Beck to Muslim-American guest: "How do we know the difference between you and those that are trying to kill us?
On the October 4 edition of his CNN Headline News show, Glenn Beck hosted Sharida McKenzie, a Muslim American who recently organized the Muslim Peace March, to discuss the recent report that a Toronto mosque's website "says that Muslims should stay completely away from Halloween, Christmas, New Year's, anniversaries, birthdays, and Earth Day." During the discussion, McKenzie stated: "Well, I'm not going to stand in judgment on Toronto, but what I would like to do is offer a personal perspective on this, and so -- I'm an American. I grew up celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well. My family -- it's a time for us to get together. We invite Christians. We invite our non-Muslim friends. And it's a time for to us get together, and in that time, we take an opportunity to thank God for all of our blessings." Beck responded: "But how do we know the difference -- I mean, you're reasonable. How do we know the difference between you and those that are trying to kill us?"
McKenzie replied: "Well, maybe open some more lines of communication. Get out there and meet Muslims. And I encourage Muslims to be more open and build bridges instead of barriers, also." Earlier in the segment, Beck had asserted: "[I]f I'm not mistaken, Sharida, last time you were on, it's because you were inspired in part by this program to get out and march against those who are hijacking your own religion." McKenzie responded: "Yes, you were an inspiration to me on that peace march." The peace march McKenzie organized took place in Austin, Texas, so that, she said, "people will know Islam as the peaceful religion that it really is."
As Media Matters for America documented, during the November 14, 2006, edition of his program, Beck said to then-Rep.-elect Keith Ellison (D-MN), who became the first Muslim elected to Congress, "I have been nervous about this interview with you, because what I feel like saying is, 'Sir, prove to me that you are not working with our enemies.'" Beck added: "I'm not accusing you of being an enemy, but that's the way I feel, and I think a lot of Americans will feel that way." As Media Matters also noted, Beck later stated that his comments to Ellison were "poorly worded" and "wish[ed]" he "could take back and rephrase."
From the October 4 edition of CNN Headline News' Glenn Beck:
BECK: Oh, Allah humbug. A Toronto mosque is telling Muslims not to say, "Happy Thanksgiving," or invite friends over for turkey and all the trimmings through the holiday. They also say you should avoid participating in parties or greetings during Thanksgiving because it is a kafir -- a non-Muslim celebration.
And just to make sure that nobody has any fun, the mosque's website says that Muslims should stay completely away from Halloween, Christmas, New Year's, anniversaries, birthdays, and Earth Day. Damn it, not Earth Day!
Say what you will about religious tolerance, but anybody that tells me I can't have pumpkin pie and a drumstick, you're an extremist. Sharida McKenzie joins us now. She is a regular American practicing Muslim.
And if I'm not mistaken, Sharida, last time you were on, it's because you were inspired in part by this program to get out and march against those who are hijacking your own religion.
McKENZIE: Yes, you were an inspiration to me on that peace march.
BECK: OK. Sharida, your thoughts on this?
McKENZIE: This is actually a very difficult topic for me because I do believe that everyone can believe what they want to believe, as long as they don't hurt anybody, and -- for example, I called a Jehovah Witness organization today in Austin, Texas, and they, too, don't celebrate Christmas, Thanksgiving, holidays, or birthdays.
BECK: OK.
McKENZIE: And I respect that. I do. And -- but it is -- it's difficult for me 'cause I want to build bridges instead of barriers, as a Muslim.
BECK: OK. So, help me out, Sharida, because, you know, the difference between the Jehovah Witness and those in other religions that are blowing themselves up, namely Islamists, is quite stark. When the Jehovah Witness starts to say, "I'm going to start blowing things up if you don't agree with me," or "I'm going to behead you, when you don't agree with me," the problem is, is how do we know what's extreme and what's not?
McKENZIE: Well, that is extreme. Like I said, if it's going to be hurting somebody then I have a --
BECK: Well, no, but this isn't -- but wait, hang on. This isn't hurting anybody. They're also banning watching sports or soap operas, walking dogs, family photos, wedding bands, Western hats, mingling, shaking hands with the opposite sex. They are banning all of these things, which will completely separate us. Are these the kind of people that will say, "The U.S. Constitution is a good thing" or "The U.S. Constitution is a bad thing"?
McKENZIE: Well, I'm not going to stand judgment on Toronto, but what I would like to do is offer a personal perspective on this, and so -- I'm an American. I grew up celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well. My family -- it's a time for us to get together. We invite Christians. We invite our non-Muslim friends. And it's a time for to us get together, and in that time, we take an opportunity to thank God for all of our blessings.
BECK: So --
McKENZIE: So --
BECK: But how do we know the difference -- I mean, you're reasonable. How do we know the difference between you and those that are trying to kill us?
McKENZIE: Well, maybe open some more lines of communication. Get out there and meet Muslims. And I encourage Muslims to be more open and build bridges instead of barriers, also.
BECK: So, is this -- are these policies building bridges?
McKENZIE: No, I personally don't believe they are.
BECK: OK.
McKENZIE: In Austin, we have a lot of interfaith activities that we do here with Jews and Christians.
BECK: All right.
McKENZIE: And --
BECK: Sharida, I've got to run, but thank you very much. I appreciate it. And we'll see you again.
Good gawd! What's he going to do ask every freakin' muslim he meets????
No... just the ones that are brave enough to appear on his show and answer legitimate questions. Bury your head in the sand if you like, but there are lots of Muslims out there that want to kill you and me.
How many? Most Muslims? All Muslims? A few? Please, educate us.
What's your point?
"How many? Most Muslims? All Muslims? A few? Please, educate us."- nerzog
Zog,
A poll take by the Times of London 1 year after the July 7, 2005 terrorist bombing found that of the 1.6 million Muslims living in Britain:
"13% of British Muslims (208,000) think that the four men who carried out the London Tube and bus bombings of July 7, 2005, should be regarded as “martyrs”"
"7% (112,000!) agree that suicide attacks on civilians in the UK can be justified in some circumstances, rising to 16 per cent for a military target"
Extrapolate those figures to the US with 7 million Muslims:- 13% (910,000) would believe that suicide bombers are martyrs.
- 7% (490,000) would agree that suicide attacks on civilians can be justified in some cases.
I think Beck asks a valid question.Assuming american muslims think the exact same way as british muslims? Priceless.
Okay, Snoop.
Cut the number in half...only 246,000 Muslims in America would believe that suicide bombing of civilans would be justified in some cases.
Thanks, I feel much better now.
Okay. Now what?
zog,
You asked a question, I answered it. Beck asks a legitimate question.
GF,
What do you want the United States government to do about this problem then?
How about deporting every single foreigner with an expired visa for starters?
And that let's us recognize them how? Do they have the poll results tatooed across their forhead or something?
I keep seeing "it's a legitimate question". Is it, really? If it's a legitimate question, what's the answer? Isn't it really just a way to inject xenophobic rhetoric into the conversation? You and I both know that the true answer is that you can't tell, at least not by looking. My question to you is, Now what?
How about this? Its a legitimate rhetorical question to which she gave an eloquent answer that you can read for yourself.
I believe the overall question Beck is addressing is valid one: For whatever reason, many Muslims choose not to assimilate into Western society and therefore, can be more readily radicalized and isolated.
Then what are we supposed to do about it? What's his point?
His point is to discuss an important topic. The REAL question is WHY is this topic for a thread at MMFA?
I dont believe it IS legitimate. I think it is a way to inject bigotry into the conversation and act like its acceptable to see Muslims as terrorists until PROVEN otherwise. It is the same thinking that led to the internment of the Japanese.
I think it is a way to inject bigotry into the conversation and act like its acceptable to see Muslims as terrorists until PROVEN otherwise.
Priceless!! Beck is the bad guy (bigot) and the poor, innocent Muslim religion is the good guy. When was the last time Beck flew a passenger jet into the tallest building in the country?
The better question is when is the last time Beck a) burned a cross on a black person's lawn b) hanged a t-i-double guh-er or c) just proved he's an outright racist intent on denying rights to anyone he doesn't like?
When is the last time this WOMAN did that or anyone she knows? Just because you APPROVE of his bigotry doesnt mean it isnt bigotry. Did we blame Catholocism when the IRA were the worst terorrists in the world? Judaism when Jews were blowing up the King david Hotel>? Assasinating Lorde Moyne and Folke Burnadotte? Blowing up the Cairo to Haifa railway and sinking the SS Patria? No, nor should we have. The actions of the few do not assign guilt to everyone of the same religion only bigots think it does. Only those whose bigotry is poised to make scapegoats out of those they see as other. Join them if you want to but trying to pretend it is anything but bigotry is pathetic
there are bad people in every society, social group, religion, race, etc.
Can't you admit that radical Muslims have declared a jihad on America? Cant you admit that thousands upon thousands of radical Muslims have hijacked the relgion and are attacking non-believers? Bury your head in the sand, take on the apologist role if you like, but your sympathy toward the enemy is telling. Your hatred of conservatives is blinding you from seeing reality.
So then you are a moron AND a bigot. I got ya. Yes radical Islam is dangerous. Yes I have no problem with a war against Al Queda and Islamic terrorists. No they have NOT highjacked the religion anymore than Jim Jones and David Koresh hijacked Christianity. Islam is NOT the problem bigots like YOU and radical terrorists are the problem. Lets go after them I am all for it. Lets NOT change who WE are and demand all Muslims be seen as second class citizens that must PROVE they are not terrorists because YOU have a bigotry about their religion.
Solon, don't forget the bombing of the USS Liberty by the IDF.
Hmmmm...name calling...always makes for a great argument. Let's see...we have "bigot," "bigot,"and "bigotry."
Out of arguments, out of adjectives.
Maybe because I was raised Christian, and watched as a pseudo-Christian (George Bush), with the full 100% support of the "Christian" community, eagerly & without conscience killed over one million innocent people in Iraq, that when I read about the "horrible" Muslims, I take it with a grain of salt. Are you screeching-cowards on the right, who are only too willing to trash the Constitution, not aware that the pseudo-Christians are responsible for hundreds of thousands more deaths than the pseudo-Muslim community? While the history books in the west do their best to scrub all references to the fact that, like George Bush, Adolf Hitler was a DEVOUT Christian, who like Bush, had the same moral conscience, to kill without thinking about it, the truth is that the Christian-to-Muslim murder ratio is about 1000-to-1. Not only has the overwhelming "Christian" community yet to repudiate their support for the mass-murder in Iraq that they eagerly cheered on in 2003, but they truly believe that by demonizing ALL Muslims it will absolve of the murder and blood on their hands. Can you list any Mosques that preached the "glory" of murder on 9/11? Yet, there were innumerable "Christian" churches that supported the mass murder in Iraq! Every time one of you "FOX-psuedo-christians" tries to blame the entire Muslim community for the actions of a terrorist organization, I will remind them that the MAJORITY of "christians" in America took NO STAND against the blatant immorality of an Iraq attack, and on the contrary. EMBRACED that unbridled evil as a "good thing"!
Cannonball wrote:
Cant you admit that thousands upon thousands of radical Muslims have hijacked the relgion and are attacking non-believers?
A truly racist statement. You cannot force people to "admit" something which a) is not true, and b) which they do not believe. Those of us with a brain understand that what you say is not true. And even if there are thousands and thousands of hating, bomb throwing mulsims, there are hundreds of millions - not just millions, hundreds of millions - in fact, 1.5BILLION muslims, and you are dumb enough to think that even a hundred thousand of them can control the entire religion? What have they been feeding you over there, dumb pills? Sheesh.
Lumping all of us who are opposed to radical Islamic terrorists together as bigots is pathetic.
Damn, you need a BIG box of chocolates! When's the last time Sharida flew a plane into a building? Or you read a book? Not everyone celebrates "American" holidays... Christians are on a war-path with Halloween.. have been for 50 years! Republicans celebrating Earth Day?!?!?! Put down the stupid soup and walk away..... BOO (now go change your undies, coward)
No he doesnt. Its bigotry. Because several thousand terrorists out of more than ONE BILLION PEOPLE are terrorists its NOT legitimate to pretend that they should ALL be considered terrorists until proven otherwise.
It's a fair question. We are not fighting a uniformed enemy. We are fighting a bunch of radical cowards that use women and children as shields to hide behind. And, just perhaps, if more of the peaceful billion would speak up every now and then it sure would help change public opinion.
Did McVeigh wear a uniform? Did we begin to ask white people to prove THEY arent terrorists? Did you know the profile of serial killers is a white male between 25 and 40? Should we begin demanding that all white men PROVE they arent serial killers. You cant sell bigotry as reasonable. Beck is a bigot its that simple
Solon, Amen Amen Amen!!!
Oh yeah exactly WHAT evidence do you OR Beck have that this woman is a RADICAL? Oh NONE? Imagine my suprise.
"...if more of the peaceful billion would speak up every now and then it sure would help change public opinion."
Maybe if you listened you'd hear them. Here was one woman speaking just now, but to you apparently she doesn't count. How many of the peaceful Muslim majority have to denounce violent radicals before you'll notice? Is it as many as the number of white Americans who must denounce the actions of John King, Lawrence Russel Brewer and Shawn Allen Barry?
"We are not fighting a uniformed enemy".
That's the same lame excuse the British used against our "Patriots" who fought in unconventional ways do to their experience with Indian wars etc by using ambush tactics. in the 1700's. Hey no fair you cowards! Stand up in a neat row like real men and let us mow you down with our superbly trained and well financed army dang it! Wake up. We all know how that ended.
They don't poll EVERY single Muslim. They wouldn't even be able to do that in one neighborhood, especially not in Europe where the Muslim population is much bigger.
That doesnt extrapolate. People TALKING tough isnt the same as strapping on a bomb or actually carrying anything out. Just look at all the Chickenhawks in this administration. TALKING tough is easy and has no cost.
"That doesnt extrapolate. People TALKING tough isnt the same as strapping on a bomb or actually carrying anything out. Just look at all the Chickenhawks in this administration. TALKING tough is easy and has no cost."- solon
Look...Anyone who condones the suicide bombing of innocent people in any way deserves to pointed out and condemned. That's not bigotry - That's common sense.
THAT is a reasonable argument but that ISNT what you were doing was it? No you were trying to extrapolate the number of Muslims that would be terrorists based on this poll. THAT is the extrapolation I am saying doesnt make sense. Want to criticise those who would appologise for suicide bombings or in any way support or agree with them. GOOD. Let me join you.
And if we polled say Alabama or Mississippi and asked THEM how many think we should NUKE Iraq or Iran do you think we would get around those numbers because I am willing to bet it would be higher. Do you think that means ALL of them would be willing to commit mass murder? Or is talking tough one thing and actually taking the risk of DOING something a completely DIFFERENT thing. I say the poll is meaningless if you are trying to use it to show the percentage of Muslims who would actually commit terrorism.
And what do you think the answer to that question would be? How is the answer not obvious? And, funny thing is:
BECK: How do we know you won’t kill us?
McCENZIE: Well, by communication and…
BECK: Thanks, gotta go…
I want to know how we are supposed to know Beck isnt a bigoted propagandist who would LOVE to start a Holy War?
you could listen to him occasionally to see what he really things instead of reading MMFA posts about him. I don't understand how liberals sincerely believe that anyone truly wants war.
I dont care what Beck wants. The man who called President Carter a waste of skin isnt going to get me to watch him. HE is a waste of precious oxygen. AND a bigot. He asked a Congressman this same question. Islam isnt the problem those itching to MAKE it the problem seem to want a Holy War
"I don't understand how liberals sincerely believe that anyone truly wants war."
Wait, aren't you claiming that liberals can't accept the opposite -- that Muslims and Arabs truly want war? Check your talking points and you'll see that it's liberals who believe that the world is full of naive peaceniks and can't handle the idea that anyone truly wants war.
It's conservatives who yearn for a massive military empire that threatens and bombs every nation that does not obey their will. Who's the war-mongers?
"It's conservatives who yearn for a massive military empire that threatens and bombs every nation that does not obey their will. Who's the war-mongers?"redking75687
That is a ridiculous waste of internet. Name one nation that has ever been bombed by the US because "they did not obey their will"?
Guatemala 1953 we bombed them to support the overthrow of freely elected Jocobo Arbenz because we didnt like him. (http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:nYM-DLJU5Y4J:coat.ncf.ca/our_magazine/links/issue50/files/50_14-15.pdf+US+bombed+Guatemala+1953&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=5&gl=us)We INVADED the Dominican Republic to STOP a popular movement from overthrowing their recently installed by a coup military dictatorship and reinstall freely elected Juan Bosch in 1964. We bombed power stations AND mined the Harbors of Nicaragua because WE didnt like their FREELY ELECTED government the Sandanistas.
Cannon,
How do I tell the difference between you and those who want to bomb abortion clinics?
It's easy... I'm the guy without the bomb.
What's your point? Every culture, religion, society, etc. has bad people in it. For example, The Westboro Baptists are completely nuts. How many abortion clinics were bombed? How many people were involved in those horrible activities? How does that compare to the thousands, if not millions, of radical Muslims whipped into a lather by the leaders of foreign countries? I don't see our president motivating people to blow up abortion clinics.
To compare radical Muslims and this war to small scale radical religious freaks is an insult to the intelligence of most Americans.
You missed my point because you misunderstood the question.
The question was not people who do or are about to bomb abortion clincs.
The question was people who want to bomb abortion clincs.
But judging by the precedent you set with your response, McKenzie's answer should have been, "I'm the Arab not holding an AK-47 and an RPG."
This goes straight to the heart of my point that I find Beck's question not offensive, but born of complete and utter STUPIDITY.
But judging by the precedent you set with your response, McKenzie's answer should have been, "I'm the Arab not holding an AK-47 and an RPG."
Exactly. McKenzie could have rightly answered Beck by saying, "I don't know, Glenn, but you invited me on this show, so somehow you must have concluded think I wasn't here to kill you. Funny thing is, though, that even after inviting me here you still ask me to prove that I'm not here to murder you. That's downright rude."
But our President whipped up a lot people into a lather to bomb Iraq...at least they killed a bunch of terrorists before they turned age 7.
Becks' question on its own is stupid. Asking this woman a question which cannot be answered. And you expect a clearly defined answer. Then I ask of Mr. Beck, when did he stop beating his mistress? Stupid question, just like his.
How do I know that Bill O and Beck are not members of the Klan. I mean there are plenty of white folks that want to kill black folks. Educate yourself! Stop damning a religion and learn the difference between Muslims and the Islamic Fundamentals who hate and want to kill Americans. NOT all Muslims.
Hear hear. And Muslims and Arabs are asking the same question of Americans: how do we know you're not one of those people who want to invade our countries, kill our leaders, and convert us to Christianity?
Only legitimate to BIGOTS. Yes there are many Muslims out there that want to kill us. Out of more than a BILLION that doesnt mean the every single one are suspect. We didnt blame Judaism for terrorism when they were the worst terrorists in the world nor Catholics when the IRA was but now that the political instabilities are in Islamic countries BIGOTS jump on that to blame Islam for terrorism. There are a lot of black people selling crack would that justify asking every black person to prove they arent drug dealers? There are many WHITE men who are embezzlers and white collar criminals would that justify asking each one of them to PROVE they are NOT white collar criminals? Keep justifying the bigotry. It will NEVER make it legitimate. Not in America.
This is from the same guy (Beck) that basically accused a Congressman (Ellison) from Minnesota of possibly being a terrorist sympathizer....
Is it any suprise that this slimeball would stoop to this level again!
Um... Since Beck's questioning Ellison has since been tied to radical support organizations. I guess they didn't cover that on your preferred channels and web sites.
Ellison has since been tied to radical support organizations. I guess they didn't cover that on your preferred channels and web sites.- cann0nba11
I honestly hadn't heard that. Do you have any sources ?
"Tied" is a bit of a stretch. I assume you're talking about this sort of coverage of Ellison's support from CAIR, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the group that categorically">[link to www.cair.com] opposes violence against civilians. You're absolutely right. How dare Ellison take support from an Islamic group that opposes terrorism! Beck should be praised for suspecting that this Ellison clown is in league with radical Islamic groups that want peace.
Thanks, Vy (and also, thanks for linking in new windows, keeps my thread from reverting to "hide". everyone should link to OPEN IN A NEW WINDOW!!!) THANK YOU.
Funny how almost every time I ask a conservative poster to provide some backup to their posts, they disappear, and some wacky liberal takes the time to provide evidence that shows just the opposite.
It almost seesm to be a pattern.
Of course Beck is his usual politcally incorrect self.....but here again, MMFA is inserting their politically correct finger towards someone effectively saying "you should be offended by that!". Even though her response is every indication that she was not, but she should be!
I see your point, but what is the difference between what he said and me saying to a white southern man:
" How do I know you are not a Klansmen?"
If you asked that question to a certain white man, then he would have to tell you if he is offended or not. It isn't up to me to tell someone else what should or should not offend them.
Fair enough. I agree to an extent, I just feel Beck solidifies the fact that he is a moron when he does stuff like this.
I agree, Beck can certainly be moronic at times.
Yes...and at time the sun rises in the Eastern sky several hours after midnight.
This doesn't offend me, but I am amazed at Beck's audacity. The question in the headline isn't what gets me, it's the story he uses to set it up. He is, in essence, kvetching about the Muslims at a foreign Mosque telling their followers what to believe. Okay...they don't celebrate Christmas or birthdays etc. So what? As his guest points out, Jehovah's Witnesses have similar weird beliefs. Isn't that their right?
The basis for his argument is that, since we are fighting against terrorists who are Muslims, we have to be suspicious of all Muslims, and condemn their religious practices. If that's not his point, what am I missing? What is his point, besides "BE AFRAID?"
I agree Nerzog, it is up to the Toronto mosque and their followers, it's none of Beck's business either.
And you're telling us that since she was polite and appeared to not be offended, nobody else should be offended either?
Of course, you being MMFA's hall monitor, everything offends you. So yes, I would expect you to be offended by most everything.
That doesn't answer my question.
The point being is that it is none of your business what one person says to someone else, nor is it your business to determine a third party's sensibilities. Beck was asking her specifically......he wasn't speaking to his audience asking that question, he was directing it at her.
And you can pass her response off as being polite, but if she were offended she could have very easily stated it - she didn't, so one assumes no offense taken.
Except by butt-inskies who sniff out this kind of stuff.......against those they don't like politically.
You're acting as though this were a private conversation between Beck and his Muslim friend. This was broadcast on CNN, so don't tell me it isn't my business. As for "determining a third party's sensibilities," I didn't do that and neither did anyone else. In fact, the only person here who made an effort to read into her reaction to the question was you.
Me? You are the one who thinks she was offended and was just being polite. Which there is absolutely no evidence of whatsoever. I am going by her reaction alone, which is no offense taken.
But of course that doesn't sit with you because you hate Beck, and any conservative - so you, and this website, take it upon yourself to proceed to tell someone else what should offend them....talk about audacity.
Stick to what offends you, which is plenty, and let others determine that for themselves. They don't need your help.
"Me? You are the one who thinks she was offended and was just being polite."
I never said that. Look up a few posts and read what I've written again.
I read it. You said "appeared" to not be offended, implying she was hiding her real feelings. But nice try.
She didn't appear to be offended. That's a statement of fact, and one that you apparently agree with. The rest is just you putting words in my mouth.
"The point being is that it is none of your business what one person says to someone else, nor is it your business to determine a third party's sensibilities."
That doesn't make any sense at all.
This wasn't a private conversation.
It's a radio show seeking an audience and advertisers.
The question isn't whether the guest was or should be offended either.
The question wasn't offensive, it was just plain stupid.
Totally agree. Which probably explains why she was not offended, for if she was it would only dignify the question more.
Tommy....as far as MMFA pointing their "politcally correct" finger at Beck, this is hardly a "politically correct" issue. It's just one more example of Beck's racist behavior.
As far as the woman's reaction.... she was polite, and ignored his comment as if it didn't happen, and I didn't find that unusual. She was probably not prepared for such an outragous comment.
I don't think this is about whether or not Muslims in general or Beck's guest in particular should be offended; rather, I think the message here is that Beck should be ashamed of himself. Beck's guest responded to the question with poise and grace, but I don't think that excuses his implication that he regards every Muslim as a potential terrorist.
Beck is an ass, period. Yes I am offended by a slime ball who once said brail in public places was PC.
I think someone needs to not know the difference between Glen Beck and Ted Bundy.
What's wrong with his question? He's asking what millions of Americans are asking: how do we tell peaceful Muslims apart from those that are trying to kill us? It's a general question about a legitimate threat to each and every one of us.
There is nothing wrong with the question...you nailed it.
If it's a valid question, what's the answer? What would you have her say?
What would you have her say?
"I am unarmed. I am reaching for my purse."
Don't taze me, bro!
HA!!!!!
Hey, I know. Let's issue them all star of Islam patches and make it mandatory for them to sew them to their tunics. We could put RFID chips inside the patch and track them wherever they go. Maybe build a camp or two to round them up and keep them quaranteened from the rest of the american population. That'll keep us safe.
I'm with Zog. You can call the question legitimate all you want. It's a stupid question because we're dealing with an enemy that blends into the environment that surrounds their target. Beck asked this of a Muslim woman wearing a headscarf while the 9/11 hijackers were in plain western dress and were not wearing shemaghs.
Nothing wrong if you enjoy bigotry as entertainment. It was asking him to defend himself against a bigoted stereotype. Muslims in America do NOT have to prove they are not terrorists just because Beck is a bigot
How do I tell the difference between you and Tim McVeigh?
Aw, c'mon. Everybody knows that Tim was framed by Al Qaeda.
You mean it wasn't Clinton's fault?
"How do I tell the difference between you and Tim McVeigh?"
Uuuuuuhmm... Tim McVeigh is not breathing?
And if I'm not mistaken, Sharida, last time you were on, it's because you were inspired in part by this program to get out and march against those who are hijacking your own religion. [Glen Beck]
Considering that this woman spoke out about those Muslims trying to hijack Islam, Beck's question, But how do we know the difference -- I mean, you're reasonable. How do we know the difference between you and those that are trying to kill us?, is not unreasonable or insulting, which I'm sure MMFA is trying to imply here..
MMFA hates Beck & will attempt to nit pick anything he says just to feature him here.
Excellent points J. The guest obviously felt as you do.
The guest obviously felt as you do. - tommy /
Yet MMFA is "pointing the PC finger" and we posters are "reading her mind" as to whether she was offended.
How do YOU know the guest felt the same way as Jeter? How do you KNOW she wasn't offended or that she was trying to take the higher road. I'm calling BS on you Tommy.
I don't see how this question is so "reasonable". What could he possibly expect her to say? What could she say that would reassure him? It's like walking up to a black man on the street and asking him how to tell the difference between him and a drug dealer. Isn't it?
Nerzog,
It may be. But that isn't the point. The point is, is that it's nobody else's business, it's the woman to whom the question was asked, not mine, or yours, or MMFA's.
That's ridiculous. And this goes back to my original question to you that you never answered. So let's say that Beck has a black guest on his program and he asks that person how one can tell the difference between him and a drug dealer. Now let's say that the guest responds to the question without being outwardly offended. Does that mean that nobody watching the program is allowed to be offended?
And I already answered you, you just don't like the answer. IT'S NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS. Find me any black man that would sit there unoffended by such a ridiculous question as the one you're asking, your straw argument is asinine, and you know it.
But I would never proceed to tell you what offends you, because god knows just about everything......if I had your tender, vulnerable sensibilities I could hardly get through the day in the real world. How do you do it?
It's not a straw man, it's an analogy. And it's a valid one. And again, this was broadcast on CNN. This wasn't a private conversation. Everyone watching is entitled to their own feelings about Beck's question.
Ludicrous. IF it were asked in his home or on the street it would be none of my business when it goes over OUR AIRWAVES into MY HOME it absolutly becomes MY BUSINESS.
Just to let you know: this line of reasoning you are using is embarassingly stupid. If a media figure asks an offensive question, nobody is allowed to be offended unles the recipient of the question was offended? That makes no sense whatsoever. The breakdown in your logic occurs when you realize that we all are sentient beings with the ability to interperate what we hear and form our own conclusions.
If the question is so offensive, why would the guest being asked the question not indicate it as such? It's up to them, not you.
I'm thinking she's probably too polite to tell Beck that he's an ignorant putz, even though she's probably thinking it.
I don't necessarily find the question offensive, but I find the premise of the whole segment rather strange. He's obviously trying to make some xenophobic point, but I'm not sure what he expects anyone to do about it.
Maybe she is used to being beaten when she stands up to men?
I kid, I kid.
Not really.
Which is more offensive? Her being asked this question or Mitt Romney being asked if he had premarital sex?
Was she supposed to reach across the table and throttle him by the throat?
By this logic, any guest who receives an offensive question or statement determines the reaction of everyone else. If they don't care, then nobody else has any right to say anything. If they are offended, then other people can then determine it was offensive. That's quite a responsibility to hold.
Here's what's interesting about that position:"People say stuff that is over the top all the time, here and everywhere - the whole point is if you continue to acknowledge it, much less get all worked over it, it only validates it's effectiveness. Is that really what you want to do? I don't think so...Stuff like this is better left ignored, where it dies quickly. Highlighting it only gives it more life and publicity." And what's more, the only way to deal with an offensive host is through public action, boycotts and calling in, etc, according to you.
So it would seem like you would advise a guest not to get "worked up over it", whether they're offended or not. Because if they act offended, they give the green light to other people to create a dialogue, which "validates its effectiveness". And since viewer reaction is the only way of dealing with irresponsible, inflammatory personalities, that means no comment like this can ever get them in trouble, because the public wouldn't have the permission of the guest.
It seems the important thing isn't creating a pattern of someone's behavior, so the public can judge their character, it's that the whole controversy should die quickly. And then the host can do it again and again, lowering the discourse without any consequences, while his defenders can point out that his guests don't complain about the behavior.
This is really how you think things should work?
Nerzog,
It's not as though Beck brought this question up out of thin air to some Muslim guest that was there to talk about something else. This guest, Sharida McKenzie, had spoken about the hijacking of her religion by radicals.
Beck's question in this instance was appropriate & reasonable.
J2, I'm strongly rooting for Cleveland this weekend so you can take this with a grain of salt....however...I do agree with most here that it was a dumb question for Beck to ask because there isn't really a way to answer the question. It's more of a provacative "rhetorical" question if you ask me. Go Cleveland.
;-)
Ouch!
Well Brucie I'll just chalk up your rooting for Cleveland to Yankee Envy ;-)
Perhaps the question Beck asked sounded "dumb" but I don't think it was bigoted [which some here do]. And the response McKenzie gave was a good one.
I continue with this in my post [below] to Nerzog [just so I don't repeat myself]
I'm mad at the Yankees cause they stole Johnny Damon from the Red Sox...and made him cut his hair! I miss the caveman look!
I'm mad at Manny Ramirez.Stoopid home-plate posing show-off.
But what answer was he expecting? Is there a way to know who's going to commit an atrocity? If the question is rhetorical, what's his point?
Nerzog,
You're right, there's really no answer to this question BUT in Beck asking, it allowed the response by Sharida McKenzie which was a good one :
Well, maybe open some more lines of communication. Get out there and meet Muslims. And I encourage Muslims to be more open and build bridges instead of barriers, also.
Again no clue on how to pick out the bad Muslims from the good Muslims, but an answer that hopefully resonates with all of us.
I agree that she handled it gracefully. She gave Beck much more respect than he deserves.
"Again no clue on how to pick out the bad Muslims from the good Muslims, but an answer that hopefully resonates with all of us."-Jeter
wow. Tonto "good indian" he helpum white man. How we know he good? He lookem just like all the bad injuns.
White man reserve always the right to be bigot. Every other race must bow down & prove worth.
LOL and sooooo on target!
Then possibly he could spend alot of time differentiating the forms of mainstream Muslem coultures, how radical violent Islam differs from them. How this fundamentalist population shares things with our own Fundamentalistic populations.
Just saying.
Well, it's good easy work if you can get it.
He's just trying to play it safe this time. Last time he had one of those Muslim supposed do gooders on for an interview she had killed the camera man and propped his body up with duct tape. They didn't find out until she had already left the studio. Damn you Nija Muslins. God bless you Beck. Lesson? Don't trust any Muslims wearing an all black body suit with a sword hanging down their backs or that have a loud ticking sound emanating from their stomachs. I heard Beck wears a pork shank around his neck on a chain now. Smart man.
I disagree the crux of the question is that everyone who is Muslim needs to PROVE they are not terrorists or it is legitimate to SEE them as terrorists. I dont see how that is anything but textbook bigotry
MMFA hates Beck & will attempt to nit pick anything he says just to feature him here.
So, let me get this straight, "J", when MMFA highlights what they see as an example of a severely distorted worldview by a conservative on national TV, they are "nitpicking" his words because they "hate" him, but when you and your homeboy "T" pick apart everything MMFA posts, time and again, in the most indignant and righteous manner you all can muster, you're what, just trying to keep us flaming libs honest? I could just as easily say you all are "nitpicking" the articles and posts here just because you're pompous contrarian twits who have a deap-seated hatred of the left. But that wouldn't be very fair, would it?
"What's wrong with this question?"
Quick answer: the 4th through 6th amendments. People are innocent until proven guilty in our system of justice. It is one of the things that make our country great. Maybe you think that is an antiquated theory? Do you think the reverse would really make our lives better? I know the repubs are trying so hard to take us all down that road, but some of us are smart enough to realize that it would destroy our system of government.
This is one of the stupidest, most bigoted questions someone can ask. Because she looks like some terrorists, she now has to answer for them? Should we go to the local church and ask the minister "how do we know that you aren't smoking meth with a gay prostitute?" Should I ask my Senator "how do I know that you aren't having gay sex in a public restroom?" This is the kind of sentiment that makes white people cross the street and clutch their purses when they come across a black person.
Since your odds of getting killed by an American citizen are much better than getting killed by an Islamic terrorist would you ask every American citizen how you tell they aren't going to kill you?
Cannonball: last time I checked, the majority of murders of Americans are perpetrated by American murderers. How do you tell the good Americans from the ones who want to kill us?
It's easy... I'm the guy without the bomb. Cannonball
"but anybody that tells me I can't have pumpkin pie and a drumstick, you're an extremist."
Anybody that tells me I have to wear magic underwear is an extremist.
Here's a solution, Glenn...don't become a MUSLIM, you pathetic putz.
I don't think anybody was telling Beck or any other non-muslim any such thing but that's not stopping me from selling a "You can take my drumstick when you pry it from my cold, dead fingers" bumpersticker on ebay today.
"How do we know the difference between you and those that are trying to kill us?"
Same way you'd know whether anyone is trying to kill you.
Although I suppose we could set up internment camps. We did that, once.
Exactly!
How would I determine that beck isn't trying to kill Americans? Because he says he's not?
There ya go. Isn't that where this is heading...really? Otherwise, what is Beck's point? All Muslims look alike, so we have to lock them up? Kill them? Outlaw their religion?
What's odd is that he's complaining about the beliefs of a Mosque in Toronto, and wondering if they would honor our Constitution.
What is he driving at?
That's right.
We can set up the Muslim internment camps right after we arrest and deport those 12,000,000 pesky illegal Mexicans.
Beck would have us become what we're fighting against.
Of course people shouldn't be offended. I ask all of my white friends and acquaintances how I can tell they are not in the KKK and are therefore not racists.
Beck, how do I know you are not a pedophile or a serial killer?
My solution...
I have an answer for Beck's "How do we know the difference between you and those that are trying to kill us? "
Everyone, everyone, will be fully investigated by the FBI to determine if they are terrorists (or inclined to be) and then have a 12-digit number tattooed on their forehead.
Terrorists' numbers will begin with "666", all others will begin with "111" and after a certain date, those discovered without a number will be shot on sight.
Will that make you feel safer Glenn?
she wants to "build Bridges" so she shows up in this idiots TV show? Beck would have just about wet himself with joy back in WWII when the entire west coast Japanese population was placed in detention camps. Like the Japanese American, Muslim Americans are distinct amongst the general american population and Beck has no problem stereotyping an entire race. If this was the height of the civil rights movement, Beck would have asked, how do we know the difference beween you and those that are trying to mug us? Like O'reilly, this was a racist remark, but I guess we accept it because he was talking about Muslims. What have we become?
Maybe we should do extensive background checks on all Muslims, and those who pass must wear a Red Crescent on their sleeves at all times. Would that make Glenny Boy feel safer?
Ah, great minds think alike. See my reply to Irony.
As I go back and read the thread, I've seen several similar replies. A few of us are apparently detecting the same sinister direction that this is going, in Glenn Beck's tiny mind.
I'm white and I think every white person is Timothy McVeigh...especially the squirelly ones with crew cuts and glasses.
"Maybe we should do extensive background checks on all Muslims, and those who pass must wear a Red Crescent on their sleeves at all times. Would that make Glenny Boy feel safer?"
An the ones that don't pass go to reeducation camps and end up as costumed characters at Disneyland!!!
Beck to Muslim-American guest: "How do we know the difference ...Media Matters for America, DC - 1 hour agoSo, help me out, Sharida, because, you know, the difference between the Jehovah Witness and those in other religions that are blowing themselves up, ---------------Appreciate your fine reporting.Up close and personal Jehovah's Witnesses can be wolves in sheep's clothing.Think about this-When the devil comes knocking on your door he may not have the 'dark goth look'.They could be smartly dressed and wielding the Christian Bible.I have Jehovah's Witnesses family in the USA who practice the Watchtower JW enforced ritual shunning that i have not seen or heard from in 15 years.The central core dogma of the Watchtower is Jesus second coming (invisibly) in 1914 and is a lie.Jehovah's Witnesses are a spin-off of the man made Millerite movement of 1840.A destructive cult of false teachings, that frequently result in spiritual and psychological abuse, as well as needless deaths (bogus blood transfusion ban).Yes,you can 'check out anytime you want but you can never leave',because they can and will hold your family hostage.The world has the Internet now,and there are tens of thousands of pages up from disgruntled ex-Jehovah's Witnesses like myself who have been abused by the Watchtower cult.Jehovah's Witnesses are often a mouth that prays a hand that kills.The Watchtower is a truly Orwellian world
Couldn't we do something really simple, like making all Muslims on earth swear allegiance to the USA...and make them wear American flag pins. Any Muslim walking around without an American flag pin could be shot on sight...just as a precaution, of course. You listening, Barack Hussein Obama...? ;>)
Naw, too easy to get 'em mixed up with gen-u-wine American flag-pin-wearers.
Better to make 'em wear a flag pin and a little crescent sewn on their clothes.
"Muslim-American" ?
Is that anything like a Christian-American? Jewish-American? Does that make Mitt Romney a Mormon-American?
Islam is a religion, not an ethnicity or nationality. How about just describing the speaker as an American Muslim?
Or, such as in the case of Glenn Beck... American Moron.
Snort.
Or is it Moron-American?
regarding the statistics/ survey of British Muslims, can we apply the same logic to polls of Americans?
30% or so approve of Bush. This implies support for the killing of thousands of Iraqi civilians.Does any non-American have the same latitude to ask any American how they know we aren't going to kill them?
Maybe Beck should try to get an ir-regular Muslim on his show. "She is a regular American practicing Muslim. " So, she's "regular"? No inherent bigotry in that little remark?
I wish she would have stopped in mid-sentence and just yelled: "BOO!" at Beck. I would have paid to see his reaction.
We can tell from his line of questioning that he knows she is harmless, thus, we know that Glenn knows she passed through a metal detector before entering the studio. Surely someone who's livelyhood depends on insulting large swaths of the population takes basic precautions like metal detectors, what right minded person does'nt?
I think even Beck and his advertisers would disagree with the misguided notion that his show is nobody's business and no one except he and his guests should have any opinion about it.
You ever wonder if Beck has his Muslim guests frisked to see if they're wearing a bomb-vest or are otherwise armed? Just wondering...
This is an interesting thread. Let's put the issue on the table, shall we? Mr. Goodfella has informed us that over a million American Muslims probably think it's okay to become a martyr and blow yourself up. What does he, or Glenn Beck, or anybody, expect us to do with this information?
Suppose the woman had answered Beckwadd truthfully, and simply said "You can't". What then?
It really does sound like some of the posters here have as much contact day-to-day contact with muslims as O'Reilly does with blacks.
Which reminds me...
I went to a middle eastern diner on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn last weekend and was shocked to see it was like any Italian restaurant in Little Italy. Nobody was shouting, "Allah Akhbar, bring me an iced tea, Allah Akhbar!!"
Beck is the retarded mans Wolf Blitzer.
"Maybe Beck should try to get an ir-regular Muslim on his show. "She is a regular American practicing Muslim. " So, she's "regular"? No inherent bigotry in that little remark?"
How does Glenn Beck have any idea how many times this woman moves her bowels a day???
Well, to be fair to Beck, there are a lot of lentils and legumes in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Sinclair Lewis was right, when fascism comes to this country it will be brandishing the flag in one hand and a cross in the other.
How do we know that Beck is just an ordinary rightwing crazy and not a Tim McVeigh ?
This question gives you insight into Beck's thought process and the mind of the people that defend the question as a really good question. People like Beck generalizes groups of people based on the bad characteristics that some individuals in the group have displayed. Stereotyping is a lazy, puerile, and ineffectual way to process the world around you. So every Muslim has to personally assure Beck that they don't want to kill him. Should I ask every White person I meet if they are a racist and how can I tell if they're not? How about judging individuals based on their actions. The question isn’t as much politically incorrect as it is stupid?
Exactly Lynn. Good point.
Oh Oh...The Beaver is making an attempt at serious reporting again and that can only mean one thing. Comedy!!
How do I tell if Beck is an indo or exocanniblist.
How do we know the difference between you and those that are trying to kill us?
An earth shattering, monumentally important question. You have five seconds to respond.
My answer only a bigot would ask such a question. Grow up
How's your mom?
Doesn't media matters have better things to do? God... Your wasting what little money you have left on ridiculous topics.
Of Course there are Islamist's that want to blow us up. But to point this out to your members is a little redundant. You just don't like Glenn Beck.
Fess up. That is the only reason you put this garbage on your site.
Why did you respond?
Why are you here?
And of course every Mulsim DOESNT want to blow us up. To point this out to the intellectually challenged Limborg is useless. Beck is a bigot. I dont particularly like bigots. I guess its also a waste of time to point THIS out to the shortbus hivemind crowd
One only wishes McKenzie wasn't so polite and simply answered Beck with two questions:
How do we know you aren't a bigot and a racist?
How do tell the difference?
Glenn Beck is basically just an immature little kid who is afraid of Muslims because he perceives their beliefs as somehow weird or different from what he is comfortable with. He's just too lazy to actually research and investigate what their religion actually is like. Well I have. I have read the Koran in translation, prayed in a Mosque, and celebrated Ramadan. Do you want to know what I found?
1.Most Arabs are Muslims but most Muslims are not Arabs. Muslims can be found in every country and every culture. The largest Muslim country in the world happens to be Indonesia.
2.With a few exceptions Muslims in America live just like other Americans. The exceptions being that they don't eat pork and most refrain or try to refrain from alcohol.
3.While many Muslims living in the US are immigrants, American Muslims are increasingly born here and converts from other religions.
4.On the surface Islam is different from Christianity with which most Americans are familiar and comfortable. Muslims pray five times a day, they face Mecca when they pray, and they celebrate a fast that lasts a month. However those differences are all surface differences. Underneath Islam teaches exactly the same things you find in the Bible. Like Jesus, the Prophet Mohamed (Peace Be Upon Him) taught that we must care for the poor and the weak, struggle for justice, and seek peaceful solutions to our conflicts. Islam even accepts the Biblical prophets, including Jesus. Their main objection to Christianity is that it teaches that Jesus is equal to God and that he is part of a triune Godhead.
5.The majority of Muslims are peaceful and non-violent. Even conservatives who may agree with some of bin Laden's views abhor violence. The terrorists are not true to the faith, Islamic law prescribes strict limits on war. Surprise attacks are outlawed as are attacks on civilians and those who have withdrawn from the fighting. Let's be honest here, Americans haven't been very good at following rules of war either.
6.Without contributions by Islam "Western" culture would be much poorer. Some Islamic contributions to the West include various forms of mathematics, Arabic numerals, and even the compass.
Glenn Beck's line of questioning was bigoted because it was based on fear and prejudice. He has let his fear of the unknown and terrorism create a warped image of Muslims in his mind. While laziness has stopped him from learning what Muslims are really like.
For real information about Muslims:
http://www.mountainoflight.co.uk/spiritual.html
http://www.understanding-islam.com/
And another thing, if the majority of Americans begin acting like Glenn Beck and regard every Muslim with fear and suspicion then we might as well stop fighting the terrorists: they'll have already won. We'll have given up on the ideals enshrined in the constitution and become the satanic monsters that the terrorists have been denouncing us as. Instead of giving into xenophobia we should learn to treat every human being as a member of one human family. Christianity, Judaism, and Islam teach to greet every person you meet with the phrase: Peace Be With You. Hinduism teaches to greet people with Namaste which is often taken to mean "The spirit in me recognizes the spirit in you and smiles." Other religions have similar greetings. Instead of giving into xenophobia we would be better off learning to recognize each other's basic humanity and god given right to exist.
Nicely put CF.
They all want to kill us. There are no moderates in Islam. They prove it everyday.
Glenn Beck --
How can we tell if you're not an anti-gummint, anti-democracy Timmy McVeigh turrist?
How can we tell that you're not gonna blow up babies in day-care centers, punk?
ANSWER THE QUESTION.
I find it interresting that you a condeming a question not a statement. Like the Keith Ellison question. He is not condeming or accusing them, he is setting them up to defend themselve.
If you would ACTUALLY watch his show, he encourages the good muslims to speak-up. He reports on anti-terrorism rallies put on by Muslims. When was the last time you saw that on CNN or MSNBC? What news station is doing ANYTHING to defend Muslims?
Glenn Beck: Muslims need to stand up, because the vast majority of them are good and peace-loving and don’t agree with this stuff. But there are too many stupid people out there that, a series of bad stuff starts to happen, they’re going to say”—here, he switches to a redneck drawl—“‘Let’s get the razor wire.’ http://men.style.com/gq/features/full?id=content_5845&pageNum=6
Glen Beck may be an A**hole, but he isn't stupid. He knew there wasn't an answer to his question. That's why he asked it. Let the FEAR continue.