Tag: Islam

Politics

The Spectacular Achievements of U.S. Propaganda Against Islam: A Review of Noam Chomsky’s “Media Control”

Dr. Craig Considine3 Comments

What role does the media play in contemporary politics? This question is at the heart of Dr. Noam Chomsky’s book Media Control: The Spectacular Achievements of Propaganda (published by Seven Stories). Although first published in 1991, Chomsky’s book remains timeless and pertinent. Since 9/11, the US government has fed Americans propaganda that portrays Muslims as “boogeymen,” a…… Continue reading The Spectacular Achievements of U.S. Propaganda Against Islam: A Review of Noam Chomsky’s “Media Control”

Politics

Why Aren’t IS and Al-Qaeda Attacking Israel?

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Why does Israel not share the concern it has over Palestinians, Iranians, Syrians, and Lebanese with al-Nusra, ISIS, and al-Qaeda? Why do these groups wage jihad against Israel’s enemies but not against Israel itself? Indeed, this curious fact was also raised by Nabil Na’eem, the former al-Qaeda commander who recently gave an interview to Al-Maydeen…… Continue reading Why Aren’t IS and Al-Qaeda Attacking Israel?

Politics

VIDEO: Palestinian Parody of Islamic State

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Religion

For the First Time in History, Islamic Prayers and Readings from the Quran Will be Heard at the Vatican

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

“For the first time in history, Islamic prayers and readings from the Quran will be heard at the Vatican on Sunday, in a move by Pope Francis to usher in peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Francis issued the invitation to Israeli President Shimon Peres and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas during his visit last week…… Continue reading For the First Time in History, Islamic Prayers and Readings from the Quran Will be Heard at the Vatican

Fieldwork

Multiculturalism in Ireland – Fighting Racism Against Pakistanis in Dublin

Dr. Craig Considine2 Comments

Islam, Race, and Pluralism in the Pakistani Diaspora. Published by Routledge – Taylor & Francis Group in July 2017 This book explores the Pakistani diaspora in a transatlantic context, enquiring into the ways in which young first- and second-generation Pakistani Muslim and non-Muslim men resist hegemonic identity narratives and respond to their marginalised conditions. Drawing on…… Continue reading Multiculturalism in Ireland – Fighting Racism Against Pakistanis in Dublin

Interfaith

Sign the Petition to Save Saint Catherine’s Monastery on Mount Sinai, Egypt

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Saint Catherine’s Monastery is one of the oldest Christian communities in the world. It is also famous for being the home of Prophet Muhammad’s covenant with Saint Catherine’s Christian monks in which he guarantees their protection and freedom under his rule. Saint Catherine’s “is a UNESCO-Designated World Heritage Site. It has been a destination for international visitors…… Continue reading Sign the Petition to Save Saint Catherine’s Monastery on Mount Sinai, Egypt

Interfaith

Pope Francis and King of Jordan Oppose “Clash of Civilizations,” Call For “Culture of Dialogue”

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His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday held talks with Pope Francis at the Vatican, focusing on bilateral relations, peace efforts and issues relating to dialogue and Islamic-Christian coexistence, according to a Royal Court statement. During the meeting, the King voiced Jordan’s keenness on enhancing its relations with the Vatican as both sides are partners in…… Continue reading Pope Francis and King of Jordan Oppose “Clash of Civilizations,” Call For “Culture of Dialogue”

Outreach

5 Amazing Facts About Islam in Western Culture

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Transmission of Greek philosophy – Perhaps the greatest Muslim contribution to European civilization began in the 8th century when Muslim scholars inherited volumes of Greek philosophy. The wisdom in ancient Greek texts, which had been lost to Europeans, was translated from Latin to Arabic by Muslim scholars, thus creating one of the greatest transmissions of…… Continue reading 5 Amazing Facts About Islam in Western Culture

Politics

The Problem with Banning the Burqa

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

When I was recently invited to speak at a debate at University College of Cork in Ireland on banning the burqa, I was a bit hesitant to accept the call to participate. I, for one, am not a woman, nor am I Muslim. Speaking on an issue that focuses specifically on Muslim women seemed to…… Continue reading The Problem with Banning the Burqa

Politics

What Does Akbar the Great Teach Us About Tolerance in Islamic History?

Dr. Craig Considine2 Comments

Note: Akbar the Great, ruler of most of South Asia in the 16th and early 17th century, rejected bigotry and made unprecedented moves to help non-Muslims feel at peace in his Mughal empire. Below is passage from my article Finding Tolerance in Akbar, the Philosopher King, published in April 2013. You can also watch my short…… Continue reading What Does Akbar the Great Teach Us About Tolerance in Islamic History?

Politics · Religion

Revisiting the Connection Between Prophet Muhammad and George Washington

Dr. Craig Considine3 Comments

When I published the article – An Unlikely Connection Between Prophet Muhammad and George Washington – I had little idea of the impact it would have on Muslims and non-Muslims. The responses to my article varied from people being elated about the comparison to others feeling outraged. While some were pleased to see the similarities…… Continue reading Revisiting the Connection Between Prophet Muhammad and George Washington

Outreach

“The Enemy of One Religion is the Enemy of All Religions” – An Interview With Muslim Scholar John Andrew Morrow

Dr. Craig Considine3 Comments

I recently conducted an interview with Dr. John Andrew Morrow, scholar of Islam and author of the book The Covenants of the Prophet Muhammad with the Christians of the World. This interview was a follow-up to my review of his book, which you can read at “New Book Sheds Light on Prophet Muhammad’s Interfaith Views.” The…… Continue reading “The Enemy of One Religion is the Enemy of All Religions” – An Interview With Muslim Scholar John Andrew Morrow

Outreach

How Muslims of the Ottoman Empire Helped Ireland During the Great Famine

Dr. Craig Considine2 Comments

By Mehedi Islam Source: http://archiveislam.com 160 years ago, during the Great Famine in Ireland, the Ottoman Empire sent £1,000 sterling (about $1,052,000 today) and 3 shiploads of food to Drogheda, Ireland. Ireland was ridden with famine and disease between 1845 and 1849. Also known as the Great Hunger, this famine had lasting effects: at least one…… Continue reading How Muslims of the Ottoman Empire Helped Ireland During the Great Famine

Religion

Pope Francis Building Bridges With Muslims Makes Top Ten Good News Muslim Stories of 2013

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Source: altmuslim.com Pope Francis is not the first pope to win the respect of Muslims – John Paul II was so loved around the Muslim world that even the Taliban mourned his passing – but his outreach to Muslims during the early days of his tenure has struck a deep chord in Muslim communities around…… Continue reading Pope Francis Building Bridges With Muslims Makes Top Ten Good News Muslim Stories of 2013

Film-work

Pictures/Video of a Mawlid Peace Walk & Conference in Dublin, Ireland

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On the 26th of January, 2014, I participated in the 4th Annual Mawlid Peace Walk and Conference at the Al Mustafa Islamic Centre in Blanchardstown, Dublin (Ireland). Prior to the start of the conference, in which I was a guest speaker, the Muslim community and other non-Muslims came together to walk peacefully in honor of…… Continue reading Pictures/Video of a Mawlid Peace Walk & Conference in Dublin, Ireland

Film-work

Documentary: What Studying Prophet Muhammad Taught Me About Islam

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

A short documentary on what studying Prophet Muhammad has taught me about Islam. I filmed this footage during Mawlid E Nabi in 2013 at Anwar al Madina, a Sufi mosque in Dublin, Ireland. A special thanks goes out to the Irish Sufi Foundation and to my friend Mia Manan Hameed. Please make sure to switch the…… Continue reading Documentary: What Studying Prophet Muhammad Taught Me About Islam

Outreach

A Catholic American Praises Prophet Muhammad at an Islamic Centre in Dublin, Ireland

Dr. Craig Considine4 Comments

*Note: This is the text of a speech I gave during the 4th Annual Peace Walk and Peace Conference at the Al-Mustafa Islamic Centre Ireland in Blanchardstown, Dublin on 26 January 2014. A special thanks to my friend Dr-Muhammad Umar Al-Qadri for inviting me and organizing this beautiful event. A report from Al-Mustafa can be found at Report…… Continue reading A Catholic American Praises Prophet Muhammad at an Islamic Centre in Dublin, Ireland

Religion

Islamic and American Constitutions Give Hope For Religious Freedom

Dr. Craig Considine3 Comments

A recent report from the Pew Research Center, a reputable American think tank, revealed some damning findings on the state of religious freedom around the world. According to the report, religious hostilities increased in 2012 in every major region of the world, with Muslims and Christians being oppressed in the largest number of countries. Pakistan,…… Continue reading Islamic and American Constitutions Give Hope For Religious Freedom

Interfaith

The Covenants of the Prophet Muhammad

Dr. Craig Considine3 Comments

The Covenants of the Prophet Muhammad with the Christians of the World by Dr. John Andrew Morrow claims that although there are theological differences between Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, Muslims are nonetheless advised by Muhammad to respect and embrace Christians and Jews. The covenants of the Prophet of Allah, as Morrow notes, paint a clear picture…… Continue reading The Covenants of the Prophet Muhammad

Commentary · Interfaith

A Refutation of Robert Spencer’s Post on Professor Akbar Ahmed

Dr. Craig Considine22 Comments

Published on Loon Watch Robert Spencer, the administrator of the blog JihadWatch, is known for painting all Muslims as extremists. In a recent post titled “Akbar Ahmed, advocate of ‘dialogue,’ claims ‘Islamophobes’ are ‘linking Islam to violence, terrorism and intolerance,” Spencer argues that Professor Ahmed, the Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies at American University…… Continue reading A Refutation of Robert Spencer’s Post on Professor Akbar Ahmed

Interfaith

On Christmas, Christians and Muslims can unite under religious similarities

Dr. Craig Considine2 Comments

Source: USA Today By Ibrahim Hooper “Behold! The angels said: ‘O Mary! God giveth thee glad tidings of a Word from Him. His name will be Jesus Christ, the son of Mary, held in honor in this world and the Hereafter and in (the company of) those nearest to God.'” Before searching for this quote…… Continue reading On Christmas, Christians and Muslims can unite under religious similarities

Interfaith · Religion

New Book Sheds Light on Prophet Muhammad’s Interfaith Views

Dr. Craig Considine24 Comments

No other leader in world history has been more scrutinized and ridiculed than Prophet Muhammad. Since the founding of Islam in 632 AD, Christians and Jews have described the Prophet of Allah as a blasphemer, bigot, terrorist, and pedophile, among other slurs. However, according to a new book The Covenants of the Prophet Muhammad with the…… Continue reading New Book Sheds Light on Prophet Muhammad’s Interfaith Views

Politics · Travels

Turning Hagia Sophia into a mosque, a church, or both?

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News of the beautiful and awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, or “Holy Wisdom,” turning into an active mosque is a tricky situation for political and cultural reasons, as Religion News Services reports (via Huffington Post). Christians and other minorities may see the Hagia Sophia’s conversion into a mosque as a challenge to Turkey’s secular-republican origin, whereas Muslims…… Continue reading Turning Hagia Sophia into a mosque, a church, or both?

Fieldwork · Outreach

Debunking the myth that Irish Muslims do not integrate

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A letter recently mailed to mosques throughout Ireland has raised alarm for its racist tone and incitement of violence against Irish Muslims. The letter suggested that Irish people were willing to kill Muslims in order to prevent the “Islamization” of Ireland. The letter also suggested that Irish Muslims have not – and are not interested in -…… Continue reading Debunking the myth that Irish Muslims do not integrate

Film-work · Religion

Video: What Islam Can Teach Far-Right Europeans About Human Rights and Tolerance

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Follow Craig Considine on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ToBeCraig

Outreach

Speech to Trinity College Dublin’s Sociology Society

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Trinity College Dublin’s (TCD) Sociology Society (SocSoc) has invited me to speak tonight at 7pm in the Graduate Students Union Room on TCD’s campus. The speech will include a discussion on three topics: 1) my research into Islam; 2) my articles for the Huffington Post; and 3) my experience with Journey into America. The key…… Continue reading Speech to Trinity College Dublin’s Sociology Society

Religion

What Europe’s Far-Right Parties Can Learn From Islam

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

By Craig Considine Today’s far-right parties in Europe, such as the National Front in France and the Party for Freedom in Holland, are surging in popularity and calling for legal bans on veils, mosques, minarets, sha’ria, and even the outright expulsion of Muslims from the continent. In short, the far-right perceives Muslims as “inassimilable” and…… Continue reading What Europe’s Far-Right Parties Can Learn From Islam

Interfaith · Religion

Guiding Jewish/Muslim Relations Through the Life of Maimonides, the 12th Century Jewish Scholar

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Maimonides did not think it was healthy for the soul to have “unbounded desires” which “is never stated with pursuing passions.” Referencing Jewish Holy Scripture (Koheles 5:9) he argued in The Guide that a person who has a covetous soul “will not be sated with all the wealth of the world.” Maimonides’ thought mirrors Rumi,…… Continue reading Guiding Jewish/Muslim Relations Through the Life of Maimonides, the 12th Century Jewish Scholar

Interfaith · Religion

Debating “Islam is a threat to the West”

Dr. Craig Considine3 Comments

As a proud Catholic American from Boston, Massachusetts, I recently participated in a debate hosted by the University College Dublin Law Society, one of the largest and most prestigious student societies in Europe. The proposition of the debate was “This House Believes That Islam is a Threat to the West.” Arguing against this proposition, I…… Continue reading Debating “Islam is a threat to the West”

Religion

Overcoming Historical Amnesia: Muslim Contributions to Civilization

Dr. Craig Considine2 Comments

Published on Huffington Post (October 22nd, 2013) In his recent article, Sam Harris, a popular critic of Islam, referred to Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani education activist, as “the best thing to come out of the Muslim world in 1,000 years.” Hidden in this comment is the idea that Malala’s fellow Muslims are backward and that her…… Continue reading Overcoming Historical Amnesia: Muslim Contributions to Civilization

Sociology

Daphne High School, Alabama: The problem with equating Arabic and Islam

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One story coming out of a school near Mobile, Alabama has caught my attention over the issue of equating the Arabic language with Islam and evilness. Parents of students were recently interviewed to reflect upon a new Arabic language program at Daphne High School. This response from one parent is particularly troubling: “When you teach…… Continue reading Daphne High School, Alabama: The problem with equating Arabic and Islam

Interfaith · Outreach · Religion

Salam and Salutation to Pope Francis

Dr. Craig Considine3 Comments

But Pope Francis was not taking a path outside his faith tradition. On the contrary he was reverting to its foundational principles. He is inspired by two figures above all – Jesus and Saint Francis; indeed taking the name of the latter after being elected pope. He has learned from them that Christianity in its…… Continue reading Salam and Salutation to Pope Francis

Religion

New Scholarship Sheds Light on Islam and the American Founding Fathers

Dr. Craig Considine3 Comments

I am very happy to see an interesting new book written by Denise Spellberg, associate professor of history and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Texas at Austin. Spellberg’s book, titled Thomas Jefferson’s Qur’an: Islam and the Founders and touched upon in this Daily Beast article, seeks to understand the role of Islam in the early…… Continue reading New Scholarship Sheds Light on Islam and the American Founding Fathers

Religion

A Note to the Muslims Who Attacked Christians in Peshawar, Pakistan

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

It is with disgust that I am writing this note on the Muslims who recently attacked two churches in Peshawar, where over 70 Christians were murdered. I want to bring to attention several fundamental points in Islam that completely and utterly denounce hatred or acts of violence on Christians. I have written about this very…… Continue reading A Note to the Muslims Who Attacked Christians in Peshawar, Pakistan

Quoted · Religion

Comments by Pope Francis Emphasize Bridge Building with Muslims

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Here is a collection of quotes from Pope Francis directed towards Muslims. This post will be updated as Pope Francis continues to speak about dialogue, common ground, and mutual respect between Christians and Muslims worldwide. On dialogue “Turning to mutual respect in interreligious relations, especially between Christians and Muslims, we are called to respect the…… Continue reading Comments by Pope Francis Emphasize Bridge Building with Muslims

Politics · Religion

Persecution of Christians Shames Muhammad’s Legacy on Religious Freedom

Dr. Craig Considine11 Comments

Things are spiraling out of control in Egypt, especially for its Coptic community, which has recently been attacked for allegedly helping oust the democratically-elected Muslim Brotherhood from power. The Copts are Egypt’s largest Christian group who make up roughly 10% of the Egyptian population. Over the last several weeks they have witnessed a horrendous string…… Continue reading Persecution of Christians Shames Muhammad’s Legacy on Religious Freedom

Work

So What if a Christian Writes About Muhammad

Dr. Craig Considine3 Comments

Some critics find it odd that I am a Christian who writes about Muhammad. Haters see my articles as odd and even worse – sacrilegious – because I give praise to the founder of Islam, a religion often portrayed as “evil” around the world. However, as you will see in these articles, there is nothing…… Continue reading So What if a Christian Writes About Muhammad

Politics

Egyptian Muslims Forget Muhammad’s Letter to Christian Monks

Dr. Craig Considine16 Comments

Published on the Huffington Post One issue often discussed on news sites and blogs over the last several days is the many attacks on Egypt’s Christian communities. Several outlets have reported that violence by Mohammad Morsi supporters has left dozens of Christian churches, Coptic-owned businesses and properties burnt. Fears of widespread sectarian strife seem to…… Continue reading Egyptian Muslims Forget Muhammad’s Letter to Christian Monks

Commentary · Religion

Rumi and Emerson: A Bridge Between the West and the Muslim World

Dr. Craig Considine6 Comments

The writings of Jalalud’din Rumi, the 13th century Sufi Muslim philosopher from modern-day Afghanistan, and the works of Ralph Waldo Emerson, the 19th century Christian transcendentalist from Boston, Massachusetts, are filled with lessons that enrich every human soul. Rumi’s and Emerson’s similar thoughts on religious tolerance, love, and care for the soul can help bridge…… Continue reading Rumi and Emerson: A Bridge Between the West and the Muslim World

Commentary

How to Respond to the “Islamophobia Industry”

Dr. Craig Considine2 Comments

About two weeks ago I finished an article that compared the concept of “jihad,” which literally means “to struggle” in Arabic, through the lens of Christianity and Islam. The article, which the Huffington Post Religion published, caused uproar in the “Islamophobia industry” for its attempt to build bridges between Christians and Muslims. Unfortunately, interfaith dialogue…… Continue reading How to Respond to the “Islamophobia Industry”

Religion

A New Perspective of “Jihad” in Christianity and Islam

Dr. Craig Considine3 Comments

Published on Huffington Post Religion (August 5th, 2013) Politicians and anti-Muslim activists frequently take to audiences and websites to criticize the term “jihad” as a form of Islamic supremacism, oppression, and violence. Muslim extremists, on the other hand, argue that “jihad” refers to a “holy war” against non-Muslims. Viewing the term “jihad” though these frameworks…… Continue reading A New Perspective of “Jihad” in Christianity and Islam

Politics

Congressman Peter King and the Run of Anti-Muslim Republican Presidential Candidates

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According to my go-to Irish American news website Irish Central: “Congressman Peter King, the most prominent Irish American for decades in the House of Representatives, is considering a run for the White House, Newsmax magazine confirms.” (See the article here) If he indeed runs for president in 2016, King will continue with the recent tradition of the Republican Party…… Continue reading Congressman Peter King and the Run of Anti-Muslim Republican Presidential Candidates

Interfaith

Powerful Passage on Interfaith Dialogue From Participant in PhD Thesis

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

My PhD thesis, which explores the experiences of younger Pakistani men in Dublin, Ireland and Boston, USA, has several overarching themes which travel across both countries. One question I ask late in my interviews is “What do you think of interfaith dialogue?” In both cities, I have found that young Pakistani men are overwhelmingly proponents…… Continue reading Powerful Passage on Interfaith Dialogue From Participant in PhD Thesis

Religion

In Greece, a case study on Islam in Europe

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By Akbar Ahmed Published on Washington Post (7/9/13) I have always been honored when asked to speak at the Friday sermon in a mosque. It is both spiritually elevating to interact with worshippers and socially it provides insights to the community. There are always many inspiring and impressive people in these gatherings, some of them…… Continue reading In Greece, a case study on Islam in Europe

Politics

Understanding the Pluralism of the Founding Fathers

Dr. Craig Considine2 Comments

Over the years I have penned many articles to highlight the pluralist spirit of the U.S. founding fathers. Independence Day is an opportunity for Americans and people worldwide to celebrate human rights and religious tolerance. The founding fathers were by no means perfect, and neither is America, but their vision for the U.S. is something…… Continue reading Understanding the Pluralism of the Founding Fathers

Film-work · Interfaith

Alternatives of “The Innocence of Islamic Jihad”

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Here we go again. The International Business Times reports: An anti-Muslim animated movie titled The Innocence of Islamic Jihad is set to be released on 4 July, US Independence Day. The film is being produced on the lines of earlier movies such as Innocence of Muslims and The Innocent Prophet, which created widespread unrest. The movie is directed by…… Continue reading Alternatives of “The Innocence of Islamic Jihad”

Religion

A Jihad of the Pen: Review of Qasim Rashid’s “The Wrong Kind of Muslim”

Dr. Craig Considine5 Comments

Published on The American Muslim (June 22nd, 2013) Several weeks ago, my friend and kindred spirit Qasim Rashid sent me a digital copy of his highly anticipated book The Wrong Kind of Muslim: An Untold Story of Persecution and Perseverance. I started reading it one early morning in my flat in Dublin, Ireland, thinking I…… Continue reading A Jihad of the Pen: Review of Qasim Rashid’s “The Wrong Kind of Muslim”

Interfaith

“The Golden Rule” is Central to the Teachings of Many Religions

Dr. Craig Considine3 Comments

If I missed a “golden rule” from another major religion, please leave it in the comment section so I can add it to the list. The picture above is Norman Rockwell’s “The Golden Rule,” which I also discussed in a post on a Pakistani Muslim friend of mine in Boston. Christianity: “All things whatsoever ye…… Continue reading “The Golden Rule” is Central to the Teachings of Many Religions

Film-work

Reflections on Arson Attack on Mosque in Tennessee

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A short documentary I shot and edited has been picked up by a website in Alabama. The title of the article is “Manchester, Tenn., meeting displays hatred of Muslims, malleability of masses.” Kay Campbell of AL.com writes: Last week, within shouting distance of the peace-love-music temporary village that will be Bonnaroo June 13-16, people packed…… Continue reading Reflections on Arson Attack on Mosque in Tennessee

Politics

Representative Mike Pompeo Makes No Sense

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I am very upset to hear of this shocking news coming from Capitol Hill. Representative Mike Pompeo suggested recently that all Muslim Americans are complicit in terrorist attacks. Representative Pompeo needs to read an article I wrote for the Huffington Post. There is no greater sacrifice for a citizen than to give his or her…… Continue reading Representative Mike Pompeo Makes No Sense