This level of political correctness is ridiculous! No one has the right to dictate who can speak at a private event in this country.....much less this county. I'll bet none of you know what Grandy did or didn't say and in what context. Shouldn't we at least find out before labeling him a bigot? How about a little credibility here with your assertions? What is a "home for hate" anyway? I have always wondered, if someone is so confident in what they believe, why are they so afraid of hearing a different point of view? What are all of you so afraid of?

The event on the Republican website states Grandy "... will share their insights with us on the threat of Islamic extremism to America." Are you saying Muslim extremism is not a threat? Or any extremism for that matter? I agree with jasvisp that people have a right to have any speaker they choose - and the First Amendment covers freedom of speech, even if you disagree with what is being said. Or, former Delegate, do you believe freedom of speech only applies if you agree with the content?

Independent and Proud

Saqib,

Who are you to dictate who an organization invites as their guest speaker? Have you even contacted this group to address their membership too? I expect not. I see no reason why this group should cancel their event. If this is who their membership chooses to listen to, then it is their choice. It appears their event is a fundraiser, so people have to pay - which shows an interest in the topic. If you don't want to hear it, then don't attend. It seems pretty straight forward to me.

As a Democrat, I'm not sure you are the authority on which speakers Republicans should invite to their events. Can you please provide me with dates and times for any Democrat or non-partisan events in Montgomery County on the topic of Islamic extremism?

Additionally, your facebook event is titled "Stand Up to Bigotry in MoCo Republican's Party". What bigotry is in Montgomery County Republican Party? Having a speaker is not bigotry. Or are you using Fred Grandy to take a cheap swipe at the other party? Your event title is inappropriate.

Independent and Proud

"By hosting a bigot, the MoCo Rep Party is getting into bed with a bigot." STILL does not make them bigots, and when can I attend a Democratic event discussing Islamic extremism? Or do you think Islamic extremism is not an issue?

Saqib, if you were the speaker then the event should be protested because of your past bigotry. Don't you remember all of the stupid things that you said on facebook while a delegate? Things like "Where are my browns at?" If you don't remember it, don't worry, I do. (With screenshots to boot.)

Let's stop the charade and grow up a little, alright? And worse yet is that you're associated with Rahim Zubairi (who now goes by the name Rahim Camel Kaffir).

Do not for one moment think that you have been acting without notice these last few years.

Montgomery County could be less bigotted, I agree. But for as long as the voters here blindly elect Democrats like you and Frosh there is little hope for a better future here. Racial inequality comes from only one place in modern America and that's the Democratic Party leadership and their influencers.

Challenge me on this and I'll teach you a thing or two, for free!

@Montgomery County Resident
When you mentioned Frosh, were you referring to when Ali handed out male enhancement pills?
http://www.cecilcalvert.com/2010/03/24/maryland-house-of-delegates-saqib-ali-hands-out-male-enhancement-pills-during-mark-lunsfords-press-conference-on-stricter-sex-offender-laws/

Thank's for the support, MoCo Independant. I knew my posting would create a heated discussion...and that is good. Except, so far, we are hearing from only saqib ali. We need to hear from the Muslims in our country who acknowledge that there is indeed an extreme Islamist faction in the U.S. and they should publicly speak out against it. I'm afraid untill that happens, the type of information contained in this article type, which is hysterical, damaging and completely without merit, will be all the public hears. it astounds me when thousands of liberals do not want to dig deeper into ANY issue to educate themselves instead of blindly accepting, without question, the dogma that the leaders of their party state as truth. Read, study, then advocate for your beliefs based on real information instead of accepting as fact, statements put out by the media and your politicians. Of course you have the right to disagree as do we all with any issue. If you feel strongly enough about something to compel you to organize a protest.......feel free....( all of the sudden, that word becomes more meaningful) It is only YOUR opinion of what is or is not appropriate....what makes you think that your strong belief's give ypu the power to dictate right versus wrong? And back to the question from my previous posting.... what are all of you so afraid of if there is nothing to fear? Go ahead... I'm ready for the angry postings......irrational and without answering any of these questions.

What do you mean "Can't have a gun in MD"?? You can have as many as you want.

Dear commenters,

Please, try to keep the tone on this comment board civil.

Thank you,
Laura

The last time I checked, we still had freedom of speech in this country for everyone! What are these protesters afraid of? Hearing the truth?

The racial slurs people are using here only serve to reinforce my point about bigotry and the necessity to firmly confront it.

There is another similar event being held in Annapolis on October 29th being hosted by the MD Conservative Action Network. Judging by the list of speakers (Racists, Homophobes, Conspiracy theorists & Islamophobes) it seems to be far more troubling than the Chevy Chase event. A protest has been launched against that event as well. Click here to take a look: http://on.fb.me/pAEb5b

For those interested in joining the protest in Chevy Chase, please click here: http://on.fb.me/mVMn1I

Saquib Ali: YOU are a misogynist and a RAGING Christo-phobe. YOUR religion is the poster-child for homophobia. (Yes--it's Islam's dirty little secret, isn't it?) Try being publically gay in any Islamic theocracy, AND SEE HOW MANY minutes you live. Cut the catterwauling about "racial slurs". Islam IS NOT A RACE! Your pathetic handlers at C.A.I.R. have given you all those hackneyed talking points to blather on about...BLAH, BLAH, BLAH. Clean-up the archaic, slavish practices of YOUR religion before you point fingers at FREE PEOPLE IN A FREE COUNTRY...But I'm sure you're hoping that C.A.I.R.'s desired imposition of Shariah Law in America will take care of FREE, NON-MUSLIM WOMEN LIKE ME! Hee-hee, good luck with that....

This is amazing. Dems are more worried about Grandy, a nice guy who doesn't like Islamofascists, than they are about those terrorists in toto. PC all the way for liberal Dems. Ruining the nation with its defense of a guy in the WH and a Party which is now alien to our American heritage, history, and values. Grandy was a nice Rep. , an actor years ago who surely is not as radical as the Dems themselves complaining. Yikes.

Protest the protesters! Show support for CCWRC, MD Conservative Action Network and Fred Grandy! Stop the UBER-BIGOT SAQUIB ALI from muzzling FREE SPEECH! FAIRNESS AND EQUALITY FOR NON-MUSLIMS IN AMERICA!!!!!

Looks like Saqib Ali can't handle the heat. Those curs in C.A.I.R.'S PR department are busy canoodling to figure out damage-control here. Uh oh, those dastardly infidels are on to them...Segue to C.A.I.R.' s legal department and THAT bastion of bigotted, xenophobes is scurrying about looking for support from Barry O...I can just see them facebooking madly: "...BO--Send in the S.E.I.U. goon-squads STAT! Need a rent-a-mob fast! Anybody in Philly or Chi-town available for a flash-mob?..." Mark my words folks, Saqib Ali and his racist, bigotted ilk are probably working on a "beat-down" plan as we speak...'Cuz that's how they roll...

Wow Missy, I like your passion. We need more people to start speaking out. There is nothing more important than learning the truth about what Islam is intent upon doing. It's happening now. Liberals are ignoring all of this and instead are standing up for abortion, gay marriage, women's rights, etc. (I'm not judging or stating my opinions) I' m just saying that NONE of these things will matter because NONE of these things will exist under Shariah law. A book I highly recommend is "The Grand Jihad" by Andrew C. McCarthy. It explains precisely what is going on. Sadly, the people who need to read this with an open mind probably won't. Once again, if you are so sure in your beliefs, why are you afraid of hearing another point of view?

If you want to know how "sweet and enlighted" dear Islam is....ask a Sikh! The Sikh religion was born out of neccessity to combat centuries of murderous conquest AND FORCED CONVERSION by Muslims of Kashmiri Hindus. In order to avoid anhilation at the hands of the relentless Muslim invaders, the Sikhs were forced to form a quasi-militaristic religion! The Sikh religion is devoted to the sword, for without it they would have been consumed and forcefully converted by the Muslim invaders. The same tactics are at hand in our wonderful country. An agressive, regressive Islam is attempting a coup within our borders. Rather than the sword and forced religious conversion, they use our "blind" legal system to further their dastardly aims. The imposition of a "parallel" Shariah Law in America--outside the jurisdiction of the Constitution--is hardly unfathomable. (It's already imposed in Britain!) World Islamists pressure our legal and political system from within, while simultaneously committing acts of terrorism, murder and mayhem from without. Shariah Law = Slavery! The latest actions of Siqib Ali against the CCRWC is BIGOTTED AND MISOGYNISTIC. Through thinnly-veiled threats of THUGGARY AND VIOLENCE, he is forcing a metaphorical BURQKA on the free thinking women of the CCRWC. As usual, Ali and his cowardly handlers at C.A.I.R. are bullying fair-minded, free people!
Shariah Law = Slavery

CAIR is a terrorist organization, the entire board this includes you Abe Hoopper, should be down in Guantanamo.

Surely former Delegate Ali remembers his Bill of Rights, enshrined in the United States Constitution. If not, may I offer a refresher? First Amendment (in part): "Congress shall make no law ... abridging the freedom of speech ... or respecting the right of the people peaceably to assemble." That applies to the individual states, like Maryland, as well.

Let's be clear about a few things here:

1) Fred Grandy used his radio program to provide a platform to his wife who felt it necessary to "warn" others that Muslims work in government. She also repeatedly referred to Muslim people as "Shariah Compliant" (http://fxn.ws/pKOgIj). This is bigotry, pure and simple. People on this thread seem more interested in making ad hominem attacks than addressing the substance of my criticism. Why? Is it defensible to warn people that Catholics/Hindus/Jews/Atheists work in our government? Of course not. Muslims should be treated the same way.

2) Disparaging me because of my race or religion, telling me to go back to where I came from, or claiming I'm trying to foist Shariah Law on others does nothing to counter my concern about bigotry. It does quite the opposite.

3) Of course Fred Grandy and the Republican party have the right to free speech under the first amendment. Nobody is questioning that right. On the other hand, the same First amendment gives us the right to criticize them and request that they cancel. Just because they have the right to invite Grandy, doesn't mean it is judicious for them to do so. However, there is no governmental power forcing censorship upon them. Claim their rights are being violated just shows a very bad misunderstanding of the law.

Fred Grandy (and many of the commentators here) is pushing the idea that Sharia Law is taking over America. This idea is so bizarre that it's hard to know where to begin.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who is a *Republican* was recently asked about this idea of "Creeping Sharia". He said such an idea was "crap" and "This Sharia law business is crap. It's just crazy. And I'm tired of dealing with the crazies."" http://yhoo.it/nExcd2

We just wish the Montgomery County Republican party had as much good sense as Republican Governor Chris Christie.

i am a muslim. there is a problem with radicalism in islam, as there is with any other religion. the problem is that grandy and others like him lump all muslims into the same category, blindly. saqib ali's decision to protest his choice as speaker at this republican event is simply to highlight that fact. if you want to talk about the problem of radialism in islam, then get speakers who actually know something about islam, and not just haters.

MoCo Muslim or should i say Zub!!! why don't you use your real name, like most of us here?

Please check out my Op-Ed regarding this event here on the Chevy Chase Patch:
http://chevychase.patch.com/articles/op-ed-one-local-offers-a-different-reaction-to-clubs-choice-of-speaker

Mr. Khan,
A better written, well stated piece. Your response is one which I would expect from a thoughtful, educated person. Would you consider running for Delegate? Mr. Ali is not the level-headed kind of leadership we need in Montgomery County.

It is a disturbing fact that Republican Womens groups in Virginia were "told" to cancel the Grandy speaking engagements. I have heard the Grandy's speak on several occasions and they make it quite plain that everything they say is based on fact. Islam is a threat to America and those who think Shariah is not seeping into our court systems need to wake up. Someone suggests visiting a mosque to ask questions..come on who are you kidding!! If a protest is called for this meeting I think we should have a counter protest for our Constitution and freedom of speech. Start readying your signs We the People!!

If your are told to do someones bidding then you are compliant in this assault on our freedoms. We should all show up for this event to show our support and keep the protestors at bay, no where near the residence.

Bring your video cameras, phone and record this meeting. If the White House can refuse to offer Christians prayers on Easter, and hosts murderers who claim to be poets and artists, then I think the Women's club can host an event and invite any speaker they wish.

Today, numerous elected officials came out with a letter condemning the Montgomery County Republicans for getting in bed with bigots: http://bit.ly/q4vfDW. This is a big deal.

Uncapher has tried very hard to suggest that opposition to Grandy is not widespread and limited only to me. He's wrong. And this broad swath of Montgomery County elected officials exposes that line of argument.

betty
The "broad swath of Montgomery County elected officials" are Democrats who are enjoying the "smears" on a Republican Club. Instead of standing up for Freedome of speech and assembly, they show no backbone and elate at the dirty work being done for them. If they were true Americans, they would disown a group that would try to deny the rights of citizens under the consitution, instead of using the issue for political gain.

Saqib Ali - How do you feel about a mosque at ground zero in New York? Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom to congregate? Hmmm how is that different. I know it's permanent whereas this is a one time even. Get over yourself!

I find it interesting how Councilwoman Nancy Navarro has aligned herself and her staff with Saqib Ali. MarylandJuice, the blog that 'broke' the story', is run by one of her staffers.

If the gop Women truly wish to discuss Islamic radicalism, why not invite a Muslim to offer another viewpoint to Grandy? If they fear someone associated with Islamic activism (e.g., Mr. Ali) why not ask a group with a reputation for moderation - like the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) in Sterling VA? ADAMS recently hosted conservative stalwart Herman Cain, who was sufficiently impressed to issue a Press Release saying his previous beliefs were wrong. ADAMS has hosted many GOP officials, like Gov McDonnell and AG Cuccinelli who would hardly associate with terrorists! If we want freedom to invite speakers of all views, why not show the balance and fairness of which Americans are always proud, and present both sides so the audience can draw its own conclusions? Inviting only people with specific and well-documented viewpoints shows lack of balance and objectivity. As many commentators have said, why fear a Muslim speaker? If Grandy is telling verifiable truth, having an opponent will reinforce his arguments. I suspect neither the GOP nor Grandy has the courage to accept any challenge. That is the real danger. The right to hear all viewpoints is a basic Constitutional privilege - however, would we accept a KKK Grand Dragon to speak on African-American history and diversity in America? No rational person would support that. The GOP women can invite anyone, but if they are true Americans, why not hear both sides of debate? What do they fear?

RJM, your comments are well taken.

That said, I might disagree with your characterization: "If they fear someone associated with Islamic activism (e.g., Mr. Ali) why not ask a group with a reputation for moderation"

This implies that there is something wrong/extreme with my activism. That is simply not the case. I spoke up about this cause just as I have spoken up on many occasions when I feel that minorities are being unfairly singled out. A majority of Montgomery County elected officials agree with me.

So our position is the mainstream one. That's why we have invited them to a public debate without any rules or restrictions. The ones pushing to stigmatize a minority faith are non-mainstream... or as NJ Republican Governor Chris Christie succinctly puts it: "the crazies".

Ali,
In correction, two dozen Democrat officials in Montgomery County is not an accurate sample of the county's population as a whole. Thus, "So our position is the mainstream one. " is not accurate. Mainstream is a prevailing current or direction of activity. Signatures of elected officials is nothing more than the signatures of twenty or so individuals. Their elected status has no bearing on what is 'mainstream'. I also recommend that if you truly want an honest debate, you stop stacking the deck with nothing but CAIR officials and Democrats. It makes you look scared for honest discussion.

Regarding RJM, unfortunately it seems as though you are not a member of the Chevy Chase Women's Republican Club and thus have no say in who they choose or do not choose for their programs. There is not a single thing wrong with how they decide to choose a speaker - and it is their business, not ours. I am pleased to see the Democrat side of this finally coming to their senses and backing off the protest idea. Isn't it now a debate approach? The whole "We're going to protest who you have chosen to speak" was rich with hypocrisy.

Saqib you are so out of touch. Fred Grandy isn't the Grand Dragon of the KKK while Sen. Byrd the man whose funeral you likely attended was a hook carrying member of the WVA KKK. Tell me Saqib when Sen. Byrd was in his casket did he have his hood on or off? You and your part disgust me with your radical views, preaching of Social Justice which is code word to steal from those who work hard and give to the lazy mindless drones or Democrats for lack of better word.

Remember it was your party that favored slavery, Jim Crow laws, segregation, the internment of Japanese Americans, the ones who turned a blind eye to Hitler and if we had listened to you guys we’d still be living with a Two Germanys, and Iron Curtain dividing Europe. History has shown time and time again that we have always been on the right side of history while the Democrats consistently on the wrong side.

Today in 2011 democrats side with Radical Islam shame on you Maryland Democrats!

Please Watch this video;http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7ByJb7QQ9U&feature=player_embedded the roots of radical islam