Once again we see it. In The Coming of the Third Reich, historian Richard J. Evans explains how, in the early days of National Socialist Germany, Stormtroopers (Brownshirts) “organized campaigns against unwanted professors in the local newspapers [and] staged mass disruptions of their lectures.” To express dissent from Nazi positions became a matter of taking one’s life into one’s hands. The idea of people of opposing viewpoints airing their disagreements in a civil and mutually respectful manner was gone. One was a Nazi, or one was silent (and fearful).
Today’s fascists call themselves “anti-fascists.” Just like the Nazis, they are totalitarian: they are determined not to allow their opponents to murmur the slightest whisper of dissent. Forcibly suppressing the speech of someone with whom one disagrees is a quintessentially fascist act.
You may object that these students are not forcibly suppressing my speech, they’re just protesting it elsewhere. That is true, but whether I am allowed to speak, or shouted down by fascist students as happened last spring at the University at Buffalo, remains to be seen. Meanwhile, note Evans’ statement about how the Brownshirts “organized campaigns against unwanted professors in the local newspapers”: the ongoing campaign of defamation and ad hominem attacks on me in the Stanford Daily and Stanford Review, as well as this protest, are the modern-day embodiment of such campaigns. The intent is the same as that of the Nazi Brownshirts: to make sure I am heard by as few people as possible, and that most people go away with the idea that I am a terrible person, and the ideas I represent are to be shunned by all decent people.
All this without any genuine examination, discussion, or debate of those ideas. These “Stanford Against Islamophobia” students don’t want a free and open discussion. They want to shut down free and open discussion. You can see how their propaganda works in the message below:
“Spencer is a self-proclaimed Islamophobe”
Indeed: my new book is called Confessions of an Islamophobe, and it discusses the very phenomenon we see in this protest, of demonizing and stigmatizing foes of jihad terror. Have you preordered your copy yet, Stanford students? Get it here. In it, as well as in Jihad Watch posts advertising the book (not that Stanford fascist students can be expected to have done any actual research), I’ve explained that “Islamophobia” is an intentional conflation of two distinct phenomena: vigilante attacks upon innocent Muslims, which are never justified, and honest analysis of the motivating ideology of jihad terrorism, which is lumped together with those vigilante attacks in order to discredit such analysis and intimidate people away from attempting it. I am an “Islamophobe” in the sense of opposing jihad terror, discrimination against women, gays, and non-Muslims, and the denial of the freedom of speech. In that sense, everyone should be an “Islamophobe.” But in this propaganda piece, the Stanford fascists are attempting to give you the impression that I approve of vigilante attacks upon innocent Muslims. Note that they never define “Islamophobia,” because doing so would give away their game.
“and co-founder of two known hate groups.”
Hate groups according to whom? According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, which is a hard-Left propaganda and smear group, not a reliable arbiter of what constitutes a “hate group.”
On his own blog, just within the past week, he has targeted Stanford students and our community centers.
Hey, Stanford Leftists, thanks for reading! This one is really rich. I responded point-by-point to the vicious smear campaign being conducted against me in the Stanford student press, and now they say I’m “targeting” Stanford students and community centers. Well, my dear snowflakes, welcome to the real world, where there are no safe spaces. When you attack someone, he may fight back. Crying victimhood when you started the conflict is silly and bad form, and apes Hitler in claiming that when he invaded Poland he was just responding to Polish provocations. But of course, we have already established that y’all are fascists.
When Spencer attacks members of our community, we cannot be idle. Let’s show Spencer that Stanford students refuse his violent rhetoric and presence on our campus.
Good. Don’t be idle. Don’t expect me to be, either. One thing you can do, when you crawl out of your safe spaces after hugging your teddy bears and enjoying some milk and cookies, is substantiate your false claim that I indulge in “violent rhetoric.” Produce one quote from me that advocates for violence. Happy hunting!
“Stanford Against Spencer: A Rally Against Islamophobia,” Stanford Against Islamophobia:
Tuesday, November 14 at 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM PST
Next Week
9–17°Partly CloudyMitchell Earth Sciences Building., Stanford University
397 Panama Mall, Stanford, California 94305Share this event with your friendsDear Stanford Students, Faculty, and Staff,
Join us in uplifting communities attacked by Robert Spencer’s Islamophobia. On Tuesday, November 14th at 8pm, come to a rally on the grass in front of Mitchell Earth Sciences to show solidarity with those affected by Islamophobia. There will be speakers, music, food, and time to share your thoughts and hear from others. Email stanfordagainstislamophobi
a@gmail.com if you would like to be added to a speakers list. We are a coalition of concerned students and organizations that formed in response to the Stanford College Republican’s event with Robert Spencer. Spencer is a self-proclaimed Islamophobe and co-founder of two known hate groups. On his own blog, just within the past week, he has targeted Stanford students and our community centers. When Spencer attacks members of our community, we cannot be idle. Let’s show Spencer that Stanford students refuse his violent rhetoric and presence on our campus.
In our open letter (https://
www.stanforddaily.com/2017/ 11/08/ an-open-letter-to-the-colle ge-republicans-regarding-r obert-spencer/), we asked the College Republicans to cancel the event because we, as as a campus, don’t want to take part in endorsing his platform with our name and money. We also reiterate our ask of campus to boycott the event, because attending will only legitimize his platform. Islamophobia is not just a Muslim issue. It’s a campus issue.
In solidarity,
Concerned students of StanfordFor accessibility concerns, please email stanfordagainstislamophobi
a@gmail.com. There are accessibility ramps to the rally between Durand and Mitchell Earth Sciences. Time: 8PM-10PM
Location: Mitchell Earth Sciences
Hosted by: Stanford Against Islamophobia
Emilie Green says
“Spencer is a self-proclaimed Islamophobe”
So is Emilie Green, proving once again that she has a head on her shoulders.
And whether it stays there would be very much in question should the angry voices of the left become the voices of legislative bodies.
The Muslims’ “Holy Qur’an” states,
47:4: “So when you meet those who disbelieve, strike necks…”
8:12: “When your Lord inspired to the angels, “I am with you, so strengthen those who have believed. I will cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieved, so strike upon the necks and strike from them every fingertip.”
Roger says
There is nothing ‘Holy’ about the quran.
Norger says
They are so flagrantly dishonest that they accuse Spencer of engaging in “violent rhetoric” (when he never done any such thing and in fact renounces violence) while simultaneously ignoring the unambiguous exhortations to violence in Islam, such as those you quote above. It is positively Orwellian.
JawsV says
Robert, I don’t know how you stand it constantly being derided by morons but I’m glad you do!
“Consider the source” applies here 100%. I will never respect Stanford U again.
Ursus Arctos says
I totally agree. I’ve never met Robert Spencer but I’ve been around enough blocks in life to know the quality of a person by their enemies. Keep up the good fight!
JawsV says
So right, Polar Bear!
Charles says
The brainwashed multitudes base their behavior on feelings and “tolerance”. Robert Spencer’s message reminds me of Cassandra of Troy who understood the long term consequences of action. They only view Islam as people and the religion as a benign part of that people. I doubt that a single protester has read any of the literature of the Qu’ran and Hadith. The two careers of Muhammad paint a picture of a developing politic/religion, an exile, then a war of terrorism and ethnic cleansing of the Hejaz. The second career is full of imperatives to kill, plunder, subjugate, the unbelievers on the pretext of their disbelief, to rape the women war booty and enslave the other captives.
These protesters are buffoons who have no clue what Robert Spencer is trying to convey. I have never once seen Robert incite violence against believers or practitioners of Islam. Robert engages in the simple tactic of telling the truth by reading from the source material, simplifying intentional obfuscation. Conflating historic patterns of doctrine and action, and warning against willful ignorance. How sad our Universities have stooped to the lowbrow level of censoring debate with feelings. But then I see the trends of decline in the posted CEDA debates I watch on line. There used to be well examined rules of logic for debate. They seem to no longer apply in a “post-modern” world.
Santa Voorhees says
“The brainwashed multitudes base their behavior on feelings”
So is their understanding of Islam. They feel that Islam does not incite violence, and they project that view as if it is reality, without reading the scriptures once.
Tama says
Reminds me of this video though the gunshots are very loud.
https://youtu.be/2IEO-wj877o
JF says
I hope they let you speak Robert. The same thing happened here in Gainesville Fla at the University for that “other” Richard Spencer. The Governer had to declare a “State of Emergency”. Ultimately, he was allowed to speak. The crowd was relatively small. He put up with hecklers and people shouting him down, but he was patient and at times spoke over them! I was so glad that he was allowed to speak. If someone doesn’t like what you have to say, they don’t have to listen. But everyone has the right to hear new opinions and views.Isn’t that what Universities are supposed to be all about?
I have been following you and sharing your words, articles and videos with friends since 9/11. You helped me make sense of why such a hellish attack would happen. I went into a deep depression and you helped pull me out of it. Thank you for teaching me, speaking to the world (for all who care to listen), and giving us wisdom that otherwise would be hidden and white washed. God bless you sir. Joe
Santa Voorhees says
Just wait until Islam takes over and then watch these snowflakes crying for help, wishing they had listened to Spencer…
Jaladhi says
I think these coward snowflakes will join Islam since they think Islam is such a peaceful religion!!
Flavius Claudius Iulianus says
They will join Islam because they are cowards and unthinking moral weathervanes, and will follow any fashion of the day.
Linde Barrera says
To Robert Spencer- I hope you show a 15 second video clip of ISIS beheading innocent people, whether they are Christians or those “not Muslim enough” or any other group to make the Stanford crowd you are addressing understand the core foundations of Islam. (But stop the video before the necks are cut, no gore.) Also, it would be appropriate to cite various doctrines from various professions such as teaching and medicine: “Do no harm”, and law enforcement: “Protect”. Use short vocabulary words so as not to “go over their heads.” Good luck and God bless you. I know you will be successful in this noble endeavor of trying to teach about the doctrines of Islam to the ignorant.
RichardL says
Linde, that is a very good idea. These people never think and can only be reached through feelings.
Show a video of the halal slaughter of a cow on their most important religious feast with kids standing and laughing at the dying creature.
Kay says
The Jewish students should have been to Israel, should know about the killing of innocent Israelis ongoing and the necessary cautions there. But “anti-Zionism” has been pumped into universities for some time.
St. Manuel II Palaiologos says
Jihadists and the leftists are the ones using violence. We’re just using words. Words are too terrifying and powerful for them, they cannot take it.
John Moe says
You idiots need to stop this crap! What ever happened to “Freedom of Speech”?
Universities are the very places where any and all should have their say!
You should be seriously ashamed for attempting to silence any speaker who appears on your campus!
You can have your say, but so should anyone else who has a point of view to share.
Leith Wood says
You are a brave patriot! Thank you! Enjoy melting some snow flakes at Stanford.
Richard says
Latest atrocity! Spencer threatens “no safe spaces” for Stanford students! Oh noooo!
When in danger, when in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout!
Bezelel says
If any of the articles posted on Jihad Watch, either historical or current events, quotes from islamic texts, if any of it were untrue, then the denialists at stanford would have an arguement. Since the articles and texts are documented, certifiable and true, beyond dispute, then stanford is the one with a problem.
Lydia says
They might as well call themselves “a rally against reason, civility, human rights, and counter terrorism”!
It gets worse by the minute.
The whole world has gone mad!!!
JawsV says
Stanford U has definitely gone mad. As mad as a hatter.
CM says
Dear Robert,
I’m hoping that with enough noise made by the “anti-Spencer” crowd garners much curiosity and interest in what you have to say. Hope you get a great turnout. It must be tough putting up with all this, but you are in good company. Don’t take what they say too much to heart. They are so much in a fantasy world, and may never get out. All the Best and keep up the good work.
Rob says
When is Robert speaking? I haven’t seen a date for his talk. I would like to go.
JawsV says
November 14.
No Fear says
I would like to ask the protesting students : Are they International Socialists or National Socialists?
Pablo says
Robert Spencer is a HERO!
Flavius Claudius Iulianus says
However, all this fuss is creating more attention in the wider community. This is good. This will get a larger audience and possibly open more people’s eyes.
gravenimage says
Join us in uplifting communities attacked by Robert Spencer’s Islamophobia.
…………………………….
By that, do they mean violent Jihad terrorists? Do they *really* want to “uplift” such a “community”?
utis says
I have seen YouTube videos of campus thugs breaking up discussions and presentations of viewpoints. If the little show-offs try to disrupt the speech by interruption, may I suggest that the sponsors bring along tape decks or whatever portable music source they have, and turn the music on loud whenever the protesters break in on Robert’s talking. Pick the tunes you think the disrupters will hate: “The Star-Spangled Banner,” Frank Sinatra, John Philips Sousa, Sammy Davis, Jr., any opera quartet, whatever music you think will confuse or disperse them. Just a thought.
Jack Holan says
They rally around around the call of a made up word that was designed to do just that and it seems to have accomplished its goal. What do these “Elite”students know about the Muslim Brotherhood? If anything, they they know little. Just a word, what they are told the button was pushed to excite anger and it doesn’t mater fact based or not
Norger says
Hey kids, seeing as though Spencer is so obviously ignorant and bigoted and all, do you think there’s any chance that someone at one of the most prestigious colleges in the country might possibly be able to actually refute the substance what Spencer says, or otherwise expose him as a bigot at this event? I understand they are leaving over an hour for Q&A.
I know you all like to pretend that it’s beneath you to engage with Spencer, but I’m calling BS on that. Do any of you actually have the substantive knowledge, intellectual capacity and/or intellectual honesty to actually listen to what Spencer says and formulate a rational response,(on your home turf, not his) or is name calling and shutting him down all you can do? You have conducted yourselves disgracefully thus far.
Jack Holan says
I suggest YOU be appointed as the one and only to engage and debate without outside interference Robert Spencer. Many known experts you know have tried and lost or didn’t show. The money is still on the table for you to try
Jarvis Davis says
“Islamophobia” is a word created by fascists and used by cowards to intimidate morons.
~ various attributions including Christopher Hitchins
More Ham Ed says
Stanford speechophobes.
More Ham Ed says
“If you disagree, you’re irrational”
http://islamversuseurope.blogspot.com.es/2011/12/origins-of-term-islamophobia-in-english.html