Yesterday, talk show host Dori Monson and Seattle Times reporter David Postman both tried answer some of the questions I raised in this post: What does Seattle Congressman Jim McDermott think about the FBI raid on the Islamic charity (or, perhaps, "charity") Life for Relief and Development? And what is his relationship to the group, which may have helped pay for his notorious propaganda trip to Baghdad?
Monson called McDermott's office for a reaction and, at least by the time he did that portion of his show, had not received one. But Monson also called Debbie Schlussel, who wrote the piece that I linked to, and had her answer questions on his show. What she said did not settle the matter for me, but she did give us good reason to worry about any public official who has had contacts with this group. (That includes a few Republicans, by the way.)
Postman also called McDermott's office and got a reply, which you can find here. But Postman does not mention contacting Schlussel, and he appears to have accepted the explanation from McDermott's office. Was that wise? I don't think so. Let me put this delicately. Congressman McDermott has a reputation, deserved in my opinion, for not always being completely candid. A reporter who accepts what he says, or what his office puts out, without confirmation, is taking a gamble. (And I think Postman is a good enough reporter so that he can recall some of the incidents that lead me to say that.)
The winner so far? Monson, easily. He tried to get both sides of the story, and showed skepticism toward both McDermott and Schlussel. But maybe Postman will do a follow-up.
(Just so there is no misunderstanding, I am not saying that Congressman McDermott knew about the accusations made against this group, or even that he knew that they may have helped pay for his propaganda trip. I am saying that we don't know what his relationship to the group is or was, and that I don't think that the statement from his office settles the matter.
This is not a small issue. Islamic extremists have tried to penetrate our political system, and have had some success in both parties, though far more in the Democratic party in recent years. Congressmen should avoid these groups. That should be obvious, but, sadly, is not.)
Posted by Jim Miller at September 20, 2006 08:02 AM | Email ThisIt is my belief that he is a sympathizer to these groups. Pure and simple.
Posted by: swatter on September 20, 2006 09:07 AMexample--recent Seattle Jewish center shooting and other terror/hate attacks; they infiltrate us by playing on the collective p.c. guilt and self-hate many Americans have;
they let us self-destruct and thus infiltrate by playing the religion cloak of safety and half-assed denials; we do the rest; like a body whose antibodies turn on itself; they need do nothing but sit back & watch self-destruction by apathetic and ignorant people with survival instincts replaced by p.c. fears of offending anyone to the detriment of our own safety & lives;
Posted by: jimmie-howya-doin on September 20, 2006 09:53 AMthis is a blog, not Columbia U Journalism. my sentences written here purposely to rile the likes of you. i'll stack my multiple degrees against yours any day. lib reaction--kill the messenger.
hey-do my big ears also stick out & i have freckles?! just like the school yard tactic. what a putz. why does kd lang get a pass for her non-capitalized name? liberal p.c. respect for her? focus on the message, weenie. i didn't realize Stephan was hiring you to grade for penmanship & syntax. lose the anal-retention, ok? it's a thread--and most people reading this will get my drift--if not, they will prove me wrong.
Posted by: jimmie-howya-doin on September 20, 2006 10:24 AMAccording to teddy the swimmer, there's one in Chi-town ;'}
Posted by: alphabet soup on September 20, 2006 10:35 AMhttp://www.abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=2428960
Posted by: pbj on September 20, 2006 10:55 AMhttp://www.abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=2428960
Posted by: pbj on September 20, 2006 10:57 AMI was a Republican until every notion of fiscal conservatism fled from the Party, however, I will find my way back once it does.
To respond to what I do understand about your original statement, is it p.c. that empowers the terrorists in our political system or is it fear?
I looked at the article and I already knew about him (as do most people who follow politics). I know he is a liberal Democrat, but I don't think he is a member of Al Queda or an Islamic radical.
Posted by: J.C. on September 20, 2006 11:25 AMPC and the fear of offending anyone has led to fear--fear of being acused of racism or piping up & losing your job--our enemies exploit that fear & preference for conflict avoidance along with our freedoms of expression & religion. Why not use your enemy's own tools? One good exapmle of this is (plug) the book White Guilt by Shelby Steele.
As for leaving the R party--your choice--for me, there are too many existing social policies & programs/attitudes to 'go D.' Lesser of 2 evils--or--i definitely know what i DON'T want.
I appreciated your interchange.
Posted by: jimmie-howya-doin on September 20, 2006 11:43 AMhttp://article.nationalreview.com/?q=NGQxZmE2MmNlNzI3MDljYmZjZTQ0NTZiZDkxMGM1ZmM=
Posted by: Jericho on September 20, 2006 10:03 PMI definitely didn't "go D", I just have a hard time voting for any Republican or considering myself a Republican as long as they a have left fiscal conservation behind.
I also appreciate the candor.