Salama Aleikum,

The CAIR statement containing quotes of Sheikh Hisham's speech at the State Department was misleading at best.  Anyone who has taken even the most basic critical thinking class in college can spot the "twist and spin" that was done.  While I begrudge no one the opportunity to disagree with Sheikh Hisham and vocally make it known, I am outraged that Muslims so dishonestly characterized their disagreement.  The least CAIR could have done is stick to the truth in presenting their disagreement.

I've talked to and emailed people at CAIR and gotten some interesting responses.  What seems to have happened is that CAIR feels Sheikh Hisham targeted them and they are angry.  The Action Alert speaks for itself.  CAIR people let their emotions run away with them and the poorly chosen text was sent out. 

CAIR has lost all credibility with me and I will never trust their presentation of an issue again.  Live and learn I guess.

God bless the Islamic Supreme Council of America.  Thank you for telling my government that I am not connected to any foreign payroll.  Thank you for telling my government that I condemn all terrorist acts, no matter who commits them.  Thank you for telling my government that I care more about Islam than about political issues in other countries.  Thank you for speaking peace and love and about Islam without bashing me over the head in your zeal as the other Muslim organizations do. Thank you for being the only group of Muslims in this country that I can trust to talk to my Christian family and my average, middle-class neighbors without pressure or hostility or criticism of the country we call home.  Thank you for speaking for me and my family.

God bless you all,

C. Maher