MPAC Demands “Responsible Testimony”

I just received this email alert from ACT for America:


ACTION ALERT! Time Sensitive
Call Congressman Brad Sherman today
DO NOT ALLOW MPAC & ISNA to silence testimony on terrorism. Please read the alerts below demonstrating the efforts of ISNA (Islamic Society of North America) and MPAC, the Muslim Public Affairs Council to prevent such testimony. Pre-empt its effort. Please call Congressman Brad Sherman by phone or fax, thanking him for inviting Steve Emerson to testify; he is one of the most knowledgeable experts in terrorism and one of our most important voices against terrorist proliferation. This is yet another example of how Islamist groups like MPAC & ISNA are trying to silence and undermine anyone who dares to speak out against terrorism in this country by attacking their credibility and accusing them of “Islamaphobia.”

From ISNA AND MPAC: Read their email below sent to their members and ACT today!

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URGENT ACTION ALERT: DEMAND RESPONSIBLE TESTIMONY IN FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM

Islamic Society of North America

Self proclaimed terrorist expert Steven Emerson is scheduled to testify this Thursday, July 31st, in a congressional hearing entitled “Foreign Aid and the Fight Against Terrorism and Proliferation: Leveraging Foreign Aid to Achieve U.S. Policy Goals.” Emerson has a formidable history of attacking Islam and Muslims in America under the guise of his alleged expertise. Those familiar with Emerson’s legacy state his lack of credentials in foreign aid and foreign policy and are concerned that his testimony will feed Islamaphobia.

The Islamic Society of North America encourages it members and all Americans to contact Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA (pdf)), chairman of the “House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade”, convener of the panel, and request that balanced, qualified testimony be included in the panel or the session be canceled. ISNA is concerned that Emerson’s hate mongering will deter responsible policy making, impede effective security, and detrimentally affect American Muslims.
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Contact Congressman Brad Sherman by phone or fax now before Thursday’s session.

Washington, D.C. Office
2242 Rayburn Building
Washington, DC 20515-0524
Phone: (202) 225-5911
FAX: (202) 225-5879

San Fernando Valley Office
5000 Van Nuys Blvd. Suite 420
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Phone: (818) 501-9200
FAX: (818) 501-1554

MPAC Demands Congressman Sherman Ensure Credible Testimony or Postpone Hearing

July 29, 2008 Muslim Public Affairs Committee

Today, the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) released a letter (pdf) urging Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA) to either provide credible experts at an upcoming hearing on foreign aid, or postpone the hearing until credible experts can be found.

SEE: Foreign Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade Hearing Information (U.S. House of Representatives, 7/28/08)

Congressman Brad Sherman, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade, will call on self-proclaimed “terrorism expert” Steven Emerson to testify at the congressional hearing. Emerson, who has a proven track record of anti-Muslim bigotry, is not a credible expert on foreign aid or foreign policy.

MPAC’s letter (pdf) calls for the Congressman to “ensure that those who are relied upon for knowledge have the requisite expertise, experience, and nuanced outlook. In the interest of maintaining a good balance of views, we urge you to include an additional panelist from an NGO, university, or think-tank that can represent the positive role of civil society organizations in challenging terrorism. If, however, you cannot find any other witnesses that can balance the current witness panel, we request that you cancel or postpone panel until such time as the committee is able to convene an unbiased slate of witnesses.”

“In the interest of effective and informed policy-making, it our sincere hope that the Congressman heeds this request and proceeds accordingly.” said Salam Al-Marayati, MPAC Executive Director. “Misinformation could lead to disastrous initiatives, leading the U.S. further away from realizing its foreign policy objectives.” Click here to read the letter in its entirety. (pdf)

ACT NOW!
Contact Congressman Brad Sherman by phone or fax, let him know that he must either provide unbiased, qualified experts for this Thursday’s hearing — or cancel the panel.