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IIC Condemns Remarks by Rudy Giuliani
| IIC Main Offices | | In early 2007, the Islamic Information Center relocated its main headquarters to the National Press Club building in Washington D.C. The National Press Club is an international news media hub, home to hundreds of media organizations from around the world, and regularly hosts world leaders and various elected officials from around the nation. By positioning an office in this location, the Islamic Information Center is uniquely suited to disseminate important Islamic information throughout the world in a professional and instantaneous manner. | |
| | (WASHINGTON DC - September 5, 2008) IIC condemns the recent remarks made by Rudy Giulliani during his Wednesday September 3rd, 2008 speech at the Republican National Convention. The views expressed were derogatory and demeaning to all peaceful Muslims in America and across the world. Mr. Giuliani, in his speech, said:
"We need John McCain to save our economy and make sure it grows, but we need it for a more important purpose. There's one purpose that John McCain understands, Republicans understand, that overrides everything else: John McCain will keep us on offense against terrorism at home and abroad.
For -- for four days in Denver, the Democrats were afraid to use the words "Islamic terrorism."
I imagine they believe it is politically incorrect to say it. I think they believe it will insult someone. Please tell me, who are they insulting if they say "Islamic terrorism"? They are insulting terrorists.
Of great concern to me, during those same four days in Denver, they rarely mentioned the attacks of September 11, 2001. They are in a state of denial about the biggest threat that faces this country. And if you deny it and you don't deal with it, you can't face it."
(The full text of the speech can be found here.)
These remarks are incredibly offensive and derogatory to the worlds Muslims. It is a fact that the majority of the world's 1.4 Billion Muslims are peaceful, law abiding, family oriented people - and for Mr. Giuliani to use the phrase "Islamic Terrorism" implies the opposite, especially when he prefaces such comments with words such "John McCain will keep us on offense against terrorism at home and abroad".
There is no such thing as "Islamic Terrorism". Islam and terrorism are intrinsically opposite. Whereas Islam teaches fasting, prayer, and good will to one's neighbors, the goal of terrorism is to use fear and intimidation to accomplish political goals. Furthermore, of the eight million Muslims living on the United States, the overwhelming majority are active participants in American society.
According to Zogby International polls, there are a significant amount of Muslim medical doctors, scientists, computer engineers, and teachers in the United States. In answer to Mr. Giuliani's question, these people are insulted by the phrase "Islamic Terrorism".
No religion can be associated with terrorism, and to do so contradicts both common sense and logic. Religions are focused on the betterment of society, and attaining closeness to God.
The Islamic Information Center calls upon Presidential Candidate John McCain to condemn Mr. Giuliani's remarks, and for Mr. Giuliani to step above the irrational fear of Islam, also known as Islamophobia, and apologize for his remarks. | | |
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