Washington (CNN) - A leading Muslim advocacy group accused potential presidential candidate Herman Cain of spewing "bigoted speech" Monday following remarks he made at a conservative conference last weekend.
While attending the Conservative Principles Conference last weekend in Iowa, Cain told a reporter- if he became president – he would not appoint a Muslim to his cabinet or as a federal judge.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) expressed outrage on Monday, saying Cain's words show how "right wing" conservatives are currently engaging in Muslim bashing.
"Even post 9/11 you didn't have this level of mainstreaming of anti-Muslim hate as you have now," said Ibrahim Hooper, National Communications Director for CAIR.
Cain's comments came in response to a question from a reporter for liberal-leaning Think Progress about potentially appointing a Muslim in a Cain administration.
"No, I will not," Cain responded. "And here's why. There is this creeping attempt, there is this attempt to gradually ease Sharia law and the Muslim faith into our government. It does not belong in our government. This is what happened in Europe. And little by little, to try and be politically correct, they made this little change, they made this little change. And now they've got a social problem that they don't know what to do with hardly."
Sharia law is derived from the Quran, the holy book of Islam. It informs Muslims with rules on how to live their everyday lives – including how to fast and how to pray. Some Muslim countries use Sharia law as a basis for their laws, particularly concerning crimes against Allah, against society and crimes of revenge.
Cain continued by recounting a question he'd recently received.
"I was asked, 'What is the role of Islam in America?' I thought it was an odd question. I said, 'The role of Islam in America is for those that believe in Islam to practice it and leave us alone. Just like Christianity. We have a First Amendment. And I get upset when the Muslims in this country - some of them – try to force their Sharia law onto the rest of us.'"
Cain mentioned anti-Sharia law legislation that passed in Oklahoma, last year. Other states have also taken up such measures.
In criticizing Cain's comments, Hooper characterized them as going "even beyond the almost routine Muslim-bashing we see coming from the right wing of the political spectrum."
Hooper was asked to specifically address Cain's assertion, echoed by other conservatives, that some Muslims are trying to invoke Sharia law into the United States.
"It's a manufactured controversy," Hooper said. "There is nothing to it. It would be laughable if it weren't having such a negative impact on the lives of Muslim Americans."
"There are millions of American Muslims that are just as much 'Us,' as he [Cain] is."
Cain's communications director, Ellen Carmichael, stressed to CNN that Cain "believes that everyone in this country has the right to practice whatever religion they choose."
And she tried to re-characterize Cain's comments.
"Just as he would never appoint a Catholic who is loyal to the Pope before he or she is loyal to the Constitution, Mr. Cain would never appoint a Muslim who believes Sharia law trumps our U.S. Constitution," Carmichael said.
"Anyone who is in the business of making laws, or interpreting laws, should use the Constitution and nothing else."
And she addressed CAIR's criticism of Cain, an African-American.
"The claim that he is bigoted – when he himself has lived the majority of his childhood and young adult life under segregation – is pretty baseless."
–Follow Shannon Travis on Twitter: @ShanTravisCNN
From CNN Politics
© 2011 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertising practices | Advertise with us | About us | Contact us | Work for us | Help
Not unlike what the NRA has done with the 2nd amendment.
The truth is a powerful thing, God speed Herman Cain, you are the MAN!
Well, get in line behing the NAACP, LULAC, and ACLU. I don't think he said anything offensive, just what he thought. It was not bigotry, it was a statement. Get real people.
Call me a bigot, too. I'm with Herman on this one.
That is a "bigoted" statement. Either we have freedom of religion in this country or we don't. Sounds as though Cain doesn't think so. I view freedom of religion to mean to worship as one pleases, pure and simple.
Yes, the European embrace of sharia law undoubtedly explains France's outlawing of the burqa, among other similar laws enacted in many EU countries. Cain is an ignorant religionist. Discrimination based upon religion is as repugnant as race, gender or sexual-preference-based discrimination. Shameful such a man is part of America's government.
Why does CNN consider CAIR a legitimate operation, aren't they tied in with Hamas?
I'd vote for Cain.
Ah, the GOP we've come to know and love: Preaching bigotry, hate, intolerance, paranoia and the untouchable Christian faith.
Hey Trump move over! It appears Herman wants to join the GOP's nuttiest candidates for president, along with Sarah, Michelle and you.
"The claim that he is bigoted – when he himself has lived the majority of his childhood and young adult life under segregation – is pretty baseless."
Does Cain's communications director, Ellen Carmichael, realize how unthinking, prejudiced and – dare I say – racist it is to assume that someone can't be racist because they have lived under segregation?
Sounds like Cain's whole staff are a bunch of morons!
so wait. just because you're black and lived under segregation that makes you incapable of being bigoted? absurd.
Interesting that he would only appoint those who put the Constitution above all else, but yet many conservatives are against gay marriage and/or gay adoption, neither of which are banned in the Constitution. If the Constitution is the last word, why can't I get married?
The answer: the Constitution is only the last word when it's convenient.
Does this mean Catholics who are either elected or appointed for government positions, cannot advocate against Roe vs Wade? There is a Church Law that goes against that part of the Constitution's Law. I guess all Catholics have to leave the Judiciary, Senate and House since the Church Law they follow is against abortion and many Catholics I know (even some elected and/or appointed people) believe the Catholic Church's Law should trump that part of the Constitution.
What is seriously wrong with these people? It is extremely sad that they are playing to the lowest common denominator, aka, the Tea Party.
I agree 100% with what Cain said regarding his explanation. "There is this creeping ...".
I agree also with Mark from Louisiana, it really seems that CNN is very much tied in now with Hamas in the name of free speech. Enough defending religion that doesn't have any tolerance in the name of tolerance
Cain, take a look at Christian history:
Forced conversion of native Americans
The Inquisition
KKK lynchings
The Crusades
Timothy McVeigh
Westboro Baptist Church
With a track record like that and by your reasoning, no one who says they are a Christian should not be allowed to work in government.
The comment that just because Mr Cain was subjected to bigotry, he would not be a bigot, is absolutely ridiculous. The are plenty of Jews who hate blacks, and plenty of blacks who hate Jews, even though both groups have been subject to bigotry.
So you agree that it is alright to discriminate against a person for a job because of their religion? Then you are a bigot. This the same logic from 1960 when people were told not to vote for JFK because the Pope would be running the White House?
When given a choice, I would think most Americans would prefer a mosque in their community as opposed to the Westboro Baptist Church.
Another Republican trying to stir up controversy and divide our country.
Why?
Because all REPUBLICAN POLICIES ARE PROVEN FAILURES!
The GOP has NOTHING to offer our country – NOTHING!!!!!!
Cain's stupid remarks are just another example of how totally bereft that group is of not only ideas, but mentally sound "leaders."
So, Mr. Cain is simply saying religious affiliation is preference for job consideration. How rational is that thought? Just think if everyone thought that way. This guy is so lost.
Cain is a fool who should look in the mirror. There are plenty of people in the conservative movement who wouldn't want him either. Somebody should tell that idiot Cain that if conservatives always had there way he would be picking cotton instead of having the opportunity to show how stupid he is.
Wow. Just change the word "Muslim" to "black" or "woman" or "Jew". Bigotry is bigotry no matter what side of the fence you're on.
I'm still waiting to see an American jurisdiction where there is a serious effort to put Sharia law into effect. This is a manufactured crisis with many states banning Sharia when no one with an ounce of sanity is proposing it.
If you follow his logic consistently, he should also ban from office all fundamentalist Christians because they seek to impose the Bible over the Constitution. That would end initiatives such as bans on family planning and promoting creationism.
But then, his religious bans are for all religions other than HIS!
I agree with him.
Yes, he is bigoted, and I'm sure that many African-Americans are ashamed of him.
Ours is supposed to be a secular government, and we are supposed to have a separation of church and state.
It would be illegal for any president to use religion as a condition for appointment to a government position.
This would cause many, many law suits.
As for myself, I would want the best possible person in those positions, whether that person is Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Atheist or anything else. A person's private religious practices should have nothing at all to do with their day-to-day job.
Muslims need to examine who is at fault for the anti-Muslim sentiment.
CAIR would find issue with something being anti-Muslim if someone said they didnt like the color of a woman's burqa,, they make me sick with their lawsuits and accusations,, using Saudi money in an attempt to sue the West into submission.
Herman Cain was right on,, i dont know what you liberals witness going on around the globe and especially Europe but your obviously not watching REAL NEWS. Thousands of Muslims just marched thru London on Friday demanding worldwide Sharia just as they have numerous other places but yal liberals would rather go thru life wearing blinders and pretending everything is fine....that was the same mistake Jewish politicians in Germany did in the early and mid 1930s when certain madmen were calling for a certain change.
Not only is this amazingly bigoted and ill-informed, it's blatantly illegal. The Constitution itself explicitly prohibits religious tests for office.
What an unpatriotic idiot.
Scoring cheap political accolades from the low information voters, eh?
Is this guy for real?
If anyone should know what it's like to be discriminated against, it's a black man in America. To read Cain's comments makes me sick. Just his attitude tells me he's a sellout. If he runs, it'll be my pleasure to vote against him.
The Cain campaign says: "Anyone who is in the business of making laws, or interpreting laws, should use the Constitution and nothing else."
Where does that leave Cain (and his fans) other than completely ignorant of the Constitution? Article 6 states: "no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States."
That means that Muslims cannot be disqualified from any public office simply because they are Muslims.
Let's see, on one side we have an unindicted co-conspirator to 9/11 – CAIR. On the other side, we have a man who has been honorable all his life, religious (Or is that a bad thing these days? I supposed it depends on who you talk to.), of high character and held in esteem by his piers. Not a difficult choice from where I stand.
Let's see, on one side we have an unindicted co-conspirator to 9/11 – CAIR. On the other side, we have a man who has been honorable all his life, religious (Or is that a bad thing these days? I supposed it depends on who you talk to.), of high character and held in esteem by his peers. Not a difficult choice from where I stand. (Sorry, I had to correct the spelling of peers.)
What have this country turn into? When did it become the political popular thing to discriminate against our fellow Americans based on their religion? Yes it was radical Islamist who attacked us on 9/11. Yes it’s radical Islamist who place IED along the roads in Iraq, and Afghanistan. Yes it’s the radical Islamist who preaches, and teaches hate toward non Muslims. The one thing these statements have in common is the word (RADICAL) It seems like it’s the right leaning politicians who are using this scare tactic to keep Americans afraid, and racially biased against their fellow Americans who are Muslim. Mr. Cain’s communications director, tried to clean up his bigoted remarks by saying “The claim that he is bigoted – when he himself has lived the majority of his childhood and young adult life under segregation – is pretty baseless." In this case Mr. Cain should be the last person to show the ugly side of racial politics, but in the eyes of the right leaning politicians fear, lies, and half told truth equal votes.
It's amazing how bigots say the same ignorant thing over and over. Sharia law WILL NOT happen in the U.S. Here is the simple reason. The Constitution, Bill of rights. Muslims can't force sharia law on us no more than they can get rid of Israel.
One other point, american men abuse women also. Why do you think we domestic violence laws? I wish bigoted people come right out and admit their bigotry. Atleast they would have some credibility.
I watched a show about Muslims on CNN last night. Amazing at how IGNORANT some people are in this country believing that Sharia Law will eventually take over her. This is what other immigrants went through when they came here because their ways were different. Italians, Jews, Greeks, Irish all were treated harshly – not to mention the Germans and Japanese during WW2. These people have all assimilated and become productive citizens. Bias towards the Muslims and Latins in our country will also end eventually and hopefully (but I doubt it) these homophobes will see how IGNORANT they were.
If the GOP nominates a conservative candidate who isn't a looney-tunes bigot, I will vote for that person in 2012. Good luck.
"The claim that he is bigoted – when he himself has lived the majority of his childhood and young adult life under segregation – is pretty baseless." My question is, what is he doing in the Republican Party. Doesn't he sees how the the Republican Party treats the current black President? Wake up fella!!!!
Don't worry, this Clown will never become President.
While I detest the ideaology of the neoconservative far-right, I agree with Herman Cain on this one. No religion should be allowed to impose it's laws on the rest of society.
"The claim that he is bigoted – when he himself has lived the majority of his childhood and young adult life under segregation – is pretty baseless."
Learn some history. It's very frequently the most recent to suffer discrimination and overcome it who turn their sites on the new pariah du jour. It happened throughout our history as new nationalities arrived on our shores through Ellis Island...over and over and over. Cain's comments make him a bigot, not us calling him one.
The longer this nutbag gets airtime as a legit GOP presidential hopeful, the better it is for Obama.
Same for Palin, Santorum, Huckabee, and the idiots like Pawlenty and Romney who are now pandering to the far-right fringe of the GOP.
WHERE in America are Muslims trying to impose Sharia law? WHERE? Give one clear-cut example of Muslims imposing Sharia law on their neighbors and the rest of America. Back up your claims with fact, not opinions. WHERE? FAIL.
Is he a BIGOT or is he trying to PLEASE the far-right!!! Oh, wait a minute – it's most likely all the same!!!
If a Muslim feels intimated by the statement, then they believe it was a bigoted remark!!! How many times do Muslims step out and complain about a statement – even though RECENTLY, they've been "dragged down" by Americans and the media!!! Think about it!!
Do not let the color of one's skin intrepid your opinion of individual character, Cain is like a lot of people of color, that tend to think they are at a higher level because of their success, and the tendency is to mock their own kind by making cruel and sinister statements when in the presence of Whites that they admire. MLK, JC and MX all taught that we are all the same no matter what. Black men like Cain, Clarence Thomas, Alan Keyes and many others are not respected in their own communities nor admired by their families..
Are there Muslim fanatics who would like to impose Sharia law on the whole world? Sure there are. Do they have any chance of success? Of course not.
Ever since 9/11, some paranoid elements in this country have tried to convince themselves that Muslims are going to invade the USA and make our women wear burqas. This is utterly ridiculous. We are more likely to be invaded by the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy.
This is rich coming from a man of color. When i see a black man that pews the bigoted GOP rhetoric, i can't help but ask myself if the guy is color blind. Somehow i think "credibility" will be an issue with Mr Cain's Presidential campaign.
I guess only Protestants put the Constitution before their God. I'm glad Herman is here to clear that up for us.
ahh.. the drum beats of the pagans have begun.... its because of religion.... or have we for got of hitler .. stalin and lein...opps they were not christians..... think again...
Seems you have to be a certified nutjob to be a member of the GOP.
They are coming out of the woodwork lately, haven't they?
"The claim that he is bigoted – when he himself has lived the majority of his childhood and young adult life under segregation – is pretty baseless."
So people who've been the victim of racism can't be racist themselves?!?
Isn't that a racist thing to say?
You have the right to your religion, just as long as it doesn't try to change the law of the land. How hard a concept is that to understand.
First, he said Muslims can practice their rel, just not hoist it on anyone else...you know, how you liberals scream about the rel right in this country. Second CAIR was named an unindicted co-conspirator with Hamas for raising money for that terrorist org. CNN has no business printing anything these terrorist sympathizers have to complain about...their are plenty of Muslim advocacy groups who CNN could have gotten opinions from.
False propaganda is as dangerous as the 911 attackers and I am ashame of Cain's remarks because he of all people represents a history of hate and violence. I'm ashame of Cain and you should be too.
Is Mr. Cain wrong in expressing concerns about attempts by radical Muslims to introduce Sharia law into the American legal system? Is it not already happening under some naive leftist judges? The left, with their PC view of reality, is often extremely out of touch with reality. Safeguards need to be put into place. Anyone who has done any study on fundamentalist Islam knows without any ambiguity what Islam's global objective and methodology is.
Islam is an insane religion but so is christianity. They are all equally insane and no religion should be respected or honored by government.
Doesn't this violate the idea of not having a religious test for running for office or voting, etc? Excuse me? Maybe you should familiarize yourself with the law before you run for president (idiot).
It appears the 2012 Republican nomination has become a race to the bottom for indecency. I'm beginning to think these guys don't actually want to win. If they do actually want to win, they've not only stalled out of the starting gate, they threw it into reverse.
Thats right all you Republicans who pander to your base. Keep alienating yourselves from the mainstream voters. The Republicans had a gift from God when they won the November elections. Since then, they've done everything to prove they didn't deserve the seats they won. Yaza, yaza, yaza! Keep preaching to your choir, small though it may be.
Why does no Republican apparently have a clue about what Sharia Law is?
The US Constitution quite clearly states that no religious test will be used to determine eligibility for federal office.
Americans should study history in addtion to improving their math scores.
1. The "yellow Peril". Today everyone eats shushi, uses chopsticks and drives Japanes cars.
2. A Catholic President would be too influenced by the Vatican. Kennedy was a great President.
The list goes on.
It is tragic that an African American, who should understand the evils of stereotyping and prejudice, would make such a statement.
Cain is just another example of why the republican party is on the downhill slide.
inglourious: "Where does that leave Cain (and his fans) other than completely ignorant of the Constitution? Article 6 states: "no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States." ... That means that Muslims cannot be disqualified from any public office simply because they are Muslims."
Not quite. No religious test can be imposed by law or by Congress. A President, a Congressman, a Governor, etc. can pick and choose their aides and cabinet members by whatever criteria they choose. If that means being a pro- abortion Democrat, so be it. If it means being a Christian Republican, so be it.
Just because Cain is wrong doesn't mean distorting law and facts is acceptable.
Just because he is black doesn't mean he can't be a bigot. He's just a bigot who is against Muslims and probably anyone else he doesn't agree with.
I attribute a lot of garbage coming from the mouths of the ignorant as truly the ill informed or immensely dense and uneducated. He may have a received a degree somewhere but I can't imagine he learned much or accepted other cultures.
It's a shame to be so human but be so clueless.
inglourious: "Where does that leave Cain (and his fans) other than completely ignorant of the Constitution? Article 6 states: "no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States." ... That means that Muslims cannot be disqualified from any public office simply because they are Muslims."
Not quite. No religious test can be imposed by law or by Congress. A President, a Congressman, a Governor, etc. can pick and choose their aides and cabinet members by whatever criteria they choose. If that means being a pro- abo rtion Democrat, so be it. If it means being a Christian Republican, so be it.
Just because Cain is wrong doesn't mean distorting law and facts is acceptable.
I support Herman Crane's viewpoint to the letter. We do not want Muslims in our government. They have their own agenda that is not according to the US Constitution. They want to radicalize Americans against Americans. Send the all back their homelands
does everyone in this country have the right to the same freedoms as everyone else..I certainly hope so..he is a bigot plain and simple
"The role of Islam in America is for those that believe in Islam to practice it and leave us alone. Just like Christianity"
Ok, so does that mean he would support the repeal of "Defense of Marriage Act" since it was rooted in Christianity being forced into our government? How about allowing Gay marriage? This can be flipped around, and I would be interested to know if support goes both ways or truly is bigoted.
At least Mr. Cain is honest about it.
God, I can't wait for us New Englanders to secede... it's embarrassing being tied to the same country as this idiot...
I don't think he is wrong. For example CAIR is using shariah to stop freedom of expression. Cain told us what he thought. So either vote or don't vote for him. To try to shut him up is using shariah. So yes it is creeping in.
The deal with Islam is that Mohammed said you do three things; 1) lay low when you are in the minority. As he did in Mecca
2) Become defensive when your population can sustain it. 3) Attack when you are in the majority and apply the principles of Islam.
"Sharia law is derived from the Quran, the holy book of Islam. It informs Muslims with rules on how to live their everyday lives – including how to fast and how to pray. Some Muslim countries use Sharia law as a basis for their laws, particularly concerning crimes against Allah, against society and crimes of revenge."
Not quite correct CNN, and deliberately played down to "take the sting" out of Sharia law. Devout Muslims who wish Sharia law to be a guide in our secular system, cannot act in ways supportive of a democratic system. First, in Sharia, loyalty must be to Allah/Muhammed/Koran/Hadith/the Ummah, not our Constitution. All civil institutions must be subservient to these religious forces. Also, devout Muslims are obligated by their faith to promote the primacy of Islam and its institutions, including Sharia. Much more could be said, but you get the picture. People like Ibrahim Hooper (CAIR is a front group for the Muslim Brotherhood) are pushing "soft jihad", and by its editorializing comment above, CNN has once again taken the bait.
Don't care for the speaker, or most of what he stands for, but this, I do agree with~ The Muslims are slowly but surely "invading" Europe and imposing themselves and their beliefs on European societies. That is a fact. Here in America we are consistantly being asked and or forced to hide our flags, and our religious objects, as they are "offensive" to those who worship another God, yet Muslims can block major streets, in major cities, on Fridays to worship their God? I am offended by that, and why does this need to be done in the middle of the street? Why is my child no longer aloud to say the Flag Salute @ school? Im calling BS on this one! That is exactly what they are doing and it is no different than what the Roman Catholics did eons ago.
Hmm I guess that means he's equally against Mitt Romney's candidacy because he would try to impose Mormon Law on America, right?
"The claim that he is bigoted – when he himself has lived the majority of his childhood and young adult life under segregation – is pretty baseless. -- Just because one has lived under segregation does not mean that they themselves cannot be a bigot! That argument does not stand up under basic logical scrutiny.
That would be like saying that since I have spent the majority of my adult life over weight that I am attracted to ALL over weight men.....it is a fallacy! The logic does not hold!
The has nothing to do with the other!
"And I get upset when the Muslims in this country – some of them – try to force their Sharia law onto the rest of us."
Where, exactly, is this happening (other than in your small-minded, paranoid little universe)?
Typical Republican: No ideas, no policies that work, nothing but lies, fear, hatred and division.
WHY WOULD ANYONE VOTE FOR THESE YAHOOS?!?!?!?
You always hear from these idiots whenever somebody says anything they don't like or agree with, but they never say anything while people are being killed all over the world inspired by beliefs in Islam!!! We need more people who are willing to expose these idiots and tell the truth about their motives and agenda, unlike most of our weak American politicians!!! Jesus Christ is Lord!!!
Interesting, that CNN interviewed Ibrahim Hooper- a man who said in an interview before he wanted to see America Islamic someday. Very interesting...
I agree with Herman Cain.
I would love to see Karl Rove's reading list ... "The Prince" by Machiavelli ... "Mein Kampf" by Adolf Hitler ..."The Communist Manifesto" and "Capital" by Karl Marx ... "1984" by George Orwell.
Rove is using all the strategies outlined in these books for subjugating and controlling people, including The Big Lie, dividing a group against itself, fear-mongering, lying, etc., etc., etc., plus a couple he learned at Lee "Willie Horton" Atwater's knee.
And Cain is just another Republican "hopeful" using Rove's tactics, deluding himself into thinking that when his usefulness is gone (read: the GOP doesn't need a Black guy anymore a la Michael Steele), they'll still want him in their club.
Pretty pathetic!
By the way CAIN you have my vote
"...problem that they don't know what to do with hardly?"
Never mind whether what Cain says is bigoted or not: what he says is not in English.
How can we elect a president who speaks that way?
BTW, he IS a bigot.
This is hate speech dressed in a political opinion. Mr. cain cannot be counted on,for he goes with the popular wave of the day. Hate speech is so easy,maybe too easy. The part of the brain where this is formulated is separate from the "reasoning" part.
I't's the knee jerk reaction , unreasoned ,blurted out with a lethal dose of 20/20 hindsight for days. Especially for a politician who knows well the public remembers the bad much longer(Forever) than the good you did.Like a cat falling from a tree,flailing to get a grasp at anything that will save oneself from certain injury. We're all familiar with that vertigo feeling when we've said something a little too soon and way to late to pull it back.
Cain is a typical the Republicans who are getting ready to run for President. They make outrageous statements to pander to what they consider to be their base, and then their handlers "explain" what the person really meant. They're so cowardly they won't even take responsibility for their own statements.
Muslims are a easy target for the GOP Hate group. We must stand up to them or there will be no one to stand up for us when they (GOP) turn there hate machine to the rest of us.
Yeah, HE'S not getting elected. What a complete and utter moron.
Let me get this straight. Cain CAN'T be bigoted because he's African American, but Obama CAN be bigoted because he's African American. It appears Cain's spokesperson needs to be shown the pile of Tivo clips from FoxNews.
"Cain mentioned anti-Sharia law legislation that passed in Oklahoma, last year. Other states have also taken up such measures." Where do these illogical loonies come from? The Nazis passed all kinds of laws against the Jews, but that didn't mean the Jews had done anything. Oklahoma's rediculous law is like my justifying that Cain is a thief because I put a sign on my lawn saying "Cain not permitted to steal from me."
This Republican propaganda machine against the Muslims in order to try and promote the Republican Party is IDENTICAL to the Nazi propaganda machine against the Jews in order to try and promote the Nazi Party. And no, I didn't just call the Republicans Nazis. I just said that their propaganda is directly parallel.
why is it when African American Republicans run for office or make themselves public, they always seems to have to say something that shows that they are not "like the rest of the black people, you know what I mean" as though they are seeking acceptence in that special club of white mainsteam conservatives. West from Florida has done this along with Mike Steele and all it really gets them is token acceptence. They have to say something negative about President Obama so that shows they are not with him because of his racial background, and in this case they have to say something anti-Muslim because that is popular with the right wing base. I wonder if he would appoint maybe a Jehovah Witness to his cabinet or would he reject appointing a Mormon. Not sure if the comment was totally bigoted but it got him attention.
Good for Cain. Tell it like it is. And how about expressing OUTRAGE at the acts and beliefs of Muslims?
Those beliefs have no place in this country. Stoning, Beheading, Sharia law.
Muslims go away and take your barbaric animal beliefs with you.
Herman Cain is a little conflicted on this one. While I agree that, as he puts it: "'The role of Islam in America is for those that believe in Islam to practice it and leave us alone. Just like Christianity. We have a First Amendment." However, Herman is no Libertarian. His positions consistently are infused with religious elements: opposition to Gay Marriage, denying the right of a woman to choose, prayer in school, etc, etc. Sounds like a double standard to me. Much like the hypocracy that is rampant in the rest of the extreme right wing of the Republican Party. It was informative to hear his spokesperson say: "Anyone who is in the business of making laws, or interpreting laws, should use the Constitution and nothing else." Perhaps Little Caesar...er...Herman should make this the central message of his campaign–oh, wait, he only means that to apply to other lawmakers, not to Mr. Cain. Why is it that these extremists never bother to deal with their own hypocracy. What about a secular Muslim, Mr. Cain, what would be so wrong with somebodyl like that? The spokesperson had it right, as long as a potential appointee was guided by only the constitution, then no problem, right?
They are all trying to out extreme each other. They are doing remarkably well!
I agree with Herman Cain. Call me bigoted. I worked in a muslim owned company where nepotism ruled. I also worked in a global company and trained a muslim to replace me after he almost drove me crazy trying to get me to see things his way. Another one operated in the gray all the time = trouble. I don't like gray and I don't like trouble. Muslims see non-believers as a cancer so with that in mind.. I will make my decisions. I would never want to work under one again because in tough times the family member will keep their job. I also know that a muslim is not capable of representing me or my interests just like a liberal is not. Oil and Water. The stupid people are the ones that continue trying to force groups together from different spiritual families. It will never work because I'm not giving up my soul and I'm not dying for a muslim unless my country needs me too! Jesus came that I might have life and life abundantly and I intend to have that. Jesus Christ is Lord!!
I consider myself an atheist so living by rules that were written down at a time when human life literally had not value. Your religious beliefs were more important that you were. That being said, can someone list any specific examples of "...Muslims in this country – some of them – try to force their Sharia law onto the rest of us.' I can easily say that the GOP is slowly imposing legislation whose sole purpose is to enslave Americans to worldwide business interests.
Why should we placate and mollify to the Islamic community with Sharia Law. If they want it then go to a country that practices it as the base or fundamentals of their law.
Why should we bend over backwards for them. We have a set of established laws that work fairly well in this country?
Good for Mr. Cain.
Can you imagine what would happen if a prospective presidential candidate said "I wouldn't appoint a Jew" or "I wouldn't appoint a Catholic" to a cabinet position? Yet, apparently it's acceptable in GOP circles to be discriminatory against Muslims. What a disgrace.
I should have read the whole story–I guess he's also bigoted against Catholics (at least he's consistent).
First and foremost....CAIR is a joke.
Research them !!!
Secondly....would Roosevelt have
appointed a nazi as a judge or to
his cabinet during world war two ?
I understand we are at war with
Islamic extremists. But all of them
just happen to be muslim.
No buddist,hindus,christians,or
jews were involved in the 911
attack . All the pilots and planners
and all the people in the streets
in the mid eastern countries celebrating
afterward were muslim.
So since Cain has stated he won't defend the Constitution e.g. no religious tests for appointments, he is not qualified to be POTUS. End of story.
Calm down. what if Herman Cain said Scientologist instead of Muslim? Would the The Council on American-Islamic Relations called him a bigot then? Seriously doubt it.
To pander to todays Rightwingers,GOP politicians have to act like a racist or a birther or both. Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt would be hated and vilified by todays Rightwinger. Both are turning over in their graves because of the Rightwing losers who act so unAmerican and are terrible examples of what a true Christian should be!
last time I checked your religion does not matter in the United States. I love seeing all these Christians distance themselves and say dont link us to Westboro but they have no problems linking all Muslims to Hamas, and Al Quaeda
Cain has as much chance of being president as I have, zero. I have to admit though that it's amusing to watch the right wing loonies fall all over themselves to see who can be more anti-American in their efforts to be president.
So our wise Republican leaders are not satisfied with a few thousand extremists, they want to make 1.6 Billion people enemies? Osama Bin laden could not have a better partner than this useful idiots who are making his job of recruiting easier! Isn't this just superb?
Living under racism, segregation, antisemitism and whatever other horrible things humans beings do to one another in no way makes one immune from the same base instincts and beliefs. One only need look to Israel to see that. This guy is a shill for the GOP. they will use him up and throw him away..
Just for the record, CNN, Mitt Romney made similar comments on multiple occasions last year.
I resent Cain's [presumably white] communications director commenting on whether or not he can be a bigot. I'm a black man and I'll state clearly that YES, he can be a bigot – IN FACT, he himself might harbor race-based prejudices against African Americans.
Discussing race-based behavior is not "RACIST" and we should not shy away from it. When people use the "N" word, I have no problem with the full 6 letter word being printed or spoken in context. So let's get after this.
There is no place in America for someone who wants to be president to preclude any American from serving in an Administration or the judiciary. If a Mulsim was named and then violated American principles, the President should fire them or if a Federal judge, the Constitution makes provisions to impeach them. That's the way we address the concern Cain raised – not by discriminating against Muslims.
Asians, Latinos, Women, Africans, Jews, Catholics, Muslims should view this as an indication of which party they can expect to treat them fairly – it's not the Republicans.
How else is he going to garner some fame in the company of birthers, Bachmans, Palins, Trumps and Gingrichs' of the Republican party. It is a competition as who will out crazy the crazies!
What this man is saying is, simply, insane. Responding to boogey-men that only he and the fringe see.
A continuation of "W", in creating enemies rather than friends. Pathetic waste of time.
Cain is an idiot and clearly hasn't read the constitution. The supreme law of the United States forbids the federal government from passing laws fostering/favoring one religion over another. The religious right has been trying to do just that for years and been rightly stopped by the courts. As such, there is no way Sharia law will be enaceted by our government pure and simple. It's shocking that a potential candidate for the nation's highest office could be so ignorant of the country's bedrock legal document. Oh wait, he's a republican. Never mind.
Anyway that you cut it, This guy is an extremist dealing with race , religion, or politics.
yeah, if he were president, fat chance
Not every black man/or woman believes he has been treated badly, and they believe that if they act like the persons in power and get along, there is no racist, treat others like they don't want to be treated,my friends don't call that being an uncle tom anymore, but they have the mistaken belief that by getting along, try to fit in with the good old boys, they will move ahead. I call them undercover brothers & sisters, they treat people of their own race worst than those that continue to enslave our mind. Everyone knows who you are, and generally you will NEVER be accepted in their world. You will only be tolarated until you are no longer useful....Herman Cain was not accepted in Georgia, he was not true to himself. HE WILL NEVER BE POTUS....He is not being true to himself....Now he is being accepted by a few blind sheep, and no one in the community in which he was raised........We will pray for him, it's never to late..
I am a Muslim and yes the Quran supercedes any man made law including the Constitution of the United States. I would expect that the Christians or the Jews also believe that the commands given to them by God in their scriptures supercedes any other law. Allah commands us to stay away from liquor since there is a greater evil in it than the good. One of my positions, if I were ever to run for a government position would be to restrict the sale, use of alcohol. The Christian faith teaches that unborn children should not be aborted. Muslims have the same injunction. If I were ever to run for public office, as part of my effort I would go against abortion except for some circumstances such as when the woman's life is in danger or in cases of rape, etc. I hope what I am saying is understood.
"The claim that he is bigoted – when he himself has lived the majority of his childhood and young adult life under segregation – is pretty baseless."
Nope, not baseless at all. 99% of child abusers were themselves abused. He learned his racism the hard way, and sadly he's now passing it on.
Don't worry, with comments like that-you will not become president of anything!!! You Moron.
It's sad that so often a politician addressing the far right in this country feels the need to take a position that is this devisive. It's because the far right is so far out there. They are beginning to sound like the members of the Aryan Nation used to. I'm a Republican who voted for Obama because the GOP has veered of course so far. Reagan would be appalled at his party now! Call me a RINO, but I won't vote Republican again until the party comes up with some positive ideas for moving forward. Too many on the far right would trample the Constitution in order to protect it. Maybe we should give back the Stature of Liberty....
I do believe Cain's comments are bigoted and it's unfortunate since he also comes from a group of people who have been suppressed and oppressed and continue to suffer even today. It seems he feels that perhaps by taking this stand he will have a greater voice amongst his predominantly white colleagues. In addition, those who have been oppressed have oppressed others as can be seen by the Jewish people's treatment of Muslims in Palestine as well as in the U.S. If you look, you'll find that they are the main perpetrator's of anti-Muslim sentiments. They also continue to imprison and kill the innocent Palestinian people from whom they have robbed their lands as well.
Finally a politician who will come out and say what most others really think.
"I get upset when the Muslims in this country – some of them – try to force their Sharia law onto the rest of us"... Replace the word Muslim with Christians and you'll get a glimpse of how every non-Christian feels in America. (Jewish, Mormon, Muslim, Atheist etc. etc. – heck, even Homosexuals etc. "In Gos We Trust" was only added a few decades ago... the Founding Fathers omitted it in so much for a reason. Hint – many weren't Christian!!
It's sad what is happening to America, the bigots and hate mongers are taking over. I fear people like Bachmann, Cain, Gingrich and all their GOP friends far more than any Muslim living here in America, or around the world for that matter. I watched CNN last night ,and I was appalled at the ignorant people who live in this country. They don't even understand the freedoms America was founded on, they just want us to live under their rule, their religion, and their viewpoint of how the they think this country should be. They are the fanatics, not the Muslims, Bachmann is right, we need to take our country back, back from people like this man, and people like her.
I really don't like where these social conservatives are leading the Republican Party, because then I have to vote for Democrats or Independents.
How very funny. He speaks against one religion's attempts to take over America, but judging by his affiliation, and appearance at this conference, he appears to condone another religion taking over America. Wake up Cain! They are all evil.
"...There is this creeping attempt, there is this attempt to gradually ease Sharia law and the Muslim faith into our government..."
Oh, and that's different from the GOP's creeping attempts to gradually ease fundamental, evangelical Christian faith into our government?
Dont get me wrong, I am Christian, too – but the difference is that I am not suffering from your xenophobic fear of muslims.
And once again we have another wingnut painting an entire religion and its followers with the broad brush stroke of fanaticism.
What I’d really like to see is verifiable proof that these all of these aspiring POTUS wingnuts ever achieved the lofty goal of high school graduate. With the never-ending stream of stupidity that seems to emanate freely from the ever intolerant far right, I have serious doubts if any of them ever made it that far.
Cain and his ilk all subscribe to the same wingnut playbook; when you lack the qualities of true leader and have nothing positive to contribute in the way of ideas or resolutions, the fastest way to get to the the top is to always fan the flames of fear, ignorance and intolerance.
Clearly Mr. Clark's has yet to read the constitution. He has no idea that because of his statement, were he to be elected president, that every appointment he made could be contested by any Muslim candidate, and WON!
Article VI – Debts, Supremacy, Oaths
The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; BUT NO RELIGIOUS TEST SHALL EVER BE REQUIRED AS A QUALIFICATION TO ANY OFFICE OR PUBLIC TRUST UNDER THE UNITED STATES.
The GOP would use Muslims as the new 'folk devil' – a scapegoat to blame all their problems on. The Germans did it to the Jews in the 1930s. McCarthy did it to the communists in the 1950s. As long as there is a group we can point the finger at, and say, "They are the ones responsible for all your problems, and it's OK to hate them.", there will always be fearmongering spineless sheep like Herman Cain to play along...
Article: "The claim that he is bigoted – when he himself has lived the majority of his childhood and young adult life under segregation – is pretty baseless."
Baseless? Does Cain's communication department know what the definition of bigot is? It doesn't mean only one race is allowed to be a bigot. The definition says "anyone who is intolerant of any different race, creed, or religion". I doubt living your life as a priviledged socially right-wing Republican gives Cain any insight on segregation except for turning his back to it. And Republicans don't care about the U.S. Constitution – they only care about interpreting it to where it fits their hate-filled agenda in ruining the country.
Last I checked, there was no Sharia law in Europe. Heck, France outlawed the burkah. And speaking of imposing religious law on a society, how about the Family Research Council and their attempt to impose Biblical here in America? They're a lot more likely to succeed than Muslim extremists.
I wonder if he would appoint a Christian to his cabinet? Because if you tally the number of Americans killed in battle over the last 250 years, the VAST MAJORITY were killed by Christians.
Again, dont get down on me, i'm just saying that this guy (Herman Cain) is a fearmongering shill who is using people's ignorance to intimidate his weak-minded followers in the GOP.
until the left in this country quits putting feelings over reality, we'll continue to have jokes like Obama in the white house...and SOMEHOW they STILL blame things the liberal presidents do on conservatives...I don't get it.
Cain, is the just the latest in this parade of fools from the GOP, who serve merely as a reminder that Pres. Obama is already deserving of a second term.
Has this reporter bothered to ask President Obama if he plans on appointing a Muslim on his cabinet? Mr.Cain clearly stated that followers of Islam, just like followers of any other faith, have the right to follow their faith, but not to insert that faith into law. He is absolutely correct, many European countries have adopted concessions to people of the Islamic faith in order to be politically correct, and have found it does not work. You cannot have one set of standards and laws for one group of people and another for a different group of people in a democratic society. Europe is now having to rescind many of these concessions because it just doesn't work.
I think his communications spokes person made a valiant effort to put a good spin on a bigoted comment. Cain was being a bigot. He was asked point blank if he would appoint a muslin person to his administration and like the bigot he is, he said, "no I would not ." His reason is that he does not want muslims to impose their sharia ways on our culture. Give me a break. That is plain ignorance that he is trying to paint as not kowtowing to political correctness. Basically he is saying that all muslims are so religious and fanatical that they can not be trusted to serve the government. Really??? What about the muslims who serve in our military already? What about the muslims in our country who are doctors, teachers and in government now? Are they perverting our system? I did not like Cain to begin with but his bigotry and ignorance is sickening.
Didnt know a lot about his background, so i went and started reading about Cain... How surprising to find out that his current employment is: (Yep you guessed it)
Fox News commentator!
It's like they have a clause in their contract that they have to run for president as a GOP candidate and then make so many idiot statements per week. Let's see who else from the Faux News newsroom is going out on the trail to make a fool of themselves... Palin, Huckster, Bolton, Cain, Who else? I know i missed a few...
Who needs to fear Islamic radicals when we have bigoted Republicans right here at home ruining our country?
The greatest threat to the U.S.A. is the conservative right-wing and their corporate enablers who are working to dismantle government rather than show leadership in it. They are changing our democracy into a corporate controlled society. Look at the governors in OH, MI and WI and ask yourself if this is truly what you think these guys should be doing: deciding themselves if small local governments are in financial strife then disbanding those government sand installing hand-picked private companies to run them and eliminating decades of hard-fought collective bargaining for workers.
Thats right! We should make all them Muslims sit at the back of the bus too!
Yes this is part of our constitution, freedom of speech and he can say what ever he wants
I thought we hire people based on their qualification and not their race or religion. Shame on Mr Cain, am sure you were around during the civil rights movement and maybe you marched in it. Clearly when you reach the top you forgot about all the little people
I am not sure where they come up with this Shara law thing. I would love to see who is pushing for Sharia Law in the US? a prof of that would be nice
So what he is saying is that he looks at religion first when selecting a judicial nominee...I guess that whole separation of church and state thing is out the window.
I wonder how he would react to the fact that there are actively practicing Christians and Jews among other religions (I'm sure) that are currently on the bench... Jewish law covers many aspects to how Jews should live their lives and that is okay? You have to wonder sometimes.