Boxer recalled award she gave to an Islamic activist because of his ties

[robcon]

Is this Barbara Boxer's Sister Souljah moment?

CAIR Play?
Sen. Barbara Boxer recalled an award she recently gave to an Islamic activist because of his ties to a major American Muslim organization—that critics say has ties to terrorist activities.
By Michael Isikoff and Mark Hosenball Newsweek Updated: 5:08 p.m. ET Dec 29, 2006

Dec. 29, 2006 - "In a highly unusual move, Sen. Barbara Boxer of California has rescinded an award to an Islamic activist in her home state because of the man’s connections to a major American Muslim organization that recently has been courted by leading political figures and even the FBI.
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Boxer’s office confirmed to NEWSWEEK that she has withdrawn a “certificate of accomplishment” to Sacramento activist Basim Elkarra after learning that he serves as an official with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). After directing her staff to look into CAIR, Boxer “expressed concern” about some past statements and actions by the group, as well as assertions by some law enforcement officials that it “gives aid to international terrorist groups,” according to Natalie Ravitz, the senator’s press spokeswoman.

CAIR, which has 32 offices around the country and bills itself as the leading Muslim-American civil- rights group, has never been charged with any crimes, nor have any of its top leaders. But a handful of individuals who have had ties to CAIR in the past have been convicted or deported for financial dealings with Hamas—another reason cited by Boxer for her action. The senator directed her staff to withdraw the certificate—which she routinely gives to community leaders in California—and asked that a statement she had previously made endorsing CAIR be stricken from the group’s Web site, Ravitz said in an e-mail..."
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16384987/site/newsweek/

[The Count]

1. msGOP vs Barbara Boxer? I am with Boxer until further facts unfold

This is the ONE senator who challenged the Ohio electoral votes in 2004. And on the other side, Isikoff - of the Katheryn Wiley fame.

[RaleighNCDUer]

2. I',m disappointed that Boxer would withdraw her statement

on the word of some FBI who say that CAIR supports terrorists. After all, this same FBI claimed that Dr King was a communist - they have their agenda and we can't think for a moment that the culture of the FBI has changed significantly in the past 30 years.

[rayofreason]

3. Do some homework...

...and you will see that Boxer was right on.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criticism_of_the_Council_on_American-Islamic_Relations

http://www.anti-cair-net.org/

http://www.anti-cair-net.org/Dismissed

[Goblinmonger]

4. From your title, I thought you meant this

That would be shitty to take away an award because of wardrobe.