John Lennon A Closet Republican?

Hard to believe that John Lennon, pacifist hippie extraordinare for the bulk of his adult life, actually admired Reagan and, had he been able to, would have voted for him in the 1980 Carter/Reagan elections.  But, according to John Lennon's  assistant Fred Seaman, for the final two years of his life Lennon was apparently a "Closet Republican" and would have done just that. 

"John, basically, made it very clear that if he were an American he would vote for Reagan because he was really sour on (Democrat) Jimmy Carter. He'd met Reagan back, I think, in the 70s at some sporting event... Reagan was the guy who had ordered the National Guard, I believe, to go after the young (peace) demonstrators in Berkeley, so I think that John maybe forgot about that... He did express support for Reagan, which shocked me. I also saw John embark in some really brutal arguments with my uncle, who's an old-time communist... He enjoyed really provoking my uncle... Maybe he was being provocative... but it was pretty obvious to me he had moved away from his earlier radicalism. He was a very different person back in 1979 and 80 than he'd been when he wrote Imagine. By 1979 he looked back on that guy and was embarrassed by that guy's naivete."

Quoted in a Toronto Sun article, Seaman divulges this information in a documentary film called "Beatles Stories".  Of course, after Jimmy Carter's tenure as President, it's not hard to understand why he might have made that choice.

As for his contrition and embarrassment over his past 'radicalism'-  he was an avid 'give peace a chance', anti-war political activist (remember the Bed-In with Yoko?), but he did not seem to advocate violence, unlike many others of his generation. Even the Beatle's song "Revolution"  (written in 1968) makes that pretty clear.

You say you want a revolution

Well you know

We all want to change the world

You tell me that it's evolution

Well you know

We all want to change the world

But when you talk about destruction

Don't you know you can count me out

Don't you know it's gonna be alright

Alright Alright

You say you got a real solution

Well you know

We'd all love to see the plan

You ask me for a contribution

Well you know

We're doing what we can

But when you want money for people with minds that hate

All I can tell you is brother you have to wait

Don't you know it's gonna be alright

Alright Alright

You say you'll change the constitution

Well you know

We all want to change your head

You tell me it's the institution

Well you know

You better free your mind instead

But if you go carrying pictures of Chairman Mao

You ain't going to make it with anyone anyhow

Don't you know know it's gonna be alright

Alright Alright

And who doesn't want a world at peace? 

Perhaps the seeds of change were planted back then, and it took another 10 years or so to come to fruition, but it just proves there's hope for all.  I know there are many who are  critical of the fact that, if he was indeed a conservative of sorts, he did not openly admit he was.  Obviously, I can relate.  Not everyone has the courage in the entertainment industry to be open about their politics, and that's certainly understandable.  At least we now know.

Egyptian Tycoon Receives Boycotts, Lawsuits & Threats Of Severed Tongue For Posting Mickey and Minnie Mouse in Islamic Garb

Disney's Mickey Mouse has taken center stage, yet again, in the Middle East.  But this time, rather than being a tool for teaching terrorism to kids- remember Farfour the Palestinian Mouse-  he and his gal pal Minnie created a firestorm of protest against Egyptian Telecom and media tycoon-cum-politician, Naguib Sawiris.  Sawiris has had lawsuits and boycotts launched against him for posting a cartoon of Mickey with an Islamic beard and a niqab-clad Minnie from his Twitter feed. Apparently, the cartoon had already made the rounds in an email that featured the mouse couple and the quote: "this is the future of Egypt"- which is more than likely where the country is headed, given the overreaction to the post.  It probably doesn't help that after the fall of Mubarak, Sawiris formed a political party- Free Egyptians-  determined to create a secular Egypt and is a Christian Copt, to boot. As an 'infidel', he justifiably (in the minds of the Salafis who are at the bottom of all the protests) deserves all the obligatory death threats etc. that are being leveled at him, in spite of having apologized on Twitter:

 "I apologise for any who don't take this as a joke, I just thought it was a funny picture no disrespect meant! Assef!! ". [sorry]

According to various news sources, Facebook pages materialized calling for a boycott of  Sawiris' cell phone company, with one group accruing over  60,000 followers.  Although I was unable to track it down, the "We are  joking Sawiris" group supposedly had the following posted on its page:

 "If you are really a Muslim, and you love your religion, boycott his projects. We have to cut out the tongue of any person who attacks our religion."

It's quite obvious conservative Muslims lack a sense of humour. Time and again they demonstrate a serious inability to find the grace and humour in life, which is perhaps why they so often resort to violence. If they lightened up a bit, life would be  much more pleasant- and peaceful-  for the rest of the world. But no, they  consistently choose to be offended by even the most innocuous of things. Like a veiled Minnie and bearded Mickey.

Sources: ArabTimes , TelegraphUK,
photo from The Blaze

"No God But Allah" Stamped On U.S. Dollar Bills

The following email is making the rounds.  The photo doesn't appear to be photoshopped, and there are no references to the email on the usual hoax websites, but one never knows.

No God but Allah?  Isn't that kind of redundant, considering the definition of Allah is God.  Some people need to get a life.

Bet you thought you'd never see this in your lifetime A lady in Monte Vista, CO had this dollar bill. This is her story. You don't think we're in a war. What thoughts come to mind! These are starting to show up around our country!

After dinner she took a $1 dollar bill out of her purse and displayed it on the table.. Underneath the words "In God We Trust" someone had stamped the dollar bill in red ink---NO GOD BUT ALLAH. We asked her where she had gotten this dollar bill. She said it was part of her change in Alamosa, CO. We took a picture of her dollar bill. If anyone tries to give you one of these dollar bills as change, please refuse it and ask them to give you a dollar bill that has not  been defaced. You can bet I will refuse this and demand it being taken out of circulation.....

I personally have never seen one, but you can rest assured I too will refuse one as change.

Young Australian Boy Offers Home And Toys To Japanese Boy Who Lost Parents In Tsunami

There are so many horror stories that demonstrate the lack of conscience with our youth today. Many tend to be selfish and hateful with little to no morals, and this lack makes me fear for our world.  These young people will eventually become our leaders, and with characteristics like that, it does not bode well for our planet.

But once in a while you read a story that gives you hope, that revives ones faith in humanity. Like Ashwin Cresswell, who at the tender young age of eight demonstrates how we all, children and adults, should act towards one another. Ashwin, a young Australian lad, happened to see a picture of a young Japanese boy who lost his family in the recent Japanese tsunami. The 9-year-old boy, Toshihito Aisawa was in a car with his parents when the tsunami hit. Fortunately for him, some debris that cracked open the car window allowed him to escape, but his parents were not so fortunate and they drowned. His grandmother and cousin were also victims of the tsunami, and for days Toshihito went in search of his grandmother and parents with a sign in tow that had their names printed on it along with a note that said: 'I will come at 11 o'clock tomorrow, so please wait. I will come again tomorrow.'

Ashwin felt so bad about Toshihito's story he decided to send a letter to Julia Gillard, the Australian Prime Minister:

 'Dear Miss Julia Gillard, my mother said Prime Ministers can talk to other Prime Ministers. Can you please send this letter to the Japanese Prime Minister? I do not speak Japanese but I hope you speak Australian. I saw a picture of a boy named Toshihito Aisawa in our newspaper. My mother read me his story and she told me that he lost his parents in the Sunami (sic).  Do you know this boy? Does he have any favourite thing to eat and drink? Does he have a favourite T-shirt? If he doesn't he can boro one of mine.  If he can't find his parents he can stay with my family. He can also play with my toys and go to school with me. Would Toshihito like to stay with us?'

What is even more impressive, is that Ashwin's parents are supportive of their son's wishes, and are willing to take Toshihito in. His mum said; "It would not be an impost at all. 'Being able to help a child is not an impost. If the Japanese embassy calls on our family to help with providing a home for this little boy, we will accept him into our family and have him live with us for as long as they require."

Toshihito did find a 13-year-old cousin, but he is still parent-less, and with no adult to take care of him. Who knows if Ashwin's wish will be granted, but his letter was delivered to the Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan, in person, by Gillard.

What's important, is that there are still  selfless, good people out there, including children.  There is still hope.

Source: DailyMailUK

British Singer Arrested For Racism After Singing "Kung Fu Fighting" Song

I used to love the Carl Douglas song "Kung Fu Fighting". Brit Simon Ledger (34) still does; he sings the disco classic as part of his set at the Driftwood Beach Bar in Sandown, Isle of Wight. But who knows if he'll continue singing the funky, 1974 'Number 1' song after being arrested for racial abuse. Yes,  some 32-year-old guy of Chinese descent took offense to the song as he passed by the pub with his mum. According to Ledger the guy called them "..w*****s and did the hand sign", then took a cell phone pic of Simon, called the police and Ledger was arrested at a Chinese restaurant. He is now being investigated for "...an allegation of racially-aggravated harassment."

Racially aggravated harassment?  Good grief.

And now, because of some bizarrely oversensitive individual, and a country that is way over the top when it comes to political correctness, Ledger could wind up with a criminal record for no valid reason whatsoever. Simon claims this is the first time anyone of Chinese descent has ever been offended by the pretty innocuous song, and that people usually love it.

At first he thought "it was a joke"  but no, the police were very serious.  Ledger added that  "They seemed pretty amazed but said the law is the law and it was their duty. It's political correctness gone potty."  What amazes me is that the police even bothered to investigate an obviously dubious allegation.  So now singers have to be aware of offending others with lyrics to the songs they sing?   Where will it end?  Will they start arresting actors for offending people, too?  Simon put it very well: "There are plenty of Welsh people at our shows - does it mean I can't play any Tom Jones?"

Simon has been out on bail, but is now due to speak to police about the whole fiasco. Hopefully, he won't face any criminal action, but in England, who knows.

One has to wonder if there is any hope at all for the UK.



Source: The Sun

A Leader of the Assembly Of Muslim Jurists of America Favors Shariah Over Democracy In Fatwa

Thanks to Al Mutarjim of Translating Jihad,  a full time Arab translator, we are privy to information  like the following fatwa against democracy in favor of Shariah from none other than an American Muslim.

According to Brigitte Gabriel's Act For America, this is the same organization (Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America) that sanctions 'marital rape'.

Translated from the website of Dr. Salah al-Sawy, the secretary-general of the Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America (AMJA), 28 March 2011.


Between the Shura and Democracy

Q: What is the difference between the Shura and democracy, and which is preferred? Are there any books which could benefit me on this topic? May Allah reward you well.


A: In the name of Allah, the most merciful and gracious.

Praise be to Allah, and peace be upon him the Messenger of Allah, and upon his family, companions, and those that follow him. The Shura comes from the rulings of the shari'a, and an entire surah of the Qur'an was sent down with this name. The difference between it and democracy is that the Shura does not exist (under Islam) except in the areas of permissible actions or legislative amnesty. For things which have been stipulated in the texts of Islam, the Ummah possesses no power except to acknowledge and obey, following the saying of the Most High: "It is not fitting for a Believer, man or woman, when a matter has been decided by Allah and His Messenger to have any option about their decision: if any one disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he is indeed on a clearly wrong Path" [Qur'an 33:36]. For example, it is not for the Shura to consider, "Should the noon prayer contain four or five bows?" Or, "Should we fast during the month of Ramadan, or should we replace it with the month of Shawwal?" Or, "Should we forbid wine or allow it?" Or, "Should we forbid adultery, or permit it if it's done by consensual agreement of those who have reached the legal age, and it's not done on the married couple's bed?"

Al-Bukhari said in his Sahih: "The Imams after the time of the Prophet (peace be upon him) would consult the trustworthy scholars in things which were permissible, to take the best option. But if the Qur'an or the Sunnah was clear on the matter, they wouldn't transgress against it, following the example of the Prophet (peace be upon him). The reciters of the Qur'an would consult, whether old or young, and they were careful to adhere to the book of Almighty Allah."

But democracy gives free reign to the authority of the Ummah, and puts no ceiling on it. The law is the expression of its will, and if the law says it, the conscience must be silent! A constitutionalist even said: "We have departed from the divine right to rule for kings, and replaced it with the divine right to rule for parliaments!" The shari'a, on the other hand, differentiates between the source of the legal system and the source of the political authority. The source of the legal system is the shari'a, while the source of the political authority is the Ummah. Meanwhile democracy makes the Ummah the source of both. On my website there is a book named "Political Pluralism." If you review it, it will you benefit you in regards to this topic, Allah-willing. Allah Almighty is all-powerful, all-knowing.

Source: Translating Jihad
via Act For America

"Losing Our Sons" Documentary Film About The Radicalization Of American Muslims

Few people are taking the threat of Islamic radicalization very seriously, in spite of the fact that it is occurring all over this country.  One would think that those who would most easily fall prey to radicalization would reside in areas like Dearborn, Michigan, considered the Muslim capital of America. But that's not the case- Nashville, Tennessee, home of country music and the Grand Ole Opry, and smack dab in the middle of the 'Bible Belt',  has the dubious honor of being the city where Carlos Bledsoe, now known as Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad, turned into a cold blooded killer. 

Born into a Baptist family, 23-year-old Carlos went to Tennessee State University, converted to Islam, was radicalized by local extremist leaders, made his obligatory trek to Yemen, learned the tricks of the terrorist trade, came back to the U.S. and wound up murdering 23-year-old Private William Long, on June 6, 2009, outside an Army recruitment center in Little Rock, Arkansas.   He injured one other Army recruiter, and had planned on targeting  Jewish organizations, a child care center, a post office and other recruitment centers in other states.

Before and after photos of Carlos are quite telling, as is his justification for killing Private Long:

"I don't think it was murder. Because murder is when a person kills another person without justified reason....and what I did is Islamic justified, and also justified by common sense, you know. U.S. soldiers are killing innocent Muslim men and women, and we believe that we have to strike back."

An upcoming documentary film, entitled "Losing Our Sons", produced by Americans For Peace and Tolerance (APT) tells the tragic tale of Carlos' journey from good son to jihadi killer. APT is an organization of Christians, Muslims and Jews  "... dedicated to promoting peaceful coexistence in a ethnically diverse America by educating the American public about the need for a moderate political leadership that supports tolerance and core American values in communities across the nation."

The film

.. will reveal how radical Islam dominates the leadership of the Muslim American community in Nashville; and how misguided government and university officials, the media, as well as civic and religious leaders failed to acknowledge, intervene, or report clear indications of Islamist radicalization in the community. 


APT has been working with grassroots community groups in support of local efforts to educate the public about the threat to American civil society from the radicalization of America's historically moderate Muslim community. This effort includes empowering truly moderate Muslims to reclaim their community.

You can view the trailer below.  Hopefully, this will open people's eyes because thinking it's not a problem doesn't make it so. Carlos' father, Melvin Bledsoe, is devastated and has effortlessly tried to make people aware of what happened to his son on an American university campus.  Apparenly not many seemed to care, and even his attempt to share his concerns at Republican Congressman Peter King's hearing on the radicalization of  American Muslims for the Homeland Security Committee fell on deaf ears.

EPA Head Lisa Jackson Invited To Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's Anti-Mining Fete

Former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor apparently hosted an event last night featuring conservationists, activists, commercial fishermen and others in Alaska opposed to a multi-national gold mine planned near Bristol Bay. What this group of people oppose is the potential pollution that an open-pit mine could create. And understandably so, considering Bristol Bay has a huge salmon run. Polluting waters in Bristol Bay could be harmful to the whole salmon industry. However, what has many up in arms is the fact that O'Connor's guest-of-honor was none other than the EPA's head honcho Lisa Jackson. Doesn't seem quite kosher. For more information click here, and here.