Urgent Action Alert:

Urgent Action Alert: Demand Responsible Testimony - Self proclaimed “terrorist expert” speaks to Congress Read More

Dennis Kucinich, announced 35 articles of impeachment against President George Bush in July. You can download the first 45 minutes of his address to the House.

Highway 59 Blogging in Houston - Justice for Palestinians

Highway 59 Blogging in Houston - Justice for Palestinians

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The Pitfalls of Religious Test in American Politics

The race to the White House has again brought religion to the forefront (as it always does). Recall George Bush’s “compassionate” conservative platform in the 2000 presidential race. The Christian Coalition pushed the “pro-family” agenda, while gay marriage, abortion and stem cell research were strategically pushed ... Read More

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Highway 59 Blogging in Houston - Justice for Palestinians

Mini film about Highway 59 weekly protest in Houston Texas. The group wants fellow Americans to truly see what is really going on in Palestine as well as bring to light the amount of U.S. tax payers dollars going towards the state of Israel to fund the current Apartheid System of ethnic cleaning of the Muslims and Christian Palestinians. The media has banned any open discussions about this topic.

Jewish Newspaper Ranks U.S Presidential Candidates according to their “Isra

how Jewish Newspaper Ranks U.S Presidential Candidates according to their “Israel Factor”....read this article to get more information about the 2008 presidential candidates

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The Most Defining Moment in America is Hurricane Katrina and not 9/11

The Most Defining Moment in America is Hurricane Katrina and not 9/11

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The Elderly

The Hurricane Katrina crisis revealed many shocking revelations about how America treats its elderly and the culture of indifference, abuse and neglect. An overwhelming amount of senior citizens perished during the flood. There were many cases where the elderly were left in the hands of staff at retirement homes and to the mercy of healthcare providers.

St. Rita’s Nursing Home in St. Bernard Parish, left 34 patients to fend for themselves during the flood, and the owners were charged with negligent homicide. Attorney General Foti stated “Thirty four people drowned in a nursing home where they should have been evacuated.”
Rescue workers removed 45 bodies from a downtown New Orleans hospital that was surrounded by floodwaters from Katrina, according to a spokeswoman from the Louisiana Department of Health.

The Houston Chronicle ran an unforgettable photograph of a little girl pushing her grandmother in a wheel chair. No one bothered to protect them from the horrendous conditions of the New Orleans Conventions Center, where dead bodies, often elderly, where left on the streets for weeks, one elderly person was left dead in a wheel chair only covered by a light cloth.

Countless victims were found dead in their homes, alone, not able to escape the dreadful full waters, not able to get to the upper most parts of their homes and cut through the roofs to get rescued.

How can a country proudly proclaiming to be the greatest and riches nation in the world excel economically, yet fail so miserably at protecting one of the most valuable resources, our elderly Mothers, Fathers and grandparents.

Presently, more than 1.5 million people reside in 17,000 nursing homes nation wide. Research reveals that between 50%-60% of people admitted to care homes die within the first 2 years. Mortality rates are highest in the first 6 months but tend to settle thereafter.

There have been many undercover documentaries revealing deplorable conditions and treatment in nursing homes. It is estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau that 35 percent of the total population will be older than 65 by the year 2020. A recent study by a University of Missouri-Columbia nursing researcher found that a shift in attitude is needed to improve the quality of care in nursing homes.

Muslims frequently look at this issue from the outside looking in, however as society moves away from fundamental values allowing un Islamic practices seep into our Ummah we also changes practices in our own communities towards our elderly.

Our religion has given us a clear guidance in the treatment of our parents

Chapter 17 23:-24 of the Quran “Al Isra (or Night Journey) states:

“Your Lord has commanded that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to your parents. If one of them or both of them reach old age with you, do not say to them a word of disrespect, or scold them, but say a generous word to them. And act humbly to them in mercy, and say, ‘My Lord, have mercy on them, since they cared for me when I was small.’” (Quran 17:23-24)

THE TRUTH ABOUT THE IRAN CRISIS AND HISTORY OF THE COUP OF 1953

By Karema Akifa Saleh, E-MAIL

Propaganda was at the helm of the Iranian Hostage crisis of 1979, during President Jimmy Carter’s administration. The following was quoted from President Jimmy Carter’s Library “On November 4, 1979, Iranian militants stormed the United States Embassy in Tehran and took approximately seventy Americans captive. This terrorist act triggered the most profound crisis of the Carter presidency and began a personal ordeal for Jimmy Carter and the American people that lasted 444 days.”

If you were old enough to remember, Iran was painted as a demonic nation of blood thirsty Muslim clerics, and wild young militants out to attack American without provocation. We were all fed the same propaganda- America the victim against radicals extremist. The Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza (a known brutal corrupt dictator) was also portrayed as the western friendly victim. The world was fixated on the this crisis however the real story was never told in the media.

The real story of the 1953 Coup the British and United States government was involved with to over through Mohammad Mossadegh, the western friendly, democratically elected Prime Minister who was also named Time Magazine’s “Man of the Year in 1951.” Iran had enjoyed friendly relationships with the United States under President Harry Truman.

“U.S. Policy toward Iran under Truman was to support the Mosaddeq government and seek and end to the oil dispute through diplomatic means.” At the same time the U.S government was aware of British covert activities against Mosaddeq. The relationship was never an honest one.

In conjunction with diplomatic activities, at some point the British and U.S. government jointly participated in covert missions against the Iranians. The United States had always feared a strong Soviet influence and started an operation codenamed BEDAMN during 1948. BEDAMN was a propaganda and political action program run through a network headed by two Iranians.

The United State’s Operation Ajax (now declassified) promoted intense psychological campaigns, black operations, infiltration of agents and provocateurs, included payoffs, attacks on Masajid, and pushing a more fundamentalist line to create chaos and drive away Mosaddeq. According to the book “All the Sha’s Men, an American Coup and the Roots of Middle East Terror, by Stephen Kinzer “Mobs and military units whose leaders were on the CIA payroll would crush any attempt by Mossadegh to resist. Then it would be announced that the Shah had chosen general Fazlollah Zahedi, a retired military officer who had received more than 100,000 from the CIA, as Iran’s new prime minister. By the beginning of August, Tehran was afire. Mobs working for the CIA staged anti –Mossadegh protest, marching through the streets carrying portraits of the Shah and chanting royalist slogans….” What was Mosaddeq” crime?

Mosaddeq wanted to nationalize the oil, which was in direct conflict with the oil thirsty British Government which owned 50 stocks and had become imperialist rather than partners in Iran’s Oil industry. The British were outraged seeing what they called Persians as being backwards and barbaric with no rights to their own land or oil industry. To retaliate, the British tried to starve Iran’s economy through embargos on oil, iron, steel, sugar, oil processing equipment and goods that could be resold for dollars…..

In retrospect the Iranians had every bit of right to distrust and bitterly appose U.S and British interest in their country. What is most surprising is how the media covered up the 1953 Coup during the Hostage crisis of 1979. Had the public known about the events surrounding the coup, there would have been more understanding politically for reasons the Iranians bitterly apposed the British and the Americans. The public would have understood our governments double standards and false democracy in the Middle East which had long term ramifications even up today. This nation’s actions did more harm to the peace and stability of the Middle East than any Islamic or political group had ever.

Will we make the same mistake by going to war with Iran in 2007?

Vaccines: Gov Perry of Texas Executive Order

Gov Perry of Texas Executive Order

On February 2, 2007 Governor Rick Perry issued an executive order directing the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to adopt rules requiring all girls ages 11 - 12 to receive the Human Papilloma virus vaccine (HPV) prior to entering the sixth grade. The executive order also directed HHSC and the Department of State Health Services to make the vaccine immediately available to eligible girls from the ages 9-18 through the Texas Vaccines for Children program, and through Medicaid for women ages 19 to 21.

According to the CDC the
Human papillomavirus is the name of a group of viruses that includes more than 100 different strains. More than 30 of these viruses are sexually transmitted
He stated that ““The HPV vaccine provides us with an incredible opportunity to effectively target and prevent cervical cancer” “Requiring young girls to get vaccinated before they come into contact with HPV is a responsible health and fiscal policy that has the potential to significantly reduce cases of cervical cancer and mitigate future medical costs.” But many question the real motives of pushing this vaccine .
KATHLEEN KERR reported that the pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co. ( who produces the drug) spent more than $500,000 on lobby efforts in New York State and contributing to key officials, including two from Long Island. The company wanted state legislatures to require cervical cancer vaccinations for girls before sexual activity. At the same time, Merck was lobbying state officials on other issues; “

The Associated Press reported that Perry’s chief of staff had met with key aids about the vaccine on October 16, the same day Merck’s political action committee donated $5,000 to the governors campaign. He toured cancer centers in Texas raising millions stating that these activities had no affect on his decision. Merck has contributed heavy to both democratic and republican parties.

Who really stands to gain in mandatory vaccine programs? It is obvious that corporations are making enormous profits from pushing drugs on the population. The Human Papillomav Virus vaccine was going to the be the most expensive vaccine to date costing over $300 for the entire series of shots.

According to Kathleen Kerr’s article Cervical cancer kills about 233,000 women worldwide each year and $3,700 in the U.S. Is this a real crisis?

Articles of Interest:
Kenyan Nobel peace laureate claims AIDS virus deliberately created
The Latest: Mercury in Vaccines (First Coast News, Oct 8, 2004)
Why You Should Avoid Taking Vaccines by James Howenstine, MD.
Japan's Great Lesson: Compulsory flu vaccines reveal no benefit and actually cause more Flu and Vaccine related deaths
Company pushing cancer vaccine lobbied NY hard, by Kathleen Kerr
Texas leader on defensive over vaccine, ties to Merck , By Joe Stinebaker and Liz Austin Peterson

Texas Vaccine Exemption Information
2005-2006 Texas Vaccine Exemption InformationThe state of Texas in law grants and acknowledges the right of parents to exempt their children from vaccination requirements for day care, school, and college for reasons of conscience including a religious belief or for medical reasons. In 2003, the Texas legislature passed changes to the statutes expanding the reasons a parent can claim an exemption but the Health Department has questionably also increased the bureaucratic red tape necessary for claiming the exemption. There are specific procedures for requesting an official state form and

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PROFILING OF MUSLIMS

By Karema Akifa Saleh

Profiling of Muslims in Americas has become a serious issue that affects many Muslims in the United States, but also those traveling, visiting, and studying in the United States. In previous times racial profile was the main focus. Currently, profiling has become synonymous to islamaphobia, religious intolerance and bigotry against Muslims as a whole, mainly those of Arab, Pakistani, and African American descent, however profiling affects many Americans, even those that do not fit the stereotype. The Patriot Act has institutionalized profiling of Muslims post 9/11. There have been many cases of harassment in Airports justifying the newly coined phase “flying while Muslims.”

Flying while Muslim, is an expression referring to the problems Muslim passengers on airplanes and in airports face in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks. It derives from a previous expression driving while black, which similarly humourise the racial profiling of African Americans in this country. There is nothing humorous about the numerous deportations, and the modern day witch hunt to entrap, humiliate and harass Muslims – many without provocation.

Democracy Now! first covered the case of a nine-year-old Canadian boy held in a US immigration jail along with his Iranian-born parents. His parents had been on their way to seek asylum in Canada, when their plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Puerto Rico. US officials took them into custody and sent them to the T. Don Hutto Family Detention Center in Taylor, Texas. Kevin was one of an estimated 200 immigrant children being held there.

Sami Al-Arian, a respected leader, activist, and computer science professor (previous at the University of Florida) has been in prison for the past four years; accused of being a leader of the "Palestinian Islamic Jihad" (considered a militant group in the U.S.A) Secret evidence (under the Patriot Act) was used against this father and Palestinian activist, never the less, he was found not guilty over a year ago of 17 charges against him, he still remaining in jail.

The U.S government is unwilling to release Dr Arian despite the unconstitutionality of his incarceration. He has been in nine different jails subjected to horrible conditions. It appears to be a modern day political lynching against an Arab American activist whose political speech happens to be unpopular in the main stream.

This case has been one of the most closely watched post 9/11 cases in the United States. The injustice is setting a precedent of what is to come, not only for political free speech and profiling of Muslims or Arab Americans, but any American who speaks out against the state of Israel’s oppressive policies against the Palestinians, corporate corruption, the war, or governmental practices domestically and internationally. The world looks on as the U.S talks about democracy in places like Iraq, yet does not practice it at home.


Links for today’s program:

http://www.islamonline.net/English/News/2002-08/07/Article08.shtml>

http://muslimsforasafeamerica.org/?m=200606>

http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=06/08/25/142252>

http://www.twf.org/Library/woi3aL.pdf>

http://soundvision.com/info/muslims/internment.asp>

http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/demographics/20050824/5/1541>

http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/ny-usking0817,0,1253522.story?coll=ny-leadnationalnews-headlines>

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/110/story_11031_1.html>

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/110/story_11031_1.html>

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/110/story_11031_1.html>

http://www.beliefnet.com/story/110/story_11031_1.html>

http://www.anairhoads.org/politics/profiling.shtml>

http://www.commondreams.org/headlines04/0914-03.htm>

http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2006/11/homeland_securi.html>

http://newstandardnews.net/content/index.cfm/items/3784>

http://public.cq.com/docs/hs/hsnews110-000002431842.html>

http://public.cq.com/docs/hs/hsnews110-000002431842.html>

http://muslimsforasafeamerica.org/?p=46>

http://wasalaam.wordpress.com/2006/08/14/profiling-a-muslim-american/http:/wasalaam.wordpress.com/2006/08/14/profiling-a-muslim-american/http:/wasalaam.wordpress.com/2006/08/14/profiling-a-muslim-american/http:/wasalaam.wordpress.com/2006/08/14/profilin>

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FOSTER CARE SYSTEM

The State of the Foster Care system in American

Imagine asking a respected colleague to recommend a family doctor for your children after relocating to a new city. The colleague goes on to tell you about Dr. X who claims that he is unable to help his patients 80% of the time, has committed malpractice 1/3 of the time and has Molested and abused 30% of this patients- yet continues to treat children, continues to get massive funding, which most are used on his facility and for salaries, continues to practice medicine with ease. Most parents would be outraged, and never consider having any type of dealings with Dr. X. Although Dr. X is not a real person, this scenarios plays out over and over again in the Foster Care system -and parents have little control of their children’s outcome.

We only hear stories of Foster Care abuse when a child is murdered,

Time Magazine has done a serious of stores on the Foster Care system. “the Crisis of Foster Care” was published November 5, of 2005 . The article opened with a grisly description of a little who was pictured in a hospital with a tube protruding from his broken nose. He had deep cuts above his right ear and scars around his forehead. There were burn marks on his tiny feet. This innocent child had been battered and tortured. He was tied with panty hose and belts to a banister by the women who had become his foster parent. The state of Georgia had taken him away from his mother, placed him in the Foster Mother’s care. This 6 year old little boy had so many injuries that the medical examiner gave up counting them. He weighed only 29lbs and was another victim in the Foster Care system in the United States. At the time the article was written, the number of children in the Foster Care system had doubled from a quarter of a million to over 550,000.

Innocent children are caught up in a web of abuse and neglect to bureaucratic foul-ups and carelessness. The incidence of neglect, physical and sexual abuse of children in foster care is feared to be significantly higher than incidents in the general populations.

The government is quick to snatch a child from parents they deem irresponsible, yet does a poor job protecting the very same innocent child

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Visit to Dallas, Texas, USA

By Karema Akifah Saleh, Editor of Iqra! Newspaper

I visited Dallas just recently, the city where President Kennedy was assassinated. I didn’t think much of going to the famous Dealey Plaza, but our host insisted that we find this location. As numerous calls were made to secure good directions, my mind started to go back in time. I had never visited this landmark, nor had I thought to do so. We spent about 15 minutes looking for Main and Elm St. At this point my heart began to race and my curiosity grew stronger and stronger as we came near. I have seen that famous video depicting the President driving with the governor of Texas a thousand times. The moment I saw the famous Texas School Book Depository I knew this outing would have a major impact on me in some way.



I insisted on going to the museum on the 6th floor of the Texas School Book Depository. This was a rare opportunity I could not pass up. We opted for the audio tour and secured our headphone devices and immediately when up to the 6th floor. It was surprising to find so many people there both young and old. I guess we were all trapped in our own personal space watching and listening to the audio tour. I immediately felt as if I entered the 60’s. It was mesmerizing to hear president Kenney’s famous speeches. I soon realized why so many people loved him. There was an emotional tension in the air. People of all races adored this president. I began to appreciate what decent strong leadership was really about. I can not recall a single president in my lifetime, having this type of effect on so many people. There were a few great leaders of that era silenced by bullets - President Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr. , Malcolm X and also Robert Kennedy. I began to ponder and asked myself “why does America kill so many great leaders?”

The audio tour presented a vivid picture of the events of the day leading to the assassination of the President. We viewed various documentaries. I watched the reaction of the crowd all displaying a rather a solemn silence, especially the older crowd. I wished my mother could have walked me through this tour and share he own personal memories of this point in time. I knew she would say something like “I remember exactly where I was, and what I was doing when President Kennedy was assassinated.

The audio tour presented a vivid picture of the events of the day leading to the assassination of the President. We viewed various documentaries. I watched the reaction of the crowd all displaying a rather a solemn silence, especially the older crowd. I wished my mother could have walked me through this tour and share he own personal memories of this point in time. I knew she would say something like “I remember exactly where I was, and what I was doing when President Kennedy was assassinated.

I began to be distressed when I thought about today’s political leaders, and how divisive politics are these days, where American politician care more about their Party than matters of importance to the nation. It is so distressing, so sad. What happened to real men of integrity in politics, what happened to dignity and the sense of true service? There was no point in trying to compare President Kennedy to President Bush. It was like comparing caviar to a chilidog. It was like trying to fit a square peg into a circle.

I became angry when I began to ponder the utter chaos and evil of this world. The never ending thirst for power and control by any means necessary by the elite who really run things. The bold and satanial murder of a decent and just leader in broad daylight, so unapologetically, so brutally. I thought about all the problems of today and realized not much had changed since Kennedy’s assassination In fact, it is much worst. How long will American people play the fool to the lies of evil men?

I, like so many could not believe that Lee Harvey Oswald killed the President alone, latter I did not believe he killed him at all. How could the people of the day believe the lies the Warren Report obviously covered up? The famous assassination video wasn’t released until 2 years after President’s death, just like the video of the bombing of the Pentagon will not be released until after the election. If the government didn’t have anything to hide, why would they keep so much from the public?

It doesn’t surprise me that many people are making comparisons of the investigation of 9/11 with the Warren Report. It even dawned on me that the 9/11 Commission Report was flawed and full of unanswered questions, omissions and misleading conclusions just like the Warren Report. I thought to myself are we really free in America? I recalled one of President Kennedy’s speeches where he talked about government secrecy and how our government should be open to judgment by the people. So profound, so chilling, it was as if he was talking from his grave.

Imagine a President with vision, a President with hope and real compassion for democracy, freedom and respect today. Why did this nation go war in Vietnam? Over 60,000 dead soldiers and many more Vietnamese people died. Would we be the house slaves of Israel today, a government who cares little about American or the American people, and who only care about what benefits them? Kennedy was one of the few and only Presidents that protected American interest first and did not dance to the beat of the Israeli drummer

I wondered as my tour ended, what President Kennedy would say today had he seen this great mess the Neo Cons and Zionist zombies have gotten us in. I am so sure he would have taken this nation info a war on false pretenses. Where are the real men with a soul and a backbone who serve this nation? Why are so many politicians prostitutes of special interest and slaves of AIPAC (Jewish lobby). What happened to integrity? I am not suggesting President Kennedy was a perfect person, but he brought so many people together. Can you remember a president so hated by a few, but so loved by many Black, White or Red. I suggest some of these so called leaders of today go online and listen to a few of Kennedy’s speeches which were as profound yesterday, as they are today.

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The Real Defining Moment in America Was Hurricane Katrina and not 9/11

by Karemah Akifah Saleh, Iqra Newspaper

This picture was taken of a home which was flooded almost to the ceiling. The walls had to be removed because of the mold damage. Iqra Newspaper 2006

Iqra Newspaper 2006

The terrorist attack in New York on September 11, 2001 (9/11) has been labeled the defining moment in American history, and President George Bush’s presidency. Not a day has passed without an article in a newspaper, a discussion on talk radio or on network news mentioned something linked to 9/11, whether it is terrorism (which is often a code word for “Islamic Extremism”), Al Quaeda, Iran, Iraq, or Osama Bin Laden. The propaganda machine is always turning in order to create a fear in the public’s eyes to justify this unpopular war.
Countless laws were rubber stamped through Congress with little if any debate in the name of 9/11. We went to war on false pretenses, which promoted a new wave of xenophobia and more foolish laws. Why has this nation ignored so many important issues of the day, and has not devoted even a fraction of attention towards the events on August 29, 2005 – Hurricane Katrina, the nation’s worst disaster of all time.
Hurricane Katrina was clearly this nation’s most defining moment for many reasons. This storm uncovered many hidden flaws from the local, state and the federal government. It opened Pandora’s Box, exposing many dysfunctional aspects of this nation. Americans were not willing to face the total inability of the government to deal with a national crisis, from the state of Louisiana to the President.
Remember the images of utter chaos in New Orleans, the helpless trapped in hospitals, the poorest and most unprepared forced to go to the Super Dome at the very last moment, desperate cries for help with hundreds lining up around the New Orleans Convention Center begging for water, and some of the most shameful neglect of the elderly. Dead bodies remaining on the streets for weeks, elderly left to fend for themselves dying a miserable death in the sweltering heat of a semi tropical American city. The old and dead were found in wheel chairs, also, half naked babies in the most unsanitary condition imaginable. Days and days passed with out any real intervention from the government. No water, no way out, no hope. This was not a scene most would expect to see from the richest, most powerful nation in the world. This was not a Hollywood production. This was real. Surely this injustice could not happen in America – a nation that talks so much about freedom.
Two major precedents occurred during the chaos of Katrina. There were three direct violations of the constitution. The city was transformed into a complete police state like never before in modern times. There was also a violation of the “Posse Comitatus Act' Title 18 of the U.S. Code, Section 1385, which states:
"'Whoever, except in cases and under circumstances expressly authorized by the Constitution or Act of Congress, willfully uses any part of the Army or Air Force as a posse comitatus or otherwise to execute the laws shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both."

In layman’s terms, the military is prohibited from direct involvement in law enforcement. U.S. law and policy limits the military's role in domestic affairs. Military can not run around the streets playing rambo with citizens.

No less than 3 constitutional rights were violated.

While thugs scoured the city streets breaking into houses, businesses and committing crimes, the military were busy removing guns from the homes of many law abiding citizens. A direct violation of the United States Constitution:

2nd Amendment:
… the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

3rd Amendment :
No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

4th Amendment:
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures…..


Instead of the media digging deep, challenging these direct breaches of the United States constitutions, or trying to find answers, and asking tough questions, holding leaders accountable for this tragedy spinning so violently out of control, much of the media decided to spin stories about looters, and George Bush’s trip to the Gulf South, as if he was a hero coming to save the day. Let us not forget Momma Bush’s comment which could have been taken from a cheap old Racist Southern novel, “Back on the Southern Plantation” (fictitious). She said (mainly directed at towards the thousands of African Americans stranded in the Astro Dome) “so many of the people in the arena here, you know, were underprivileged anyway, so this is working very well for them,” As if it was a Sunday picnic at the park. What she failed to realize as many, citizens finding shelter in the Superdome, Convention Center, Reliant Stadium or newly formed FEMA Camps were not allowed to leave the premises.
, Most of the New Orleans residents felt abandoned by their leaders. Mayor Nagin received hardly any national attention until he went on the radio blasting the federal government for their slothfulness. Many residents questioned how the government of the richest nation in the world could so quickly give billions to Israel without flinching and deploy troops to fight an unjustified war in Iraq in super sonic speed. But when it came to Hurricane Katrina relief, suddenly not even the most basic supplies could be sent to the much needed citizens in the Big Easy (New Orleans), however they did not waste time turning New Orleans into a Police State and sweeping the disenfranchised African American population from the land.

Where were the priorities of leaders from the City to the Federal government all of those years? New Orleans’ vulnerability to a massive flood was well documented since Hurricane Betsy. Those responsible for protecting the city in government failed New Orleans, failed the Gulf Coast and America, before, during and after Hurricane Katrina. And let us not forget the useless Levy Board. Where was the help?
This government maintained a continuous flow of billions of dollars into rebuilding Iraq (which the Neo Con Zionist Zombies destroyed in the first place) to which much went to no bid contractors and constructing military bases. Just imagine the impact of rebuilding the Gulf South, using this money to create the most technically advanced levy systems in the world, modernizing New Orleans infrastructures (i.e. 100 year old pumping stations) building quality educational facilities with 21 Century standards, repairing the streets which were in horrendous condition even before Hurricane Katrina, repairing the vanishing coast line……modernizing the highway system…
Some leaders went on record questioning the need to rebuild New Orleans, a city with one of the busiest ports in this nation,” Louisiana has the hardest working wetlands in America, a watery world of bayous, marshes, and barrier islands that either produces or transports more than a third of the nation's oil and a quarter of its natural gas, and ranks second only to Alaska in commercial fish landings.” (National Geographic.com)

How can 1,900 square miles of wetlands disappear from the Louisiana coast since the 1930’s and continues to recede at a rate of about 24 square miles per year without little action from Congress? The Oil/gas pipelines have been a direct detriment to the marsh land, which is known as a buffer zone protecting the city against massive title waves. Not enough was done to protect New Orleans and the gulf coast.
Instead of prioritizing this ongoing crisis Governor Blanco (the state’s governor) and Mayor Nagin were affixed with keeping the Saints Football team in New Orleans, and doing everything possible to get a good deal, but a fraction of an effort was made making a good deal for the state, the people, and the generations to come in one of the nation’s unique states and cities.
The scientific community was blatantly ignored – until the last hour when Mayor Nagin insisted on an evacuation at the very last minute, illustrating what could happen if the storm hit, offering little leadership and a tight plan of last resort. Why did they ignore all of the warning? Why did President Bush and his Congress ignore legislature for dealing with this problem?
A year has passed and change is happening at a snails pace in New Orleans. Part of the money promised has not trickled down to the citizens who really could make a difference in the rebuilding process. Every citizen of America is advised to visit this city, and see the present day shameful condition. Most New Orleans citizens still remain scattered across the United States. Crime has made a comeback, and not one single leader has been held accountable for this most shameful defining moment in American’s history. Every community should have a clear cut plan in the case of a national disaster.

Author’s post notes:
This article only scratches the surface of what went wrong in the case of Hurricane Katrina. There were many other horrible events not mentioned because of breadth of the problem. I am considering doing a 3 part series exploring other issues.

Organizations interested in publishing this article and pictures should please make a request in writing. Please support Iqra Newspaper www.iqranewspaper.com if you like this article and would like to see more like this.

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The Invisible Muslim Media

Crisis in Our Mist,

A Time for the Invisible Muslim Media to Wake Up!

How many blows will the Muslim community take before realizing the great need of a stronger, revitalized Muslim News Media (especially in the west)? Today’s media fails to produce fair, balanced reporting. As a whole, reporters and writers are not asking tough questions, ignoring vital news stories and investigations. Had Watergate happened in today’s time, it would surely been just a footnote behind the latest entertainment story. Muslims are particularly at a disadvantage. Very few (if any) crimes against Muslims are reported on network news or crime stats period. Crime is out of control as well as pornography yet Muslims remain “Public Enemy #1.” Although American are questioning the war in Iraq and the “Official Commission Report,” the attitude towards Muslims, and Islam remains the same-negative.

Media moghuls have set an agenda to promote anything anti Muslim, pro Neo con and pro Zionist making their stations the mouth piece of George Bush and the Republican Party. It is obvious that the major newspapers and network news programs are under their spell, tricking the American public to believe that the enemy is Islam, Arabs, Iran and any country that poses a treat to Israel. For this reason, many editors of top newspapers have resorted to un-reporting, un-scrutinizing and un-challenging top issues of today. Muslim are constantly portrayed as villains and terrorist, while Israel is portrayed as the loyal friend, the underdog and the victim of Arab, Islamic aggression, when the Israeli government has been conducting racial genocide eradicating Palestinians for their homelands.

In every debate on the open border issue there will be some mention about the threat of terrorist coming into this country from Mexico. Even some Mexican immigrants have noted that there are not “terrorist” or Al Qaeda., yet notorious gangs and criminals have crossed over (this is well documented). Again Muslims are the scrape goats. In this whole immigration issue Muslims would fall on top if education, crime rates, marriage ratios and income would be tabulated. The Media does not attribute anything positive to Muslims as a whole, so it is our job to report these things..

Top radio host are relentlessly bashing Muslims and Islam like never before. Unthinkable comments have crossed the airwaves, with not even the slightest rebuke or outrage from the listening public. The focus is nearly always on terrorism. Arabs, Muslims and Islam are constantly on the hot seat- as if the Oklahoma bombing, Una Bomber and the Anthrax attack never happened. Terrorism is constantly linked to Islam in some way.

Much of the public as a whole has been blinded by their own bias and double standards. No group in history has been branded by their religion as the Muslim people. Ever heard the term Jewist, Christianist, but surely you have heard the insulting term “Islamist” or “Jihadist.” How insulting to take one’s religious terminology and fashion it to something very negative. This term flows from the mouth of seasoned reporters, news anchors and political leaders who should know better. There is no consideration for the Muslim people. Islam is a religion practiced by over a billion followers, “Islamist” is a made up term use to brand every Muslim who defend themselves or who strictly adheres to their faith, a threat to democracy, to peace- in other words , a terrorist. Where is the outrage from the Muslim community? The Muslim media. Some Muslim organizations have begun incorporating this terrible terminology into their writings! It is the duty of both the Muslim Media and Muslim leaders to address this issue head on with a plan of action.

Each and every islamophobic propaganda pimp whether they are a producer, political organization, lobby, editor or writer should be flooded with letters of outrage from the Muslim people and friends in a unified systematic way. Unfortunately, the Muslim Media by in large have been reduced to a silenced lamb without any real strategies in place to mobilize nationally and internationally, combating this front and center attack on Muslims, Islamic countries, and Islam. Some have decided hold a dried uu olive branches after each and every event. Organizations are quick to offer an apology for everything in the sun, even concede guilt after 9/11, but there are no apologies when a masjid is bombed or an innocent Muslim is murdered. From their counterparts. ? Remember the rush to judgment during the Oklahoma bombing No one is talking about it today, because that would force this nation to come to grips with their own double standerans and hypocrisy. It would force many to ask the question why? The hyprocracy would be too hard for them to handle. We all know what happened to the Ohahoma bombing story, it just went away, and very few in the mainstream media is asking how or why.

Most Americans are not aware of the filter down process that takes place behind the scenes of network news (See the documentary called “Out Foxed”) and also newspapers. This process often leads to a propaganda stew filled with all sorts of inaccurate watered down biased stories. Look at the case with 9/11. The major news media refused to investigate many unanswered questions. The “official story” was not challenged, even when there was conflicting evidence leading to a variety of shocking revelations (tons of documentaries have already proven this point). Sadly, many have relied solely on TV for their news, which has already proven to be highly bias and unreliable.

One huge problem at this time is the lack of media resources in the Muslim Community. Those who really want to see gut renching highly informative, believable stories have to look for alternative sources. This means spending time investigating and conducting their own personal research. The information is mind boggling. The internet has become the last frontier when it comes to the media. There is an infinite number of websites dedicated news. But the problem comes in when a Muslim is looking for news written with the Muslim perspective in mind. A large percentage of Muslims use news links from non Muslim sources such as the Associated Press, and top newspapers.

Much information is not flowing in the Muslim community. Muslim radio programs are not reaching a large group in our community, they are understaffed, under budgeted and are not reaching the national market. The internet gives them a farther reach, however, it is only limited to internet users. Pod cast gives producers and listeners a few options, listeners can save programs on their computers to be downloaded at any time and be heard in more traditional platforms such as car speakers.

A little note about Muslim radio programming. A well organized radio talk show will have interesting guest speaking about the news of the day. A charismatic host makes all the difference in the world. This person should have a good understanding of political issues and how they relate to Muslims. The producer should not be afraid to take on controversial issues such as gay marriage, 9/11 and abortion. The person needs to be a good communicator and have a command of the English language. When all of these things are in place, the need of support from the Muslim Media is pivotal. If a program gains support, syndicating the show could be the next step and an excellent way for exposure in different markets nationally or internationally. This requires some degree of cooperation in the Ummah.

Divide and concur has always been the achiles heel of the Muslim community. Muslim need to be encouraged vote, mobilize and participate in the political process. The public is waiting for Muslims to organize. More Muslims are running for political office and winning like never before. A strong Muslim media voice could accelerate this process.

The mainstream American media has failed on so many levels; however this is a good opportunity for Muslims to pick up the slack. We know that the controlled media is clearly being used as a tool of propaganda often times with strong ties to Pro Israeli Jewish owners, who’s alternate goal to keep the hate and fear going so that American will be won over. We Americans have become programmed into being frighten, Harly any national media outlet talks about the real issues such as domestic crime, kidnapping, child pornography, drugs and Aids. The stories of the day are always Osama, Osama and Osama when the informed public knows he is dead.

It is the responsibility of Muslims to speak for Muslims and not let others define Islam or the Muslim positions. Tony Blair has stated the need of Islam to be changed, and “modernized”, in order to appease Western objectives, and the Western way of life. Prince Charles had the nerve to make the same statement. This arrogance, hypocrisy and double standard should be exposed and not ignored.

Look at today’s headlines. “Congressman Accused of Sexual Misconduct with Minor Page.” “Texas Women Drowns her 5 Young Children,” “President Clinton accused with Having Sex With an Intern,” “Missing Child found Dead, (child was raped and strangled) “ According to the CDC (Center for Decease Control, “More than one in five U.S. pregnancies ended in abortion…” In 1973, 615, 831 babies were murdered, and by the 90’s there were over a million abortions. Some babies are brutally murdered legally from a procedure called “Partial Birth Abortion” where the “fetus is turned to a breech position, if necessary, and the doctor pulls one or both legs out of the birth canal, causing what is referred to by some people as the 'partial birth' of the fetus. The doctor subsequently extracts the rest of the fetus, usually without the aid of forceps, leaving only the head still inside the birth canal. An incision is made at the base of the skull and a suction catheter is inserted into the cut. The brain tissue is removed, which causes the skull to collapse and allows the fetus to pass more easily through the birth canal. (Wikipedia). There is no anesthetic for the baby.. This crime is same in a nation that is frequently called “Christian.” Such issues could unite like minded God fearing people into political action.

The United States has the highest crime rates of any industrial nation, and “The number of people behind bars in the U.S. has doubled since 1990, and now numbers just under 2 million, an incarceration rate on par with Russia” (Public Agenda). The Pope quoted the late 14th century Byzantine emperor Manuel II Paleologos who made highly inaccurate and bias remarks about Islam being spread by the sword, but of course no mention was made about the shameful crime rate in American or abortions. The statistics of the American pornography industry is shocking. This industry generates more revenues than the NFL, NBA and Major League baseball combined. Hollywood releases 20 times more pornographic movies than the mainstream movie industry. (LA Times Magazine 2002) Much materials viewed is child porn Leaders conveniently find and excuse to trash Islam and Muslims, yet refuse to deal with the real issues in their own communities.

The Jerusalem Post in an editorial is quoted as saying “The best way to disconnect Islam form its fanatic intolerant expansionist and exclusionist image is to sever the connection with violence. Christians and Jews don’t dispatch suicide bombers to martyr themselves in God’s name; they don’t issue death sentences against non –conformist authors or threaten proponents of alternative views. Only Muslims nowadays practice the ideology of hate and seek ….Muslims who think otherwise need to be heard….” Again another code word for changing Islam to fit the comfort levels of Zionist and other who refuse to allow Muslims to practice their religion in peace uncontested without bias hate filled ideology from others. Shouldn’t’ the Jerusalem Post be discussing human rights and democracy?

It is the responsibility of today’s Muslim Media to combat lies and propaganda with truth. Attacks must be faced with a professional resounding unapologetic counter. Muslims should not politely accept constant insults. Bush, Blair and Prince Charles need to be checked for insulting statements made time and time again about Muslims, Islam, Jihad etc….There should be an out pouring of commentary, letters to the editors, producers on these issues. Remind them that it is not “the extremist” who are high jacking Islam, but it is those that claim to be experts outside of the Muslim Community who spew hatred and hypocrisy enjoying large profits from

Its is time that leaders serious make efforts to build a strong professional Muslim media. It is imperative that more Muslims get into the field of Journalism. Support Islamic Newspapers and radio programming. Let the invisible voice of Muslims be heard thorough a stronger Muslim media.

Karema Akifah Saleah, Editor of Iqra! Newspaper

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