Here is an article, unusually even-handed for a campus paper, about my planned appearance at Stanford. The headline refers to “Controversial Islam critic Robert Spencer.”
Yes, “controversial,” but why?
Why should it be remotely controversial to oppose jihad mass murder and the Sharia oppression of women, gays, non-Muslims, etc.? Shouldn’t anyone in his or her right mind oppose jihad violence, the Qur’an-sanctioned beating of women, stonings, amputations, the institutionalized second-class status for non-Muslims in Islamic states, and all the rest?
The idea that anything I say is controversial is an indication of how much our society has already succumbed to cynical propaganda designed to intimidate and shame people into thinking it “bigoted” to stand for human rights against jihad terror and Sharia oppression.
How did it come to be that a foe of jihad terror speaking at Stanford is “controversial,” and no doubt there will be petitions, demonstrations, and calls for Stanford administrators to cancel my appearance, while if, say, a Guantanamo inmate showed up at Stanford and started screaming “Death to America” in the middle of campus, he would be welcomed and celebrated? Find out in my new book Confessions of an Islamophobe, which tells the full story of just how far the academic Left, and the Left in general, has departed from reality. Have you preordered your copy yet? get it here now.
“Stanford College Republicans Invite Controversial Islam Critic Robert Spencer to Campus,” by Sam Wolfe, Stanford Review, October 29, 2017:
…Into the very lair of the beast, then, do the Stanford College Republicans invite Robert Spencer, founder and director of the blog Jihad Watch (not to be confused with white supremacist Richard Spencer). Spencer is a controversial figure, to put it mildly — he was banned from entering Great Britain, one of his books is banned in majority-Muslim Malaysia, and he was once poisoned and subsequently hospitalized by a left-wing activist in Iceland. He is not without professional credentials, though; he has led seminars on Islam for the FBI, the US Army, the Joint Terrorism Task Force, and the Justice Department. He has also written sixteen books, two of them New York Times bestsellers.Spencer is a self-proclaimed member of the “counter-jihad” movement,
Really? When did I ever proclaim such a thing? Where is such a movement actually to be found?
a collection of activists and scholars who warn of an impending Islamist takeover of the Western world. While Spencer does not believe that Islam is an inherently “terroristic” religion, he does claim that traditional Islam is inextricably tied to violence. He acknowledges, though, that some moderate Muslims are “genuinely trying to frame a theory and practice of Islam that will allow for peaceful coexistence with unbelievers as equals.”
When I talked with a Stanford College Republicans executive (who only agreed to be quoted anonymously), he expressed similar sentiments.
Why did he only agree to be quoted anonymously? This shows you how much respect there is for the freedom of speech at Stanford these days.
“Understanding the nature and magnitude of the jihad threat is fundamental to our national security,” he told me, stressing that this was an urgent conversation not happening on campus. This Republican told me that he rejects the consensus view that he hears from other students and professors, which is that Islamic terrorism is a product of Western imperialism and economic distress. Instead, he said, it is about fundamental elements of Islamic faith. He then quoted Spencer: “You cannot defeat an enemy you refuse to understand.”
When I asked him why he thought students were oblivious to the nature of the threat that Spencer will talk about, he called out the media. “The mainstream media conflates reasonable, intellectual critiques of Islam with attacks on Muslims as people,” he said. He hopes that the event, billed as an “honest conversation,” will help to clear up some of those misconceptions….
I asked my interviewee about the risk of providing undue legitimacy to what many regard as a fringe view of Islam, but my interviewee disagreed with the premise of the question. “The views of Robert Spencer are not fringe, they aren’t conspiracy theories,” he said. “These are beliefs that many of the staff in the White House hold.” He argued that this was a conversation happening across the country, both in the highest echelons of government and among Americans tired of political correctness and afraid of the terror attacks that have racked Europe in recent years. Whether Stanford students like it or not, he said, Spencer represents a big part of a big debate.
The Republican I spoke to mentioned to me that the Stanford College Republicans had organized the event through the Young America’s Foundation, a conservative youth group that offers funding, logistical help, and legal support to conservative groups at colleges across the country. While Stanford’s speaker policy prevents outside groups like the YAF from funding events, they were on hand to provide logistical support.
The event is likely, of course, to provoke backlash. The College Republican I spoke to acknowledged that this was a possibility and noted that armed security would be on hand, but expressed hope that dissent would take the form of a civil conversation. “The event will be a 45-minute lecture, followed by a Q&A of up to an hour,” he said. “I strongly encourage those who disagree with Mr. Spencer’s views to come to the event and embrace the opportunity to have a conversation with him.”
So who else will show up? “There is a large number of students at Stanford who might not identify as Republicans, might not identify with conservatism, but who are sick and tired of the political correctness on campus,” the Republican said. “We hope to see them at this event.”…
Voytek Gagalka says
“…one of his books is banned in majority-Muslim Malaysia,”
I wonder – only one? And which one is so “controversial” (to put it mildly) to receive such distinction from “moderate” Mohammedan stronghold, Malaysia?
Rubiconcrest says
Malaysia … where non Muslims are banned from using certain words. A perfect small example of Islam in action and why Robert Spencer’s talk so necessary.
anti jihad says
Muhammad= The great median.
mortimer says
Robert Spencer has authored 17 books about Islam. He is one the world’s top authorities on jihad. He can quote easily from the original source texts and cite chapter and verse. He knows the leading theologians, commentators and historians of Islam, as well as the books and schools of Sharia law.
It is hard to stump Robert Spencer on any Islamic topic. That is why no mullahs or Islamic apologists will debate him.
The only ‘controversy’ is why so few in academia are aware of Robert Spencer’s scholarship.
IMHO, they are culpably negligent in not bothering to learn anything about Islam.
Karl Popper said, “True Ignorance is not the absence of knowledge but the refusal to acquire it.”
JawsV says
“No doubt there will be petitions, demonstrations, and calls for Stanford administrators to cancel my appearance, while if, say, a Guantanamo inmate showed up at Stanford and started screaming “Death to America” in the middle of campus, he would be welcomed and celebrated.” — Robert Spencer
The above statement is true and demonstrates how insane the West has become.
Be careful. Stanford is a dangerous place. I wouldn’t put anything past the Islam apologist leftists.
JawsV says
Actually, I meant Berkeley. But, take care at Stanford, too!
gravenimage says
You comment above hadn’t posted yet when I posted my comment, below. 🙂
gravenimage says
Stanford is unlikely to be dangerous, Jaws–just loud and stupid.
gravenimage says
Robert Spencer invited to speak at Stanford, Left-fascists in an uproar
……………………
Excellent news–just hope this does not get canceled.
Ren says
Robert, get to Standford and slap the Left-fascists face! Slap them good.
RichardL says
what I personally admire greatly in Robert is his angelic equanimity and his depth of knowledge. I bet, if the lefties actually engage in a debate, some will start thinking for themselves.
I am a prof at a Catholic university and our students come from conservative families, but whenever they are confronted with a criticism of islam, they simply refuse to believe it. They think that all people are the same and all religions are good. I have turned some of my colleagues from do-gooders into islamorealists, however.
blitz2b says
Good work Richard… Yes it is amazing how little thinking is required in universities these days…. All one has to do is agree with some leftist professor and leave the thinking to them.
Thank you for being a beacon in these dark times where even bishops and popes are towing the line for the most barbaric cult on this planet.
Tom says
Your student’s current naivete invites a future harsh response when they wake up en masse. Better to designate Islam as a violent, ant-American ideology now, rather than a religion, stripping it of First Amendment protections. Then its adherents can either reform it, drop it, or leave the country. In the long run, this is the only peaceful solution. We are probably only a couple 9/11 scale attacks before the inevitable back-lash.
PRCS says
Well, give us an example or three of their responses, please.
And have you turned any of your students into islamorealists?
RichardL says
Group-think is too strong. They don’t respond, they just clam up. It’s like a betrayal for them. And most of them know I am also a reservist in the SOF and my wife is a counter-terror scholar. Strange thing is that when she gives talks the ones who come agree. She is north-African though.
Westman says
This is an opportunity for Stanford students to display a superior and intellectual decorum, unlike the shameful students at Berkeley. Violence and shouting down speakers is the venue of street brawlers, not honest pursuers of knowledge.
Lydia says
Oh yeah, protesting and exposing the dangers of terrorism, boy, now THAT’S controversial!!!
But inviting known terrorists, oh that’s fine.
They have made the ‘great Orwellian switcheroo’ of logic for insanity, truth for lies, reason for irrationality.
Linde Barrera says
To Robert Spencer- A third of me says you must be careful wherever you speak. Another third of me says you have taken a licking but you keep on ticking! The last third of me says “Every knock is a boost” (-FDR-) and you are one of my all-time heroes. God bless you and keep you, Robert Spencer. You have enlightened so many people with your knowledge of Islam.
As for me, I do not hate any Muslims, but I do hate the evil ideology of Islam. And I learned about Islam right here, at JihadWatch.org.
Donovan Nuera says
I hope Mr. Spencer spends a majority of the talk on the inhuman and barbaric widespread practice of murdering apostates as apologists will not be able to spin their way out of their support. There are recent confirmations on why this type of murder is just with interviews featuring Pope Francis I BFF Shiekh al-Tayyeb at al-Azhar on MEMRI. This would be the best way with widespread bipartisan support to put the first big crack in this cult. If moderate Imams spin it as “an antiquated practice”, then call their bluff and have them write an open letter to al-Azhar, Tehran, Qom, Najaf, and Mecca to either state if this command by Mo should be enforced or not…and then watch US Imams be called heretics by the ummah’s thought leaders.
Matthieu Baudin says
Mr Spencer, no doubt they will do their best to drown you out while you’re standing at the rostrum. If the delivery can be simultaneously presented as large running script while you talk then those well meaning and attentive members of the audience will be able to receive your message clearly despite the menacing disruption and you wont be as dependent upon the venue staff to eject persistent interjectors and hooligans.
Cameron Tremblay says
To me, this part is important as it gives credibility to my own perspective: ‘He is not without professional credentials, though; he has led seminars on Islam for the FBI, the US Army, the Joint Terrorism Task Force, and the Justice Department. He has also written sixteen books, two of them New York Times bestsellers.’
It is very important that Mr Spencer be careful. I hope there is more than ample security as sometimes, they seem to renege on that! Anything happens (cancellation, threats, etc.)…I say we the working types trash Stanford and any other snowflake university! Maybe with threats, the university and local police will step up if they know there will be repercussions!
Thank you Mr Spencer for your efforts and leadershop in helping to stop would could only be called a dark age!
Cameron Tremblay says
Of course, I would never really trash a university…lol…but it felt good saying it! Sorry if I scared anyone…
AnniLinn says
I thought you were using hyperbole, especially when I read “Maybe with threats”. It felt good reading it too….lol
Cameron Tremblay says
Damn spell check!
Flavius Claudius Iulianus says
There was a phrase used by the student journalist that just drives me crazy every time I hear/read it:
“I asked my interviewee about the risk of providing undue legitimacy to what many regard as a fringe view of Islam”
I think anyone in a University setting who uses this “risk of providing undue legitimacy to what many regard as fringe” phrase should be immediately tossed out.
Don’t people have the right to decide for themselves? Who are these “many” and why do they get to decide what is discussed or not discussed? (I suspect that the “many” are in fact a powerful and/or narrow-mind few.) So what if a view is not considered legitimate by some? All the more reason to discuss it. They don’t have the right to keep it from others. It’s insulting and patronizing that a few think they can decide which views are correct and which views are poisonous. Every citizen, especially University students, should be able and have the right to decide for themselves.
And for a view, opinion or theory to be effectively evaluated it must be aired in public and heard by all, not just those who have anointed themselves the arbiters of correct thinking. Almost all new scientific theories are regarded as fringe; this does not invalidate them. (Only experimentation can invalidate such a theory, not the opinions of the scientific establishment of the day.) An unpopular or fringe opinion may in fact be correct and only fair, open and rigorous debate can ferret out the truth.
It is the height of arrogance to think that some can decide for others what is “fringe” and what is acceptable, and control the flow of information as if it is being done for the greater good!
PRCS says
Sam Wolfe (Stanford Review)
“Spencer’s campaign against radical Islam has attracted numerous critics.”
Hopefully he will eventually realize that there’s no such thing as “radical” Islam (as the masses understand that term). There is Islam.
No Muslim practices said “radical” Islam.
Flavius Claudius Iulianus says
http://www.breitbart.com/london/2017/10/30/couple-plotted-terror-attack-meeting-muslim-dating-site/
Kay says
Stanford. It reminds me how just over a year ago, within a week if I remember correctly, first a drunken Stanford coed was molested by a fellow student and then in Idaho a little girl was molested by Muslim immigrants. The coed wrote a long letter about the impact of the incident on her; many believed the perpetrator received too light a punishment. There was a general uproar of support for the ariculate coed. The little girl and her family continued to be harassed by their Muslim neighbors, were visited by BO’s DOJ, had Snopes deny legitimacy of what happened . . .
PaulM says
And that says it all right there. I just want to vomit and just keep on vomiting whenever I think about having read the hadith that commends the dry humping of little babies and little girls, then once they are 9 you are told to go ahead and repeatedly rape them at the ripe old age of 9. After all, the mass murdering scumbag, muhammud did it. What a pus ridden cancer these people are.
Infidel says
Muslim caught CHEATING in India’s highest Civilian exam.. was trying to get into the highest Government posts by cheating but got caught..
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/caught-cheating-in-upsc-exam-police-officer-behind-bars/articleshow/61351043.cms
Xero_G says
Mr. Spencer, you could start your speech at Stanford by reading the first few paragraphs you penned at the top of this post.
Helen says
Congratulations! All I have ever seen from American Universities is cancellations or refusal of allowing anyone to criticise Islam. What happened to critical thinking in Universities – the bastions of progress? Is this not a good step? I so hope the tide is turning and students are gathering their inquiring minds together and know its ok to listen to you. It could have been the same for Darwin or any of the great thinkers. Change is frightening and University is so difficult at the best of times – grade averages, finances. And fear of alienation. If you pull this off with less opposition than in the past it could be historical. Best of luck.
Luciano says
When is this event at Stanford.
I live close by. Would like to go.
JawsV says
November 14. Click on the “Stanford Review” link above. Bottom of page.
Lorensacho says
Can’t you oppose Nazis without being a fascist?
WorkingClassPost says
Reading this article, it’s clear why Treasonous May and the rest of UK gvt. want to keep Robert and other like-minded realists out of this country.
Places like the Oxford Union would dearly love to hear him speak, and would likely offer a fair platform to debate what is undeniably one of our most pressing and misunderstood issues.
However bad things look over there, free speech still has a place that we in UK can only observe as an increasingly distant memory of what we once had.
Lawrence P. Johnson says
Robert,
So happy that you are invited to Stanford.
You so richly deserve this opportunity to speak at a great university with your badly needed message about the Jihadhi threat. You were fantastic at Dartmouth in 2008 where you were warmly received. My hope is that someday soon you and others such as Pamela Geller will start receiving Honorary Degrees for the deeply important work that you do.
Congratulations !
ante says
how do i get tickets to this?