ISNA Cleared In Senate Investigation

The Islamic Society of North America which is based in suburban Indianapolis has evidently been cleared in an investigation conducted by the the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, so says the Indianapolis Star.

A U.S. Senate committee found nothing "alarming" in the financial records of the Plainfield-based Islamic Society of North America and nearly two dozen other Muslim groups the committee reviewed searching for terrorist connections.

"Of course we were sure that nothing would come out with regard to ISNA, but it is good to see that they have come to that conclusion as well," said Louay Safi, executive director of an Islamic Society program that develops new Muslim leaders.

On one hand, this is good news. It certainly doesn't make me a bit happy to have to post on the negative aspects that involve Muslims in this country. But on the other hand, I would caution those that would become too elated with this. This is an investigation of financial records only. It has no bearing on any other investigations that may be under way at this time.

"We did not find anything alarming enough that required additional follow-up beyond what law enforcement is already doing," U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley, the Iowa Republican who heads the committee, said in a statement. "If something in the future does cause new concern, we will continue the investigation."

This is indicates that law enforcement is still keeping a close eye on the organization. And, wisely so.

"We cooperated with their investigation. We provided records. I am glad to hear this has been concluded," Safi said.

That's nice. And they are to be commended for this.

But what would really make me and many others more comfortable, is to hear some condemnation of the heinous acts of the Salafist Jihadists that are hell bent on destroying western civilization, as we know it. What I want to hear is, official public condemnation for groups like Hamas, Al Qaeda, Hezbollah, and the others that are committed to the destruction of the Jewish nation and race. I would also like to hear them condemn states like Syria and Iran that openly support international terror. I would love nothing more than to see them do this, instead of just offering condolences when tragedy strikes at the hands of those that call themselves, Muslims. (Check their website, I won't link to them.)

So until all of this happens, I will remain very skeptical of these so-called "moderate" Islamic groups. You can safely assume that I will not be swapping spit in the shower with any of them, anytime in the near future.

Safi said he understands that the terrorist threat requires the government's vigilance. But he said it is disheartening how innocent Muslim organizations have been "smeared" in this process.

The Senate investigation was widely reported, casting doubt on the Islamic Society at a time many Muslims in the United States were viewed suspiciously because of the terrorist attacks on Washington, D.C., and New York City.

Arsalan Iftikhar, national legal director for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said the Senate Finance Committee had gone on a "fishing expedition" that did nothing but reinforce the idea that Muslims are guilty until proven innocent when it comes to terrorism accusations.

"Unfortunately," Iftikhar said, "I think this is indicative of federal law enforcement's dragnet against the American Muslim community."

Safi, at least on the surface, is stating publicly that he understands. But still, he gets his dig in. And as you see, CAIR is always in the shadows using situations like this, as propaganda opportunities. CAIR will do whatever dirty work needs to be done, any time there is perceived discrimination towards any Muslim.

Bottom line:

If they want me to believe their true sincerity, they need to show me more. They need to condemn the heinous killers, work with us to root and weed out the reprobates that have "hijacked" Islam, and teach only peace, in their mosques. Not just once, not just twice. But by doing it consistently, making it a way of life, and not as a smoke screen or lip service.

Rest assured, I will not settle for one damned thing less.