uncompromising verses. Imagine a Trump who could focus attention (and he now garners far more attention than any other candidate) on a few dozen or so of the most disturbing “Jihad verses” that are cited by ISIS and other terrorists as the textual justification for their behavior. When ISIS smites the necks of the Infidels, its killers are not silent; they tell us they are simply following 8:12 and 47:4 (or other relevant verses for other atrocities). In lieu of uttering general and sometimes vague remarks, Trump can locate his worries in specific verses. “Until we figure out what is going on,” while reasonable, is not as forceful as “so, we need to take a look at those verses Muslim killers keep quoting, such as 8:12 and 47:4 and 9:5 and 9:29 – lemme just read out some of these to you…(here Trump quotes Qur’anically ad libitum).” Trump could force the issue, and brusquely deal with the expected excuses: “Yeah, somebody told me because I don’t know Arabic I can’t really understand these verses, but 80% of the world’s Muslims don’t know any Arabic – and no one says that they can’t possibly understand Islam” or “Don’t go telling me these verses can only be understood in a particular historical context — Muhammad is the ‘perfect man’ (al-insan al-kamil) for all time.” I cannot imagine any candidate except Trump daring to hold up for inspection Muhammad’s marriage to little Aisha, or Muhammad’s expression of pleasure at hearing of the assassinations of Asma bint Marwan and Abu ‘Afak. But he needs to learn, and be ready to deploy in his forthright fashion, these facts and more. This would enrage Muslims, and other defenders of the faith, precisely because Trump would be adducing those biographical episodes (about little Aisha, the Khaybar Oasis, the Battle of the Trench, the poetess Asma bint Marwan, the sex slave Safiyya bint Huyayy) that Muslims, however much for granted they take these things, also know that among the Unbelievers such “details” could be a source of deep embarrassment.

Sadiq Khan, now sensing that Trump is on the defensive (having re-characterized his blunt remarks as “suggestions”), will likely have the chutzpah to continue to insist that “Islam” means “peace.” He will certainly quote 5:32, possibly even as it appeared in Obama’s 2009 remark: “Mr. Trump, perhaps you’ve forgotten – even though your own president Barack Obama quoted verbatim – what the Koran says about killing at 5:32. He said, and I quote, ‘The Holy Koran teaches that whoever kills an innocent, it is as if he has killed all mankind; and whoever saves a person, it is as if he has saved all mankind.’” But then Trump, properly prepared, could come back immediately with: “Hey, you forgot 5.33. Remember? Here it is: ‘The only reward of those who make war upon Allah and His messenger and strive after corruption in the land will be that they will be killed or crucified, or have their hands and feet on alternate sides cut off, or will be expelled out of the land.’ That doesn’t sound so peaceful to me.”

And there is still that other Qur’anic verse always trotted out in defense of a kinder, gentler Islam: “There is no compulsion in religion” (2.256). Imagine Sadiq Khan quoting that staple of Muslim propaganda with smug assurance, convinced that Trump will not have ready a Retort Plausible. And imagine what Trump’s reply could be if he has been properly prepped about the Jizyah: “Oh no, Sadiq? You think the Jizyah-tax is nothing? What if everyone in Europe had to pay 50,000 euros a year in order to stay alive and avoid having to convert to Islam? Just how many people do you think would pay the 50,000 euros? Come on! If that isn’t ‘compulsion,’ I don’t know what is.” What could Sadiq suavely respond?

Sadiq Khan, his smooth front now furrowed, may want to wait a while for a rematch. He’s got a lot on his plate, determined as he is to show those doubting Infidels how moderate he is, and Islam, too, if rightly understood. He’s planning a trade mission to Tel Aviv, which presumably is meant, in its obvious “some of my best friends” way, to signify that all those charges of Muslim antisemitism are baseless. And he’s certainly got to make time to reply to his many well-wishers, including Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Angela Merkel, and Bill de Blasio, and so many others whose congratulations are also self-congratulations.

As for Donald J. Trump, hope that he burns the midnight oil, with Qur’an and Hadith and the right guides to both, in order that he might put his combativeness, and even his studied outrageousness, as imagined here, to their best and highest use.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)

Follow me on Facebook

Filed Under: Featured, Hugh Fitzgerald, Muhammad, Qur'an Tagged With: Donald Trump, Sadiq Khan


Learn more about RevenueStripe...

Comments

  1. VRWC member77 says

    May 15, 2016 at 9:19 am

    trump cares only for trump and nothing else. He’s too lazy to do any real research on Islam. I also think he’s afraid of what he might find out…..which means he’d actually have to confront the problem of Islam.

    • Keith says

      May 15, 2016 at 10:38 am

      That applies equally to Clinton, Sanders, almost any other US Presidential candidate, Cameron, Merkel, Hollande, Trudeau and all other western politicians. Please don’t just single out Trump.

      • Kepha says

        May 15, 2016 at 5:06 pm

        As for Clinton and Sanders, both of them are downright malicious towards any traditional Christians. While I have never been a fan of Trump, I note that Tucker Carlson observed the numbers of us Evangelicals flocking to Trump because they think he might be a better “bodyguard”. I would also suggest that the Evangelicals also are people who take the Establishment Clause very seriously (contrary to the aggressive secularist mythos, which in turn reflects Potter Stewart’s Abginton Township dissent concerning the establishment of “secular humanism”). Trump’s apparent position as a businessman from outside the legal-governmental-academic complex which has been so hostile to Evangelicals also holds appeal.

        Last of all, the Leftist legal-governmental-academic complex which is now split between Shrillary Shroooooooo and Burnt Sandpaper, despite its love of sexual deviation, has also declared an alliance with Islam, including of the MB kind. This is one reason why, if Trump has any ghost of a chance at winning my deep indigo state, I will hold my nose and vote for him.Otherwise, I’ll write in Cruz or vote either LIbertarian or Constitution Party for President, and support GOP in Congressional, Senatorial, judicial, and local races.

        My guess is, though, that a President Trump will probably find most of his suspicions and worries confirmed in the intelligence briefings he will be given (and will probably trust his lying eyes over the “expertise” on which official Washington tends to draw).

        • Peter Charles says

          May 16, 2016 at 7:00 pm

          If you vote for anyone other than Trump, you are voting for hillary. Not what we might like, but true, and Trump, flawed as he is, is a much much better choice than hillary.

    • eloivsdiablo says

      May 15, 2016 at 10:45 am

      “until we figure out what is going on.”
      Finally a prominent politician is at least questioning ‘what is going on’ and deserves support rather than a personal attack from some ignorant individual(s) with an axe to grind…

      • VRWC member77 says

        May 15, 2016 at 4:31 pm

        “Finally a prominent politician……” but he’s NOT a “prominent politician” so HE says.

        He’s a con artist preying on the ignorant…….in my highly regarded and extremely humble opinion.

        • Ethel Mertz says

          May 15, 2016 at 6:25 pm

          The only person holding your opinion in high regard is…..YOU. Not, as you say, very humble.

        • VRWC member77 says

          May 16, 2016 at 7:27 am

          “…..in my highly regarded and extremely humble opinion.” *sarc off* Sorry about that.

        • vcragain says

          May 16, 2016 at 9:45 am

          yep – ‘con artist’ is the only description that fits this moron !

    • Don McKellar says

      May 15, 2016 at 11:10 am

      You are the one who is afraid, VRWCmember77. I have explained what Trump is doing in my post below. His is a brilliant strategy, lost on those who can’t think on the same global scale he does.

      • VRWC member77 says

        May 15, 2016 at 4:28 pm

        Hey Don,

        I suggest you stick to your side of the political pond as opposed to shooting from –“what you think you know”– the hip.

        “He is brilliant on strategy” Really? have you mulled it over with the coward? Did you give him the juvenile idea of calling the editors at Charlie stupid (in so many words) for getting “ratings attention” with their muhammed cartoons as opposed to going the smart route of bankruptcy? That’s a great “global strategy.”

        Did you tell him it was a great strategy to jump on the wind blowing bandwagon when it suited his purpose by first condemning Pamela for picking on muslims and then (vane switch) calling for a muslim ban after the S.B. attack?….great “global strategy” there again, Don.

        I’ve watched this guy and his blowhard con artist ramblings for over 30 years. I was born N.Y. So don’t try and tell me what this guy is all about. It would be fun to poke at what I think of as, this punk-of-a-con artist, if it wasn’t for the fact that this is very serious and he may actually win the presidency.

        • Hope says

          May 15, 2016 at 6:20 pm

          VRWC member77, I respect your opinion regarding Trump. I was not happy with Trump’s response to the Garland, TX attack myself – he was totally wrong and missed the whole point on that one!

          But, at this point, Trump is our best bet – he is all we have. I voted for him in the Primary and will do so again in November. No other candidate has been bold enough to speak out against islam (credit goes to Ted Cruz for making some effort), and Shrillary is in bed (literally) with the Muslim Brotherhood. Think what will happen if the Democrats win this election.

        • Mark Swan says

          May 16, 2016 at 2:03 am

          None of us got the country to say, hey yeah, how about those Muslims…Mr.Trump did.

          No one is crazy about Him…but this is exactly what these Obama, Clinton, and Sanders
          supporters need…someone that draws many millions of backers that don’t agree with them.

        • VRWC member77 says

          May 16, 2016 at 7:42 am

          @Hope,

          I understand your point. You mention Ted Cruz. Granted, he picked Fiorina as a running mate and she was critical of Pamela. That does bother me. But he understands the problem 100 times better and in a much more serious way than trump does.

          trump hasn’t sown this thing up yet. The credentials of his delegates will be challenged (as they have been at all past GOP conventions for all candidates) at the convention. Cruz has spoken with a number of 1st ballot trump delegates. Many of these delegates have agreed to switch their 1st ROUND ballot vote if trump doesn’t release his tax returns. There is a rule stating they can legally do so. It’s an extreme long shot for Cruz but I’ll take any shot before I reside myself to a choice between a Marxist feminist criminal and an unhinged con-man.

        • aaron mrand says

          May 16, 2016 at 9:05 am

          well now..does the Donald piss you off? Really? Well GOOD and grow accustomed to
          it raghead because you ARE gonna see a Lot more of it from this Side of pond. Any one
          who supports the behavior of the muslim in Europe…the religion of peace…..deserves all
          the ridicule and Worse that they get…….

    • Carolyne says

      May 16, 2016 at 9:38 am

      Donald Trump, while he might not be the last, great hope for civilization, is the only hope appearing on the political scene. Would you have a president who will not condemn the Saudi treatment of women, a person who reaps great monetary rewards from said government? Would you have a woman who will nominate extreme liberals to the Supreme Court to fill maybe five seats in the coming four to eight years?
      Do you wish to lose your First and Second Amendment rights? That is the result you will surely see if Hillary Clinton is elected president.

      “There are none so blind as those who will not see.”

      • LR says

        May 17, 2016 at 6:10 am

        Carolyne,

        “Do you wish to lose your First and Second Amendment rights? That is the result you will surely see if Hillary Clinton is elected president.”

        I’m wondering why you think that?

  2. utis says

    May 15, 2016 at 9:33 am

    Who does this guy think he is? He’s Lord Mayor of London, not Prime Minister. He should keep his nose out of our business and busy himself herding the London dhimmis.

    • JawsV says

      May 15, 2016 at 9:46 pm

      Have you seen Khan’s arrogant photos? Disgusting. How could they elect a Mohammedan. It’s mind-boggling. No wonder I’m reading “Londonistan” right now. The book is by Melanie Phillips, 2006. Everyone should read it.

      • Carolyne says

        May 16, 2016 at 9:38 am

        Who voted for this Muslim clown? They deserve him.

  3. celticwarriorcanada says

    May 15, 2016 at 9:59 am

    Agree ! Trump needs to find out for himself “what the hell is going on!” Sadiq Khan is a Greasy Lying Little Weasel . Remember the days when the I.R.A. were so willing to Risk All , to assassinate and blow up British Officials etc ?? Nobody left like that in the U.K. anymore? Sorry ! my heart is getting ahead of my brain again ! P.S.Excellent Point Hugh !!!

  4. Don McKellar says

    May 15, 2016 at 10:55 am

    So quickly many of the people on Jihad Watch comment boards are to throw Trump under the bus. It’s as if none of them seem to realize, not even Robert, that Trump has not yet secured the nomination! Has it not occurred to any that are damning Trump that a fair number of GOP figures are in the pocket of Islamic supremacists who finance them in part, offer lucrative deals with oil and defense companies they are associated with, and buy influence? Trump says things like “it’s a suggestion” in order to suggest in their minds that the door is not completely shut — they think then that somehow Trump can be molded to their corrupt world view. As long as they think there is a chance, they will reluctantly support him. Trump has to continue to finesse this stuff until he has ACTUALLY CLOSED THE DEAL. He has NOT closed any deal yet! There could still be some crazy “conservative” third party candidate pop up to spoil any chances and ensure a Hillary win. And who knows what sort of shenanigans could take place at the convention? Have none of you realized yet how twisted and byzantine the GOP process is yet?

    As for your article, you have a very good point, generally speaking. And AFTER Trump has sealed the deal and actually is running against Hillary, it would indeed be great if Trump emerges as being educated about Islam.

    But he doesn’t need to get anywhere near the level of informed that you suggest. Imagine how bored the electorate would be hearing him go on about this stuff — having to explain concepts like naskh, or abrogation? Citing all these dozens of examples. Eyes glazing over. Too much information. In order for Trump to succeed at such a thing he need do two things:

    1) Just like his campaign that has taken him so far, stick to 5 (five) especially damning quotes. And that’s it. In his campaign he has roughly five main topics that he pounds away at — and that’s all he needs. Mexico wall, China/Mexico/NAFTA trade renegotiation, moslem ban, repealing all broken Obama initiatives, rebuild military/renegotiate military support agreements. Five Points. The same should be true of his discussion of Islam. And always phrased so that the onus is upon those who would defend Islam. “Explain this to us ___________?” “Put this in context for us ________________?” How is this _______ peaceful?” He only needs five damning quotes that he can link to Islamic terror attacks and motivations, and whenever he brings them up, he slaps the responsibility for defending and explaining them on those who would defend Islam. He will win every time he does that.

    2) Then he hangs Hilary every time she tries to proclaim his ignorance or defend Islam. He throws the quote back in her face: “Explain it then!” And, as she will inevitably do, she will rely on her moslem handlers and “go to” deception peddlers to give her “ammo”. Now, Robert Spencer, you, Hugh, and many long-time readers of Jihad Watch, can pretty much guess what worn-out junk they’ll pull out. Their game plan never changes or evolves — because they have nothing. If Trump had his own “go to” advisor in the form of Robert Spencer, all he’d have to do is shoot a query to him and Robert Spencer would have the devastating take down for him instantly. And Trump can tweet it or, even if he had to, pull out a Koran at a rally and quote directly from that — just one quote, brief and dramatic for maximum effect — obliterating Hillary.

    In very short order, Trump would make Hillary shut the hell up and begin a massive national inquiry into the Islamic texts completely out of the control of the deceptive stealth jihadi spokesmen and their left-fascist enablers.

    Which gets to my last point in this far too long post. Trump’s whole strategy with his “until we can figure out what is going on” is to open up a massive national inquiry into Islam. It is to do what Jihad Watch does but on a much larger scale so that things actually change because the backlash of the truth against the Islamic supremacists and their left-fascist mainstream enablers is so great that they are washed away. Frankly, it is such a powerful singular concept: a ban on moslems until Islam can be publicly dissected for all to see what it is, that even if Trump doesn’t educate himself any further, and only carries through with that concept, not only America but the whole world will be changed in a very positive way.

    • Jay Boo says

      May 15, 2016 at 11:32 am

      I like that figurative use of speech about hanging Hillary.
      Instead of hanging, I recommend a court marshal for treason then guillotine the traitorous witch. After all, her MB lesbo mistress Huma considers beheading Islamic.

      • Mark Swan says

        May 16, 2016 at 2:28 am

        Don McKellar…thank You…You have put this into common sense perspective.

        If Mr. Trump gets the Bully-Pulpit…and has those right responses you mentioned
        from a savvy source…the National conversation will be opened on Islam and its intention.

        That’s about it.

    • Jay Boo says

      May 15, 2016 at 11:43 am

      As for Trump
      1 Some commenters support him wholeheartedly.
      2 Some support him with reservation.
      3 Some are against him.

      4 Some others are strangely like twigs in the ocean.
      — They follow along with flow in mindless abandon according to whether or not an article is supporting Trump’s position on a particular issue or not.

      Despite some reservations, I believe it is too late turn back now because the thought of Hillary getting into the Presidency is far too horrible to contemplate.

      • Lizzy says

        May 15, 2016 at 11:59 am

        I am a Brit…I know very little about D Trump and wouldn’t presume to interfere in the politics of another country but when it was reported in the British press that D Trump said he would like to figure out muslims before letting them into the US I thought this chap is on the ball.

        • CeltictotheBone says

          May 15, 2016 at 11:38 pm

          Hear Hear!!

        • Mark Swan says

          May 16, 2016 at 2:30 am

          Lizzy…He said what He said…in itself, that is a start, in the right direction.

      • Carolyne says

        May 16, 2016 at 9:42 am

        Kepha—I agree with all you say. No more Muslims or Muslim sympathizers on Saudi’s payroll in the White House.

    • Mirren10 says

      May 15, 2016 at 11:51 am

      Another thing Trump should do, when going against the Clinton hag, is to hammer without ceasing her lies about Benghazi, and constantly underline the fact she left Americans to die.

      • Mark Swan says

        May 16, 2016 at 2:41 am

        Mirren10…I think this Presidential race will be a good one…don’t You.

    • livingengine says

      May 15, 2016 at 5:01 pm

      Donald Trump died on May 3,2015 when he led the country in opposition to, not ISIS, but Pamela Geller.

      This wasn’t a bad hair day, but part of his campaign for the Presidency. I do not know what to compare this to in American history, but what we have is a man who will repeatedly deny Americans protection from ISIS attacks on American soil just so he can be President.

      That is what is going on.

      • Carolyne says

        May 16, 2016 at 9:44 am

        I do not contend that Donald Trump is a perfect person or even a perfect candidate. However, expecting perfection in a presidential candidate is a bit naïve. Mr. Trump is the best candidate running.

    • Kepha says

      May 15, 2016 at 5:18 pm

      I would hope Trump would take a good, hard look at core Islamic texts. Certainly Shrillary Shroooooo has proven herself way too susceptible to Islamic propaganda; and probably has been so susceptible since her days in high school and college (she is of the generation, like myself, for whom the Otterboggerfee of Malcomlm X [ghosted by Alex Haley] became a classic. ***groan***).

      My guess, though, is that a President Trump would probably find wrestling with points of Islamic theology a bit over his head. For that matter, he isn’t too well-informed about the Christianity to which he supposedly adheres (I admit I’m one of those who finds Paul appealing and the late Norman Vincent Peale of Trump’s boyhood church appalling) and belongss to that vague mass of Mainline so-called “Protestants” who apparently don’t even know that Jesus taught us to pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Mt. 6:12 AV).

      I’m not throwing Trump under the bus. As I’ve written before, if he has a ghost of a chance in my deep indigo state, I’ll gladly vote for him over the Shroooooooooooooo rather than write in or go Libertarian or Constitution Party for pOTUS–but to say that someone is a better choice than the brassy blonde Hildebeest Shrillary Shrooooooooooooo sets a very low bar for a presidential candidate. The Shroooo’s credible only because of the perverse opinions of much of the MSM.

      My main fear is that the Leftist foundations are now so strong in this country that the Shrooooo, like Khan in London, will be a shoo-in due to too many Americans remaining fearful of being tarred with the “bigot” brush (the chief reason, I believe, why the O won twice).

    • CeltictotheBone says

      May 16, 2016 at 12:09 am

      It’s an excellent strategy. Trump raised the hitherto unspoken concern about the massive civilization threat that is islam. It is now, indelibly in the rational American voters mind. The voting public that knows how critical dealing with the islam threat is, will not forget that it is on Trump’s short priority list.

      Elect him and hold him accountable for dealing with his priorities. Any other presidential option will result in just kicking the islam threat down the road again with increasingly ominous implications for you the American voting public and me and every other rational human on the planet. That number is circa 5.69 Billion.

      Population of the Planet = 7.5 Billion
      Crazed moslims = 1.5 Billion
      Crazed American Dems. = 100 Million
      Crazed European Leftists = 150 Million
      Assorted other Crazed Planet occupying nutbags = 100 Million for grand total of 1.85 Billion nasties.

      7.5 Billion – 1.85 Billion (nasties) = 5.69 Billion (worth preserving). Have at it Mr. Trump.

      Another excellent piece Mr. Fitzgerald.

      • CeltictotheBone says

        May 16, 2016 at 12:34 am

        Assorted other Crazed Planet occupying nutbags = 100 Million includes roughly 14 million Canadian Trudeau/Notley acolytes.

        It’s like watching Groundhog Day.

        After 7.5 years of that lunatic in the White House I now have to deal with his clone here in Canada for at least as long as it takes to recall it or vote it out or it slips in the shower. Some very special Irish Spring might do the trick.

    • RonaldB says

      May 17, 2016 at 11:48 am

      “Trump says things like “it’s a suggestion” in order to suggest in their minds that the door is not completely shut — they think then that somehow Trump can be molded to their corrupt world view…”

      Don,

      May I suggest you’re making a huge mistake. You’re assuming you can deduce Trump’s thinking or motivations by making logical leaps from what he said.

      This is extremely dangerous. We are aware that candidates lie, but it is the ideal situation for every candidate that they can make the electorate assume that the candidate thinks as they do, without actually saying so. That way, they can very plausibly deny making a promise when they disappoint their electorate.

      That Trump is a con-man, there is no doubt. All you have to do is to watch the advertisement he made for Trump University. Trump promises wealth and individual attention to the graduates of the university, and seems to have turned it over to a fellow con-man and never given it a thought once it became established.

      And yet, sometimes con-men have their uses. Think of the Music Man or the Rainmaker. They took the towns to where they needed to go.

      I think Trump will be more-or-less bound by the points he has clearly established. He will build a wall against the invasion on the southern border. He will repeal the lawless Obama policies. He will renegotiate US trade agreements, and protect US worker interests. He will withdraw from dangerous foreign military adventures, such as Syria or, worse, the Baltic countries which are in the Russian sphere of influence where a nuclear exchange could easily be triggered.

      Remember the fate of George WH Bush, who made his famous pledge…”Read my lips. No new taxes”.

      Dick Armey famously told Bush to not sign the tax bill, or he would be a one-term President. Bush signed it, and was a one-term President. So, a clear commitment during campaigning is a powerful incentive on a President.

      You will not be able to count on Trump banning Muslim immigration. He specifically renounced that as a commitment. You cannot use that as an argument in favor of Trump: it would be misleading to both your listeners and to yourself. He will crack down on illegal immigrants and those who overstay their visas. Let us recall that several of the 9-11 hijackers had student visas on which they overstayed. A crackdown on that practice would probably have disrupted the 9-11 attack.

  5. Lizzy says

    May 15, 2016 at 11:23 am

    The pity is that we have this ideology swarming Europe that poses as religion but a religion most unlike any religion we have ever witnessed.

    It’s all right S Khan saying read the handbook or offering to take the reader through the handbook to prove how beautiful and peaceful this ideology really is but we see with our own eyes the current wars and skirmishes around the world, many of which are against Christians, Hindus, Atheists etc., and all involving the adherents of this ideology…islam.

    Actions speak louder than words. I find the actions of islamics around the world to be utterly heinous. Perhaps S Khan could study that and then come back with his placatory words.

    • Mark Swan says

      May 16, 2016 at 3:01 am

      I agree Lizzy…action also produces results…since Muslims have nothing good to base their goals on,
      the results will fall short…too many of them, will not be able to control the potential to produce bad result, through bad actions.

    • aaron mrand says

      May 16, 2016 at 9:24 am

      truly ENOUGH discussion re the Good points re islam…how long do you debate with an unruly child before
      there is some form of punishment meted out? How many more rapes, thefts, explosions (suicide bombers),
      murders, demands for ?equality?, etc….does it take before someone says…,”that’s it. enough” and throws
      the bastards out with a clear message…”do not come back”….persona non grata with extreme prejudice…
      You people in Europe who welcome these hairy bastards in with open arms are getting exactly what you
      have earned….jihad…..and the muslim could care less for your gestures of good will…the nicer you are to
      them the more that they will take and take and take until they have like locusts devoured the entire continent and then they will turn it into the same type hellhole from which they came…..STOP with the
      “gossip” about Donald Trump. At least he has a set and is determined to do something regarding the
      muslim horde and their mandate of death and destruction….

  6. Richard Paulsen says

    May 15, 2016 at 11:23 am

    London Mayor Khan is lying and Donald Trump is telling the truth? Truth or lie? Just to decide and vote for what you think is right or wrong.
    Obvious what is going on. At first several islamic attempts during centuries to conquer Europe militarily. Then billions from the Western world in help for decades. Now demanding islam in the Civilized world building mosques. Gruesome terroristattacks. No question of what is going on.
    Noone can avoid seeing. Politicians can´t escape their responsiblity by hiding their heads in the sand. Donald Trump doesn´t.
    God bless him, his Family, America and the civilized world.

    • Custos Custodum says

      May 15, 2016 at 1:42 pm

      (1) Sadiq Khan has called moderate Muslims “Uncle Toms.”

      (2) Khan is a British-born Pakistani who presumably does not read and understand Arabic. (He may know the alphabet which is also used to write Urdu.)

      (3) As our gracious host Robert Spencer has pointed out, Britain is in whole-sale surrender mode. (Recall that bizarrely, Mr. Spencer himself, Michael Savage, Geert Wilders etc. were banned from visiting the UK under the Labour administration, and the ban is being maintained under the current administration of Abdullah “Call-Me-Dave” Cameron and Amina “Theresa” May.

      The British establishment’s wholesale surrender to Islam can only be explained if one assumes that substantial sections of the “deep state” had already become deeply compromised many years ago, and the transition to full sell-out mode started in the early Blair years.

      • Richard Paulsen says

        May 15, 2016 at 2:10 pm

        Wrong persons being banned obviously.

  7. William says

    May 15, 2016 at 11:31 am

    If Trump is to burn the midnight oil in the attempt to get up to speed on Islam, he must do it before becoming president. From my observation, presidents learn very little while in office. I don’t know why. Maybe the demands on their time is so great that they are unable to find time to study anything other than what’s put in front of them by their attendants.

    • Jay Boo says

      May 15, 2016 at 11:46 am

      Trump said we should stop Muslims from entering the US until we figure out what is going on. This is way more up to speed than anyone else in public office.

      • JawsV says

        May 15, 2016 at 9:52 pm

        Yes – but how hard is it to “figure out” Jihad? It’s not rocket science! How difficult is “Kill the Infidels until Islam reigns supreme.” I’m losing my patience with Trump because the whole damn Islam thing is so easy to “figure out.”

    • Jack Diamond says

      May 15, 2016 at 12:09 pm

      Like chasing a golf ball or Monica Lewinsky. Jimmy Carter found time to micromanage use of White House tennis courts and taking charge of a White House plumbing problem and parking assignments at the Department of Interior. Nixon had a bowling alley put back in the Executive Mansion. People find time for what is important to them.

      As for stopping Muslims from entering the US until we figure out what is going on, since it seems we are incapable of figuring out what is going on, the ban will be more or less permanent.

  8. jewdog says

    May 15, 2016 at 11:54 am

    Nice try, Hugh, and I certainly agree, but do you really think Trump reads books? Americans don’t read books anymore; they watch TV, a medium whose message comes from people who don’t read books either, at least since they graduated from LeftWing State.
    No, the only way to educate people is to do a documentary, but the one we would produce would never be allowed on TV.

    • Kepha says

      May 15, 2016 at 5:19 pm

      I’m afraid you’re right, jewdog. And I groan.

    • Ethel Mertz says

      May 15, 2016 at 6:43 pm

      What makes you think Trump doesn’t read? How do you know that most Americans don’t read books? Are you omnipresent? You can see what everone is doing? Yeah no one reads. That’s why the Kindle is such a popular item because no one reads.

      • jewdog says

        May 15, 2016 at 9:43 pm

        —What makes you think Trump doesn’t read?—
        While I generally agree with Trump on many issues, I’ve been very disappointed at his inability in the debates to display much detailed knowledge – he says he’ll hire the experts (hrmph!). Since his intellectual shallowness seems to have resonated with millions of voters, I must assume that the audience is similarly inclined. Republican voters rejected more knowledgeable candidates.
        That leaves the other half who are Democrats. If they read books, especially Robert Spencer’s works, they would not be Democrats.
        People must be buying Kindles for light fiction, or maybe kindling.

  9. Paul Hoffman says

    May 15, 2016 at 12:45 pm

    After explaining that he consults his brain on foreign policy, Donald Trump told the Washington Post today that one of his advisers on foreign affairs is “counter-terrorism expert” Walid Phares. It shouldn’t be that surprising that an anti-Muslim conspiracy theorist like Trump is taking advice from Phares, who believes that the Obama administration is “being advised and suggested to by Muslim Brotherhood either fronts or advisers or sympathizers” and “has decided to quit the ideological confrontation” against terrorist – See more at: http://www.rightwingwatch.org/category/people/walid-phares#sthash.tS0SAA62.dpuf

    • Jack Diamond says

      May 15, 2016 at 2:01 pm

      Right. Openly supporting the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, trumpeting them as the “moderate Islamist” alternative to violent jihad, as negotiating partners with the Taliban, allying with them in Libya and Syria,
      having your favorite domestic Muslim advocacy groups MB fronts like CAIR, MPAC, ISNA, the MSU–none of this suggests Obama favors the Muslim Brotherhood? Do you find something wrong with the MB then that Obama should not be linked to it? Or would you like to defend this record as something laudable?

      Was 9/11 a conspiracy? How about most of the 28,000+ terrorist attacks in the name of Islam since? How about the plots discovered daily, weekly with Muslims plotting murder and mayhem, usually tied to some mosque or imam? Have you read the Qur’an and Sunnah and manuals of Islamic law? I submit you have an open conspiracy here, not one requiring a theory at all. No theory beyond being familiar with Jihad & sharia (and Islamic history). Maybe you can do better than mocking opposing jihad by putting it in quotation marks and actually defend your positions. Can I assume your mocking of Walid Phares as a “counter-terrorism expert” extends to mocking Jihad Watch as well?

      • Jack Diamond says

        May 15, 2016 at 2:12 pm

        btw feel free to answer and refute point by point everything Hugh Fitzgerald has written here concerning Islam, oh wise one, as it must be of the “anti-Muslim conspiracy theorist” fringe.

      • Kepha says

        May 15, 2016 at 5:22 pm

        Sure, 9/11 was a conspiracy–but not one with which any agency of the USG or Israel had anything to do. It was hatched and carried out by a group of Muslims who hated the USA. You don’t need Biderbergers, Communists, the CIA, or the Learned Elders of Zion (Crikies! As an inactive Presbyterian elder with a Ph.D., I’d fall under that monniker myself if I lived back in the 17th century) to have a conspiracy.

    • Angemon says

      May 15, 2016 at 2:21 pm

      Paul Hoffman posted:

      “an anti-Muslim conspiracy theorist like Trump”

      A what now?

  10. Tony says

    May 15, 2016 at 1:27 pm

    VRWC is right to single out Trump because (unlike almost everyone else) his proposed ban on Muslim immigration has given a false sense of security to his supporters. First, there is no legal precedent for an outright ban on the basis of religion. Second, nothing is proposed for taking into account Muslims whose lives are at risk because they worked on behalf of US interests (such as the Dr. who is rotting in a Pakistani prison in for the crime of revealing the location of Bin Laden). I am far more confident that Cruz or even Carson (before he sold out to support Trump) in taking really concrete and sensible measures to restrict Muslim immigration. Trump appeals to people’s knee-jerk impulses and can turn on a dime when it suits his purposes. If it comes down to him or Hillary I will take a vomit bag and vote for Trump, but I am very disappointed at the Republican primary voters who fell under his spell.

    • Kepha says

      May 15, 2016 at 5:26 pm

      Tony, I strongly suspect that you and I are on the right page. Further, I strongly suspect that some of the Iraqi and Afghan kids I teach may well be here because their fathers or uncles worked for US interests. While I’d come down hard on anyone who wants to try another 9/11 (and would’ve seen Nidal Hassan shot ASAP after due process of law), i also recognize that we owe some people.

      • LR says

        May 17, 2016 at 1:22 pm

        Kepha,

        One story I heard was of a family who fled Afghanistan, because the warlord insisted on marrying the daughter, and when dad refused, the warlord beat him up. And that was just for starters I’m sure. There is nothing for families like that in their own country, and daughter wants to become a doctor.

        I give much credit for a dad like that in Afghanistan, where we know what the overal culture/warlords/Taliban are about.

        Besides the people we ‘owe’, I’d like to see US/Europe take priority for families like that, along with the persecuted Yazidis, and Coptics.

  11. Thomas says

    May 15, 2016 at 1:33 pm

    The single most important thing for anyone to understand about Islam (Trump especially).

    [Bukhari 4, 52, 268] Mohammed said, “Jihad is deceit.”

    Islam has a word for deception that advances its goals: taqiyya. Taqiyya is sacred deception.

    Warner, Bill. Sharia Law for Non-Muslims (A Taste of Islam Book 3) (Kindle Locations 576-578). CSPI Publishing, Inc.. Kindle Edition.

    • Thomas says

      May 15, 2016 at 2:56 pm

      I would like to add that the deceptions involved of course include out and out lies to any unbeliever, and even to other Muslims under certain circumstances. But also such cleverly concealed strategies as having ISIS publishing a hit list with the name of Hillary’s number one girl, to distract to from her Muslim Brotherhood ties. Well if ISIS wants her killed, she must not be one of them, right? Wrong, don’t you believe it!

  12. linnte says

    May 15, 2016 at 2:20 pm

    Hugh, call Trump’s advisor on Terrorism and offer your knowledge to Trump. You are exactly correct, that once the American people hear intelligent facts about Islam they will listen. And Trump will listen. He is a family man after all, with hopes for his grandchildren to live in a free society. I am a nobody and could make attempts at connecting with politicians all day and get no where. But someone with a reputable name could get through! Do it!

  13. Matt says

    May 15, 2016 at 2:24 pm

    “As for Donald J. Trump, hope that he burns the midnight oil, with Qur’an and Hadith and the right guides to both, in order that he might put his combativeness, and even his studied outrageousness, as imagined here, to their best and highest use.”

    This would be great, and Mr. Fitzgerald has really captured Trump’s “voice” in his hypothetical suggestions of how things could go; but (and this is one of the problems that the conservative base has had with Mr. Trump since the beginning of his campaign) he is unwilling to study and to take the presidency seriously. We’ve seen it time and time again in his vague, contradictory and/or shallow answers to things that he should, if intending to become President of the United States, be well versed in by now.

    Sadly, if Trump’s campaign so far is any indication, he won’t take the time to study Islam just as he hasn’t taken the time to study anything else that’s important to know as president. And, as we’ve seen over the last seven and half years, the presidency isn’t the place for on-the-job training.

  14. Eagle says

    May 15, 2016 at 5:15 pm

    What’s to know about the Muslim Culture. Just look around the world, look around the US, see the Muslim culture destroying America. CAIR is systematically working to destroy the American people and the Constitution of the US. CAIR’s tax free religious exemption should be removed. CAIR is trying to rig the democrat vote with their Muslim followers. Trump is right on with his agenda.

  15. Voytek Gagalka says

    May 15, 2016 at 5:16 pm

    “Muhammad is the ‘perfect man’ (al-insan al-kamil)”

    I am certain that it is pure linguistic coincidence but that Arabic translation associate itself immediately in my mind with… insanity (al-insan). I must be simply too “islamophobic” to even notice such coincidence and suggestive association that maybe that “perfect man” was INSANE indeed!

  16. Kepha says

    May 15, 2016 at 5:30 pm

    Hear, hear. I could think of few who’d be better heading up a commission on radical Islam that Rudy Giuliani, who, among other things, told the Saudis to F–k Off when they offered rebuilding aid in return for a denunciation of the Jews. Much as I hate Giuliani’s pro-abortion stance, I greatly respect how he handled the aftermath of 9/11. Such an appointment makes me warm a little towards Trump

    As for “her thighness” Shrillary Shroooooooooooo, I think she has her sights on the First Amendment as well as the Second.

    • Hope says

      May 15, 2016 at 6:40 pm

      I agree, Kepha, that Madame Kim Jong Hill would love to take away our First and Second Amendment rights! She is an evil individual and every bit as dangerous as Obama.

      • Mark Swan says

        May 16, 2016 at 3:59 am

        Yes Indeed Hope

  17. More Ham Ed says

    May 15, 2016 at 6:36 pm

    Around the world islamic “leaders” or muslims in a position of leadership (government or otherwise), are overwhelmingly concerned about non-muslims “misunderstanding” islam instead of being concerned about ISIS or BokoHaram “misunderstanding” islam – what does that tell you.

    “Send in the moderates” – to the tune of “Send in the Clowns”.

  18. JawsV says

    May 15, 2016 at 9:34 pm

    I too have hoped that Trump would move past “we have to figure out what is going on” into real knowledge about Islam, which isn’t difficult. It’s not difficult, Donald! Learn about Islam and Hugh is right – don’t ask Muslims for any “help” learning. You want help? Ask Robert Spencer.

  19. Rosewood11 says

    May 16, 2016 at 12:37 am

    Although this will seem off-subject, it isn’t. Bear with me.

    A couple weeks ago, Vladimir Putin offered citizens of Russia an opportunity similar to “Manifest Destiny.” A person will be given about 2.5 acres in Far Eastern/Northern areas of Russia, and if they farm it or put a business there, and remain 5 years, it is there’s to sell at that point if they so choose. Then came Sadiq Khan’s election as Londonistan’s first muslim mayor. Between that and the Brexit vote, Mr. Putin offered the same deal to UK citizens with the added proviso that they must become Russian citizens in order to keep the land at the end of the 5 years. Thinking they’d show Mr. Putin a thing or two, the tabloid British Express asked it readers if they’d take Mr. Putin’s deal. SURPRISE!!! 80% of respondents said YES!!!

    There’s a bit of education in that for not only Donald Trump, but the rest of the Western world: Stop the immigration of these swine now, or you’re going to be losing your own people sooner rather than later. By the way, here’s the article:

    http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/669935/80-per-cent-Brits-move-UK-to-RUSSIA-Putin-offers-free-land

  20. steve says

    May 16, 2016 at 5:03 am

    The quickest way to understand and obtain a fair view of the koran and Islam as a whole is to prise up very carefully and look under dog fesces or faeces, same shit, different spelling….

  21. Felix Quigley says

    May 16, 2016 at 6:35 am

    This issue is not yet finished but an amazing opportunity has been missed by many who call themselves anti-Jihadists or against Islamic Jihad. Not completely missed even yet, but Fitzgerald adds to the confusion of Spencer and Geller AND others.

    What did they expect of Trump? That a fully fashioned article would miraculously appear.

    The fact is that Trump did react to the San Bernadine Massacre by calling for a ban on Muslims entering the US.

    Nor was it a suggestion. It was a definite statement. Trump is wrong now in saying that it was a suggestion. He is wrong politically and strategically.

    Yet he did make the original call to ban Muslims from entering. He could easily have laughed at Khan on this issue and said of course since Londoners have picked you I will meet you in America.

    Yet the fact remains he did make the historic call.

    Now my point was and is that these anti-Jihads like Spencer in their extreme individualism and near hero woship judging by his followers, like cultists somethimes, did not receive the call of a ban in anything apporaching correctness, but with huge suspicion.

    Thus isolating Trump. Who faced the whole Media and ruling class in America and internationally on the very issue of the ban and stood firm for a heck of a long time

    Now Fitgerald and Spencer can say “OH I told you so”

    This is petty in the extreme and does not have the issue of the defeat of Islam at heart.

    • JawsV says

      May 16, 2016 at 8:20 am

      I don’t get your comment, Felix. What are we supposed to do? Trump’s Muslim ban is the primary reason I’m for him. I did take action and sent him a book about Islam last fall. From what I can tell he hasn’t read it. He’s still echoing his “until we figure it out” line. Who “isolated” Trump? What do you suggest we do? Also, Spencer and Fitzgerald are not “petty.” I’m sure they’re just as disappointed in Trump now offering as a “suggestion” the Muslim ban. And oh yeah we are ALL interested in defeating Islam. That’s the whole point.

    • Angemon says

      May 16, 2016 at 9:28 am

      Felix, how about you read what they actually wrote about Trump and his policy proposal rather than diss them and the people in the comment section?

      https://www.jihadwatch.org/2015/12/trump-ban-all-muslim-travel-to-u-s

      This is being greeted with the usual howls of outrage and victimhood. Trump’s a racist. Trump’s a Nazi. Trump’s a bigoted Islamophobe.

      I [Robert Spencer] am no fan of Trump, but is what he said here really so outrageous? No one has some natural right to enter the U.S. Trump is suggesting a temporary measure, and in view of the intelligence failures involved in Tashfeen Malik’s passing background checks from both the FBI and DHS, and the stated plan of the Islamic State (ISIS) to embed jihadis among the refugees, and the fact that two of the Paris jihadis were recent arrivals into Europe as refugees, it is prudent to call a halt and try to devise some genuinely effective vetting measures — although that will be impossible as long as Obama’s policy of denying the reality of jihad continues.

      “Nor was it a suggestion. It was a definite statement. Trump is wrong now in saying that it was a suggestion. He is wrong politically and strategically.”

      He said one thing and then back-pedalled. Is there a reason to why people who supported him for what he said should not stop supporting him now that he went back on his words and, even according to you, he’s in the wrong? I mean, other than being personally invested and not wanting to look bad

      • MaryC says

        May 16, 2016 at 7:04 pm

        Angemon,

        I recognize you have some of the best, most knowledgeable posts on this forum, many of which I’ve enjoyed immensely. I admit when I first read that Donald had changed his banning of Muslim immigration to a suggestion, my heart fell down to my to my toes. I think most likely what the problem is that he hasn’t literally back-pedaled, he merely misspoke. There is a term, which I’m thinking came from Mark Twain originally, named “word musician.” It means one who chooses the precisely right word to convey their meaning. Twain wrote the most delicious satire on the writing of James Fennimore Cooper, saying that he inadvertently ‘sharped and flatted’ his words all over the place. Obviously, Robert Spencer is a sublime word musician. The really experienced politicians are usually quite good. Mr. Trump has only been at politics less than a year now.

        Keep in mind he also seems to be excruciatingly sensitive to criticism; he’s been repeatedly criticized for being too thin-skinned! He’s had to deal with an unprecedented level of criticism and censure from so many quarters. Also keep in mind he’s a peerless verbal fighter and he’s a counter-puncher. I’ve heard him so many times be attacked by a MSM ‘journalist’ who is ‘interviewing’ him, who comes on strong hitting him hard with a prepared statement, Mr. Trump senses exactly how much force he’s being hit with, and he responds with even more force, turning the emotional tide in his favor! And at the same time he’s responding to the words, but he’s got even more focus on the emotion. All this with opponents half his age! He’s brilliant at this, the most brilliant I’ve ever heard. So we should forgive him if he unintentionally ‘flats’ or ‘sharps’ occasionally, even over a word as important as ‘suggestion’ is here. He’s a brilliant man and his word musicianship is improving with practice. This word choice is just plumb unfortunate here.

  22. Charles Martel says

    May 16, 2016 at 8:57 am

    Doesn’t Trump have Dr. Walid Phares as an advisor?

  23. Geppetto says

    May 16, 2016 at 4:19 pm

    “Hope springs eternal” but don’t bet the farm…….yet.

  24. MaryC says

    May 16, 2016 at 6:08 pm

    Fuel Filter,
    Awesome post! I agree Mr. Trump is an executive who lets those below him research and bring to him the details so he can make his decisions. He’s a strategic thinker. And who has he chosen to become his in-depth expert on Islam? None other than Rudy Giuliani, the former New York mayor who had called for the surveillance of mosques! You will recall Mr. Trump was severely attacked by the Mainstream Media for endorsing this very thing. It’s not that he’s incapable or unwilling to think about details; I think he’s backed off of giving a lot of details in order to not give the MSM so much to attack him over. I suspect his closest campaign strategists are having conversations with Mr. Trump now regarding how much detail of what kind delivered in what way he is going to need to defeat Hillary when they get to their debates.

    As for after he’s elected and gets to the stage of actually governing, it will be his Vice President who deals more with the details, especially in getting the Congress to go along with him. He’s already said it’s his number one guiding principle in his choice of VP. I really hope he sticks to that and doesn’t resort to some pick designed to pull in a certain segment of the electorate. Mr. Fitzgerald should contact former Mayor Giuliani with his understanding of the political agenda of Islam and any suggestions he has for stopping Islam. Did you see on Breitbart a few days ago a group of Hindus in India are praying to their gods to help Trump win the election? If the Hindus of India understand the threat of Islam and that Donald is the answer to the world’s prayers, for pity’s sake America, get a clue that Trump is our last, best hope!

  25. L Pailet says

    May 16, 2016 at 11:02 pm

    I’ve read and liked Geller and Spencer and Hirsi and Ibn Warraq and others. I admire their work and their courage and I am happy to read what they offer because they have devoted their lives to keeping information available and visible that is difficult for many to find Their overt attacks are necessary and they have done the job they have required of themselves. But they are not running for public office — they couldn’t — their blatantly factual attacks are marginalized by govts and press because they can be called extremist and the charge will stick because they are extremists in the sense that they refuse to back down even when they are marginalized. They stand in the frontlines. They see themselves as the sacrifices necessary for the truth to be revealed. Trump, on the other hand, is a business man. He knows not to come on too strong when there are those who can marginalize him and brand him as irresponsible and antagonistic before he can convince enough others of the efficacy of his “deal”. By stating his positions as he does, he provides a context of “let’s look at the terms we need to deal with”. He does not come out blatantly with statements that are so specific, if they are accepted as damning, they will be used to damn him convincingly. However, because of how he presents his statements, all he has to do is to show how moderate his statements actually are in the context in which he made them and then people realize what he is doing and how those who brand him an extremist are lying. In other words, he is a strategizer organizing his troops for the most advantageous terrain for the “battle”, not someone who leads the forlorn hope charge for others to take advantage of.

  26. Felix Quigley says

    May 17, 2016 at 3:06 am

    It has been absolutely disgraceful the way that Geller, Spencer and others inthis anti-Jihad movement, after doing some good work over some years, have effectively isolated Donald Trump in this election process. Of course they did carry one or two articles but I have often read whole web pages of Geller and Spencer without a mention of the election. The reality is that they have made anti-Jihad into a single issue campaign and do not see the great change that has been happening in America surrounding Donald Trump in this election. Trump has faced the horrific hostility day in day out, hour by hour, of all those reactionaries including the Media, that applauded when Spencer and Geller were banned from Britain. This included even Fox News and this Kelly person who had for a while her own single issue campaign against Trump – she claimed he was not a womens liberationist – which meant in her eyes he was prepared to criticise her. Spot the problem with Kelly. A true liberationist would welcome critique and answer. Kelly departed rational argument and tried to brand Trump with emotionalism.

    So what has carried Trump so far? To answer that you have to ask precisely who has he faced up against and who have been coming out to support him.

    In the first case he was faced by world reaction and not just American reaction. He has faced against the left who have been united with the top knobs in every country against Trump which shows imrdiately that the likes of the SWP and WSWS are not socialists but in league with the elites.

    In the second case Trump has been supported by in the main the “ordianry people” of America. In my opinion this is the first time that the American poor, especially the American working class and perhaps threatened farming people of the countryside along with them, have entered into political life in a way that has never ever happened like this in the long history of America. I do not want to overstate this but it is a thought. Those who are the most avid supporters of Donald Trump are certainly not from the elites. Furthermore Trump has been remarkably brave and very consistent in his overall life. Even this issue of the ban has not been put to bed by Trump if you read his total (suggestion) statement.

    This is what has carried Trump along in these memorable months: Firstly his own determination and courage and that of his family and his organization. Secondly a mass movement of people, mainly and definitely non-elites who are attracted to many things but mainly draw on the national liberational instincts of the American Great Revolution, back even to the 18th century and the war against the British. How apt that the BBC hates Trump so much.

    So the issues are big concerning Donald Trump. Have been and still are. Clinton is also an Islamist but an even worse one than Obama. She is a paid Islamist. Obama did it for love. She also threatens total barbarism in America and the world and the wholesale banning and arrests of those who will oppose Islam. An end to free speech if Trump is put down or out. The issues could not be grreater.

    Look at the people who have sat silent on this thread…Mortimer, Wellington…my opposition to Mortimer goes back to when he supported attacks on Yugoslavia by Izetbegovic and Clinton. This mirrors the way that Spencer and Geller have betrayed good previous work they have done by being abstentionist and isolating Trump in this massive issue of the election. This is only beginning and it will be impossible for Spencer especially to change horses mid-stream!

    So what is the future?

    Geller and Spencer, and outfits based on individualism like this Gates of Vienna outfit, Robinson in England, these are all courageous people yes, but they are based on a practice which is separated from the American people especially the working class.

    Geller found this almost by accident when masses of New Yorkers came out to defend her programme on the “Ground Zero Mosque”.

    Spencer writes books which is of value as is the work also of Geller, but they are individuals and operate as individuals. Along comes a mass movement and they opt out. Trump is also partly anyways right about Garland in a key regard.

    My position on Garland is I defend totally the event and organizers against barabrism. But also it raises these questions of how we defend ourselves…Who paid for the security at Garland in a situation where the government wants you dead anyway? The American wortking class is going to face these same threats and it has no money to BUY security … so my conclusion the Geller and Spencer model of struggle on Garland was at best questionable and at worst wrong. If you want to know who I am I write on facebook, my name in small letters divided by a full stop as usual, I do want to connect with American patriots as my family in Ireland is closely connected with America through the Famine Years Exodus.

    • Wellington says

      May 17, 2016 at 4:47 pm

      If an unjust government says that blacks can’t ride in the front of a bus or must give up their bus seat to a white person, the way you handle this is for blacks to sit in the front of the bus, refuse to give up their seat to a white person, a la Rosa Parks, or boycott the bus company. If an unjust religion says we’re going to kill you if you draw pictures of our prophet, the way you handle this is to draw pictures of their damn prophet.

      The Garland event was correct and put into operation by very brave people. So, I disagree with you on this as you can see.

    • Angemon says

      May 17, 2016 at 7:36 pm

      Felix Quigley posted:

      “It has been absolutely disgraceful the way that Geller, Spencer and others inthis anti-Jihad movement, after doing some good work over some years, have effectively isolated Donald Trump in this election process.”

      I’m surprised to learn that the CJ movement, whether via Pamela Geller, Robert Spencer or any of the unnamed members you allude to – people who are routinely slandered, vilified and non-platfformed by the media – have such a grip over the media that they can make them isolate a natural born showman such as Mr. Donald Trump.

      “Of course they did carry one or two articles but I have often read whole web pages of Geller and Spencer without a mention of the election.”

      You mean that Jihad Watch should turn into “Election Watch” or something?

      “The reality is that they have made anti-Jihad into a single issue campaign and do not see the great change that has been happening in America surrounding Donald Trump in this election.”

      Do you live in the real world, Felix? Who made that the single-issue of his campaign, other than Trump supporters on this site?

      “Trump has faced the horrific hostility day in day out, hour by hour, of all those reactionaries including the Media”

      Is Trump the only one being scrutinized by the media? Weren’t his fellow Republicans – sorry, I meant the Republican candidates – also under the microscope? Also, does Trump, a proven polemicist, care about this scrutiny and media coverage or does he thrive on it?

      “A true liberationist would welcome critique and answer.”

      I’ll hold you to that.

      “So what has carried Trump so far?”

      Mostly, I’d wager, the promise to build a wall with Mexico and to ban muslims from entering the US.

      “In the second case Trump has been supported by in the main the “ordianry people” of America.”

      Which he won over by, for example, promising to build a wall with Mexico and ban muslims from entering the US. He’s being supported because he’s the only one speaking about what the average Joe on the street cares about – cases in point, illegal immigration and islamic terrorism. There’s clearly a large chunk of the population that cares about those issues, and they have no political representation. The Democrats won’t touch those issues for one reason and the Republicans won’t touch it for another, so people who care deeply about them had no political representation. Enter someone who brings those issues front and centre, and presto!, people support him.

      “Look at the people who have sat silent on this thread…Mortimer, Wellington…”

      What, they should have jumped out to defend Trump? Why?

      “This mirrors the way that Spencer and Geller have betrayed good previous work they have done by being abstentionist and isolating Trump in this massive issue of the election.”

      How is not jumping into Trump’s bandwagon “betraying good previous work”? And how are they, who are routinely slandered, defamed and non-platformed by the media, allegedly “isolating” Trump? Trump farting in public is bound to have more media coverage than the Garland exhibition.

      How can Geller, Spencer, or anyone in the CJ movement “isolate” Trump when everything he says and does is broadcast and scrutinized? Do you know what would happen if Geller or Spencer were to come out and say “I support Trump”? The media would go “first David Duke and now Geller and Spencer? Does Trump have anyone supporting him that’s not a racist bigot?”. And, more importantly, they would be granting Mr. “radical Islamic terrorism” a legitimacy he has yet to prove he deserves.

      How is Trump “isolated” and, if he is, how is that the fault of anyone in the CJ movement?

      “This is only beginning and it will be impossible for Spencer especially to change horses mid-stream!”

      Well, he’s not Trump 😉

      “Geller and Spencer, and outfits based on individualism like this Gates of Vienna outfit, Robinson in England, these are all courageous people yes, but they are based on a practice which is separated from the American people especially the working class.”

      “They are based on a practice which is separated from the American people”. What do you mean by that? That they can’t reach people en-masse? Also, last time I checked, Tommy Robbinson’s supporters were overwhelmingly working class.

      “Geller found this almost by accident when masses of New Yorkers came out to defend her programme on the “Ground Zero Mosque”.”

      Just so we’re clear, Geller found what exactly?

      “Spencer writes books which is of value as is the work also of Geller, but they are individuals and operate as individuals. Along comes a mass movement and they opt out.”

      Mass movement of what, and why do you think they allegedly “opted out”?

      “Trump is also partly anyways right about Garland in a key regard.”

      Could you elaborate?

      “My position on Garland is I defend totally the event and organizers against barabrism.”

      That’s the exact opposite of Trump, who scolded the event as being offensive and asked why they couldn’t draw something else.

      “The American wortking class is going to face these same threats and it has no money to BUY security … so my conclusion the Geller and Spencer model of struggle on Garland was at best questionable and at worst wrong.”

      Right, they should have been good little dhimmies and kept their heads down… The Garland event brought islamic terrorism to the spotlight before Trump came along. If anything. Trump rode in the wave started by many courageous individuals through the years who, against everything and everyone, placed their lives and fortunes where their mouth was and refused to be silent in the face of an impending threat.

      Also, Trump also uses private security. Unlike the American working class, right?

  27. JawsV says

    May 17, 2016 at 7:51 am

    Lengthy Felix – Spencer and Geller have not “isolated” Trump so just stop with your screeds.

  28. wtd says

    May 18, 2016 at 9:18 am

    Perhaps, President Donald Trump will seek the services and advice (paid, of course) of our best counter-jihadists, particularly Robert Spencer & Hugh Fitzgerald in the coming years. This is a recommendation I would wholly endorse.

FacebookYoutubeTwitterLog in

Subscribe to the Jihad Watch Daily Digest

You will receive a daily mailing containing links to the stories posted at Jihad Watch in the last 24 hours.
Enter your email address to subscribe.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!
If you are forwarding to a friend, please remove the unsubscribe buttons first, as they my accidentally click it.

Subscribe to all Jihad Watch posts

You will receive immediate notification.
Enter your email address to subscribe.
Note: This may be up to 15 emails a day.

Donate to JihadWatch
FrontPage Mag

Search Site

Translate

The Team

Robert Spencer in FrontPageMag
Robert Spencer in PJ Media

Articles at Jihad Watch by
Robert Spencer
Hugh Fitzgerald
Christine Douglass-Williams
Andrew Harrod
Jamie Glazov
Daniel Greenfield

Contact Us

Terror Attacks Since 9/11

Archives

  • 2020
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2019
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2018
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2017
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2016
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2015
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2014
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2013
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2012
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2011
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2010
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2009
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2008
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2007
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2006
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2005
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2004
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • September
    • August
    • July
    • June
    • May
    • April
    • March
    • February
    • January
  • 2003
    • December
    • November
    • October
    • March

All Categories

You Might Like

Learn more about RevenueStripe...

Recent Comments

  • OLD GUY on Al-Qaeda Calls on Jihadis to Kill Non-Muslims With Poisoned Coronavirus Masks
  • Boycott Turkey on Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, France and UAE conduct joint military exercises amid rising Turkish threat
  • Michael Copeland on New study reveals that Muslim religiosity strongly linked to hatred towards the West
  • Michael Copeland on New study reveals that Muslim religiosity strongly linked to hatred towards the West
  • Westman on New study reveals that Muslim religiosity strongly linked to hatred towards the West

Popular Categories

dhimmitude Sharia Jihad in the U.S ISIS / Islamic State / ISIL Iran Free Speech

Robert Spencer FaceBook Page

Robert Spencer Twitter

Robert Spencer twitter

Robert Spencer YouTube Channel

Books by Robert Spencer

Jihad Watch® is a registered trademark of Robert Spencer in the United States and/or other countries - Site Developed and Managed by Free Speech Defense

Content copyright Jihad Watch, Jihad Watch claims no credit for any images posted on this site unless otherwise noted. Images on this blog are copyright to their respective owners. If there is an image appearing on this blog that belongs to you and you do not wish for it appear on this site, please E-mail with a link to said image and it will be promptly removed.

Our mailing address is: David Horowitz Freedom Center, P.O. Box 55089, Sherman Oaks, CA 91499-1964

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.