The objective of this libelous new report from the hard-Left money-making and incitement machine the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is made plain within it: “Before you book a spokesperson from an anti-Muslim extremist group or quote them in a story, research their background — detailed in this in-depth guide to 15 of the most visible anti-Muslim activists— and consider the consequences of giving them a platform.” They wish to silence those who speak honestly about the nature and magnitude of the jihad threat, blaming us for a supposed rise in “Islamophobia.” If they really want to stamp out suspicion of Islam, of course, they will move against not us, but the likes of Omar Mateen, Syed Rizwan Farook, Tashfeen Malik, Nidal Malik Hasan, Mohammed Abdulazeez, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, and the myriad other Muslims who commit violence in the name of Islam and justify it by reference to Islamic teachings.
The SPLC doesn’t do that because its objective is not really to stop “Islamophobia” at all, but to create the illusion of a powerful and moneyed network of “Islamophobes,” who can only be stopped if you write a check to the SPLC. That’s what this is really all about. In constructing this illusory edifice, the SPLC labels me and fourteen others “anti-Muslim extremists.” We are, of course, no more “anti-Muslim” than foes of the Nazis were anti-German, but note the word “extremists.” That’s the mainstream media and Obama administration’s term of choice for jihad terrorists. In what way are we “extremists”? Has anyone on the SPLC’s hit list (and given the SPLC’s track record of inciting violence against its targets, that is exactly what it is) ever blown anything or anyone up? Beheaded anyone? Boasted of our imminent conquest of any territory and the massacre of or enslavement of its people? No, all we have done is speak critically about jihad terror and Sharia oppression. The SPLC is trying to further the libel that we are the other side of the coin, the non-Muslim bin Ladens and Awlakis. Until we commit any terror attacks or conspire with others to do so, however, the SPLC’s libel is only that: a libel.
It’s also passingly ironic that the SPLC list includes several people who are doubtless horrified to be in this company, as they have endeavored for years to distinguish their message from that of those whom they themselves would smear as “Islamophobes.” But their temporizing and pandering didn’t work: they ended up on the Index of Prohibited Thinkers anyway, as will, ultimately, anyone who dares to note that Islam just might have something to do with the acts of murder committed in its name and in accord with its teachings.
The entry on me is accompanied by a nifty watercolor, but otherwise has little to recommend it, other than as an example of the Left’s strange tendency to present true statements as if they were self-evidently false, without bothering to explain why. Apparently the SPLC knows its supporters and is aware that it doesn’t need to bother with troublesome things like, you know, facts.
Nonetheless, I have replied in detail here so that the record, for anyone who is fair-minded, is clear. Much more below.
“Field Guide to Anti-Muslim Extremists,” SPLC, October 25, 2016:
Robert Spencer — Jihad Watch* // American Freedom Defense Initiative* // Stop Islamization of America*
Robert Spencer is commonly referred to as one of the few real intellectuals in the anti-Muslim movement, and it is true that he is the author of more than a dozen books, two of which made the New York Times Best Seller List. But Spencer is entirely self-taught in the study of Islam,
An odd objection. One cannot be both “self-taught” and a “real intellectual”? In any case, it’s false: I am indeed mostly self-taught in the study of Islam, and make no secret of or apologies for it; every day’s headlines proves me correct. Nonetheless, the fact is that I did first read the Qur’an and began studying Islam in earnest while at the University of North Carolina, in courses taught by Professor Gordon Newby, author of A Concise Encyclopedia of Islam, who was coming over from Duke to teach courses about Islam, and Professor David Halperin of UNC.
he has partnered with a woman known as one of the least reasoned enemies of Islam in the country, and he is given to the same kinds of extravagant, and often provably false, claims that characterize most Muslim-bashers.
“Provably false”? Really? Where? When? By whom? Certainly not by the SPLC, either in this hit piece or any other.
Spencer has complained of “Shariah enclaves” and predicted that they will grow across America;
Some news articles from just the past few weeks:
Sweden: Police admit losing control of 55 no-go zones
France: Police need extra protection when entering Muslim no-go zones
Germany: Police “sick” of citizens’ no-go zone fears
There are plenty more where those came from.
referred to Barack Obama as “the first Muslim president”;
This one epitomizes the dishonesty of the SPLC. The quote comes from an article I wrote in 2007 discussing how Obama was not a Muslim, stating that his obvious affinity for Islam and the Muslim world could make him into “our first Muslim president” the way Bill Clinton was called “our first black president.” After eight years of Obama, I’d say I was proven correct in rather spectacular fashion.
claimed that Islam “mandates warfare against unbelievers” and said that “traditional Islam is not moderate or peaceful”;
As it obviously does; see here.
and even suggested that the media may be getting money to depict Muslims in a positive light.
The facts are once again deeply unfortunate for the SPLC: George Soros funded a report on “Islamophobia” on Twitter and gave $200,000 to the Center for American Progress for a defamatory report on alleged “Islamophobes.” He also spent $600,000 for favorable coverage of the Muslim migrant inundation, bought favorable coverage of the Iran deal, and bought “Islamophobia” propaganda after the San Bernardino jihad massacre.
Spencer started his own anti-Muslim website, Jihad Watch*, in 2003. In 2010, he co-founded both the American Freedom Defense Initiative* and Stop Islamization of America* with Pamela Geller. In 2013, he and Geller were banned from entering the United Kingdom for at least three years because the pair’s views “foster hatred which might lead to inter-community violence.” Spencer wrote a Nov. 8, 2011, article in Crisis magazine with a recommended reading list that included such white nationalist books as Jean Raspail’s 1973 Camp of the Saints, an intensely racist novel that depicts France overrun by swarthy hordes of non-white immigrants from India.
I didn’t compile that list and have never read Camp of the Saints — which is not to say that I accept the SPLC’s characterization of it or anything else. It’s ironic that the SPLC would write this while there is a massive problem with Muslim migration into Europe. I have, however, never framed it as a racial issue, which it is not, but have always spoken of it as a problem with bringing in jihadis and Sharia supremacists into Europe, as here.
In his Crisis article, Spencer described multiculturalism as a “heresy” that is intent on “denigrating and ultimately destroying the Judeo-Christian West.”
It isn’t?
IN HIS OWN WORDS
- Angered at news about the production of a new line of halal-certified soups, Spencer reacted on Oct. 5, 2010, with a blog post headlined, “Campbell’s Soup goes halal with approval from Hamas-linked ISNA.”
Follow the link. ISNA was providing the halal certification for Campbell’s. ISNA has admitted ties to Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood.
- In a Jan. 14, 2006, post on Jihad Watch, Spencer wrote: “[T]raditional Islam itself is not moderate or peaceful. It is the only major world religion with a developed doctrine and tradition of warfare against unbelievers.”
Yep.
- After the Conservative Political Action Conference made it clear that it was not then welcoming anti-Muslim extremists like him, Spencer described the extremely conservative gathering as a “Shariah-compliant conference.” He was speaking to anti-LGBT radio host Bryan Fischer on March 14, 2013.
Sharia forbids criticism of Islam. So did CPAC. QED.
- On Sept. 16, 2011, Spencer told radio host Janet Mefferd that the term “Islamophobia” was created to criminalize criticism of Islam. Muslims “had a big public relations disaster on 9/11,” he said. “They’ve turned it around with amazing skill and I can’t help but think that maybe media is getting some money for this.” In the same interview, he said freedom of religion shouldn’t be “considered absolute” because Islam “impinges upon our freedoms.”
Islamic law forbids criticism of Islam, thus restricting the freedom of speech, and mandates discrimination against women and non-Muslims. These principles are incompatible with the U.S. Constitution. The freedom of religion is not a free pass to commit treason or subversion.
- Spencer linked “the left” to Islam in a Sept. 19, 2011, radio show. “[T]he left doesn’t really like America or Western civilization and so I think that they see in Islam another entity that doesn’t like Western civilization and so they see it, in it an ally, and that’s essentially what’s going on,” he said.
Yep. Just look at the SPLC and this report. If the SPLC achieves its objective, all voices of opposition to jihad terror will be silenced, and the jihad will be able to advance unhindered and unopposed.
- In a Jan. 9, 2015, appearance on Fox News’ “Hannity,” Spencer said a “core principle” of Islam is “the idea of emigrating to a new place to conquer and Islamize it, and that’s exactly what we’re seeing.” He said “Shariah enclaves” will “inevitably grow and continue to grow until, finally, that’s all there is.”
“And whoever emigrates for the cause of Allah will find on the earth many locations and abundance. And whoever leaves his home as an emigrant to Allah and His Messenger and then death overtakes him – his reward has already become incumbent upon Allah. And Allah is ever Forgiving and Merciful.” (Qur’an 4:100)
- Spencer claimed at a Feb. 15, 2010, event that it is “absurd” to think that “Islam is a religion of peace that’s been hijacked by a tiny minority.”
Yep.
- On the Feb. 25, 2003, edition of MSNBC’s “Nachman,” Spencer cited a cleric to assert that “80% of the mosques in the United States are actually controlled by extremists.”
Yep.


Moses says
Left wing propaganda
Jay Boo says
Is some Dhimmi Democrat coincidentally running for President?
Jay Boo says
It is not their fault.
No Really
Muslims are not to be blamed.
Muslims (Oops Jihadis) have no other choice but to kill (something).
The alternative to killing is to suffer the endless indignation of admitting that every rote incantation AKA (Islamic prayer) and every carefully choreographed chicken-dance of piety plumage with prayer on display will never wash Muhammad’s filthy example away nor will it satiate the common feelings of bitter spiritual emptiness that torments so many Muslims to the point that they commit suicide.
Who could blame any Muslim for a desire to blow up and leave the misery of Islam behind along with the hateful and spiteful backstabbing indignation from fellow Muslims.
In fact, I admire a Muslim’s ability to endure agonizing years of self-inflicted misery even though common sense would insist that they end their dedication to rejecting any rational thoughts.
Beagle says
The radical hate group the SPLC has, yet again, created what amounts to a hit list for its violent followers. While Islamic assassins are already aware of many of these individuals, as the cases of Pym Fortuyn’s murder and Floyd Lee Corkins attempted mass murder based on another SPLC hit list demonstrated, leftist killers can be equally dangerous.
Branding someone an enemy of Islam is tantamount to solicitation of murder. No doubt the SPLC knows this and simply doesn’t care.
Kay says
Is this true?
Angemon says
Pym Fortuyn was a Dutch politician, openly gay, who unapologetically opposed islam in the West. During trial, his murderer specifically said he killed him to prevent him from scapegoating muslims and exploiting minorities as a means to achieve power. Floyd Lee Corkins attempted a Charlie Hebdo mass-murder style on the offices of a Christian group that opposed gay marriage, gay adoption and abortion. During his trial, he stated that he chose them after seeing them listed as a hate-group by the SPLC – he willingly set out to kill people after seeing them presented as “bad guys”, and saw nothing wrong with that.
While I don’t know whether or not the SPLC knows labelling someone as a critic of islam is both placing a target on their backs and a dog whistle inciting more devout muslims to action, I can clearly see that they don’t practice what they preach – they pontify that “islamophobes” make incendiary, false statements to spread hatred of islam and muslims that will lead to violence against innocent muslims while ignoring that their reports, by their logic, incite violence against the people they vilify. There’s no records of anyone attacking muslims and saying they did so after reading Robert Spencer, Raymond Ibrahim, Baron Bodissey or Fjordman, to name a few. There’s at least one record of someone attempting violence after reading SPLC.
gravenimage says
All true, Angemon.
Allan says
On the contrary, SPLC cares very much. First, they crave donations, and second, they want some people whacked.
Custos Custodum says
Precisely – the Left has always been first and foremost about VIOLENCE. This also accounts for the smooth and natural affinity with Islam despite major “doctrinal” differences over “trifles” like individual liberty, women, religion (!), etc.
The Left and Islam always manage to find common ground over what they really hold dear: violence as a tool, and perhaps as importantly, violence for its own sake.
Many practitioners fell into the Leftist cult at an early age as a way to assuage inner demons. Look at their INTERNAL rhetoric, not what they say to non-believers.
Jay Boo says
The (We got your back) SPLC collects millions from LGBT groups while supposedly helping them fight against intolerant Christians but when a gay hating Qur’an following Muzzie went kill crazy using Muhammad’s personal example as a guide in Orlando, the phony clowns at SPLC swept gays under the bus faster than a motorized street sweeping brush to side instead with intolerant Muslims.
Gay people should be pissed off at SPLC but the MSM wipes the dirty butts clean and disposes the diapers in a place unseen.
gravenimage says
So true, Jay Boo.
Kay says
Robert Spencer, you are so articulate. I truly wish I could find a way to get more people to pay attention to what you say.
I will try again with my own congressmen.
David says
SPLC?
Who, when of sound mind, whould pay any attention to when ever blither-blather flows from their unholy orifice?
These folks have had a “Reputation” for many years. Their like some unfortunately crack whore, who must part the sheets for whomever will offer some CASH.
I’ve paid them no mind for a long, long time.
The Devil Knows and will protect his own! The radical ideology of islam has many, many pals in high places. And, with Saudi cash flowing in, organizations like the SPLC will do or say ANYTHING to keep their place, latched on to the massive Saudi teat of plenty.
NO SURPRISE HERE !
Guest says
Traitors to our country every single one of them!
Champ says
Indeed! …they’re DANGEROUS traitors!
Custos Custodum says
The SPLC charade has been going on for decades. It’s time for some RIDICULE.
Who can come up with the best explanation for what SPLC really stands for? Here are two ideas to get the pump primed:
Screaching Pony-tailed Libel Crusade
Seemingly Pious Lying Communists
Shmooviyet says
Scat-Producing Leftist Crawlers.
Robert can squash these Critters and their desperate attack attempts with a simple “yep”.
weavo2 says
SPLC – Seriously Polluting Liberal Circus
gravenimage says
In libelous new “report,” SPLC equates foes of jihad terror with those who commit jihad massacres
………………………
How many times have we heard *this*–that opposing terror is–somehow–“hate”, just as is committing acts of terror.
Grotesque calumny–but one that is rife today.
More:
We are, of course, no more “anti-Muslim” than foes of the Nazis were anti-German…
………………………
This is, as I have noted, actually an interesting parallel. Most people assume, from this vantage point of history, that opposition to Hitler and Fascism was immediate and consistent in the free West.
Actually, nothing could be further from the truth. All though the 1920s and 1930s many in Britain and the US and other free nations actually lauded Fascism as being “modern”, and suggested it be adopted here.
Moreover, those few–journalists, diplomats, and politicians like Winston Churchill–who *did* warn about the threat of Hitler and the Nazis were often characterized as “hysterical”–or, even worse, as “warmongers”.
Tell me if this sounds familiar…
In addition, the Fascists had far more of a presence here than many now realize. The German-American Bund had a large following, and held an actual pro-Nazi rally, complete with a swastika-draped podium, in Madison Square Garden. There were a string of Hitler Youth Summer Camps in the US. Most Hollywood studios were loathe to say anything critical about Fascism. The next-in-line King of England, before his abdicating in favor of his brother George VI over an unrelated matter, was a notorious Nazi sympathizer.
This should both depress and hearten us–it shows that denial has always been with us; it also shows that good people who tell the truth *can* win through.
Mark A says
Congratulations Robert Spencer.
If the SPLC hates you, you must be doing something right.
August West says
The Spencer cartoon is good, but Brigitte Gabriel’s is awesome!!!
Love the red lipstick.
I admit to having a crush on Pamela Geller, but her cartoon is really bad.
It’s almost as if they intentionally trying to knock Pamela Geller down from a 10 to perhaps a 7?
Horowitz’s cartoon pretty much looks like his picture.
linnte says
I thank God every day for YOU Robert Spencer. And I pray for your continued safety.
Bill H. says
I have to thank the SPLC for providing a list of “must read” authors. A true public service. And such nifty pictures- wonder how much that cost them.
linnte says
One positive aspect about this whole tragedy. Hahahahha!
Norger says
This is exactly what the MSM does as well–present manifestly true statements about Islam as self-evidently false without bothering to explain why; e.g. “Islam hates us.”