I just can't picture old Tom tapping his foot to Cat Stevens tunes.
I think the reason they had him on the watch list was for none other
than his connection to Islam....being his last name.
I think he will be cleared.
---------------------------------------------------------
LONDON, England (CNN) -- The British recording artist Yusuf Islam
returned to London Thursday saying he was "shocked and slightly amused"
after U.S. officials determined he was on a terrorist watch list and was
not allowed to enter the United States.
Islam, the peace activist and singer once known as Cat Stevens, said he
was traveling to Nashville, Tennessee, with his daughter for a recording
session when he was approached aboard the flight into Washington, D.C.
"Suddenly we were forced to land and suddenly I was being interrogated
by all these FBI officers," Islam said at an impromptu press conference
at London's Heathrow Airport.
"The whole thing is totally ridiculous. Everybody knows who I am, you
know, I'm no secret figure. Everybody knows my campaigning for charity,
for peace. And there's got to be a whole lot of explanations. Hopefully
there will be that."
When asked if he was being victimized, he said "absolutely," then added,
"but you know people make mistakes."
"I just hope they've made a big mistake."
Islam was taken off a United Air Lines flight from London to Washington
on Tuesday and officially denied entry to the United States when U.S.
authorities ordered the aircraft to land in Bangor, Maine.
He was taken to Boston and Washington before being sent back to London
on another United flight from Dulles International Airport.
U.S. Muslim leaders say they want the government to explain why he was
on a "watch list" meant to keep terrorists out of the country.
Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge accused Islam of having some
unspecified relationship with terrorist activity.
"Celebrity or unknown, our job is to act on information that others have
given us," Ridge said.
"And in this instance, there was some relationship between the name and
the terrorists' activity with this individual's name being on that
no-fly list, and appropriate action was taken."
Other officials said he was on the watch list because of reported
associations and financial support for Muslim charities with terrorist
connections. But they would not disclose the names of those charities,
and Homeland Security spokesman Garrison Courtney told CNN only that
"the intelligence community has come into possession of additional
information that further heightens our concerns of Yusuf Islam."
The 56-year-old Islam changed his name after becoming a Muslim in the
1970s. Ibrahim Hooper, a spokesman for the Council on American-Islamic
Relations, said his organization wanted a better explanation for why the
singer was denied entry into the country.
"We are getting a little tired of this kind of Kafkaesque treatment of
people, where vague allegations are made and actions are taken against
individuals and organizations," Hooper said.
He said American Muslim leaders "need to know where the allegations are
coming from."
"I don't think we want to be in a situation where people are denounced
by anonymous government officials and labeled as terrorists and that's
it -- everybody says 'Okay, we don't need any more information.' We need
more information," he said.
Ridge said the intelligence that put the singer's name on the list came
from outside the United States, but he would not reveal the source.
He questioned why United allowed him onto the flight at all, but
government sources said Islam's name was added to the watch list only
recently and had been misspelled -- which could explain why airline
employees overlooked it.
Aviation security adviser Jalal Haidar, an Arab-American Muslim, said
Islam's inclusion on the watch list may have been a mistake -- but he
said the watch list system will improve.
"Mistakes happen. There are lots of redundant names, and identity can be
mistaken," he said.
"The system is not perfect here." Ridge called the singer "one of my
favorite artists," and said his agency would take "a very, very close
look" at the information that resulted in Islam being placed on the
list.
But another U.S. official said the Department of Homeland Security is
"extremely confident in the information," and said it was credible
"without a doubt."
According to Islam's Web site, he is associated with three charities:
Small Kindness for humanitarian relief; Islamia Schools' Trust for
education; and Waqf al Birr Educational Trust for educational research
and development and scientific and medical research.
As Cat Stevens, Islam had a string of hits in the 1960s and 1970s such
as "Moon Shadow," "Peace Train," "Wild World" and "Morning Has Broken"
before converting to Islam in the 1970s and changing his name.
He dropped out of the music business for more than a decade after
converting to Islam, but returned to the studio periodically since the
late 1990s. He condemned the September 11, 2001, al Qaeda attacks on New
York and Washington, performing at a benefit concert to raise money for
victims and donating a portion of the royalties from a career
retrospective to a relief fund.
He also condemned the recent attack on a school in the southern Russian
town of Beslan that killed more than 300 people, many of them children.
He was widely reported to have endorsed the late Iranian leader
Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeni's 1989 decree calling for the death of
British novelist Salman Rushdie after Khomeni said Rushdie's novel, "The
Satanic Verses," was blasphemous.
But Islam has said his comments were taken out of context by a reporter,
and that he opposed anyone "taking the law into their own hands."
http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/09/23/stevens.back.britain/index.html
=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0=A0
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| User: "Woodswun" |
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| Title: Re: Tom Ridge's Favorite Artist.... |
23 Sep 2004 06:40:53 PM |
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In article <16897-4152CCEB-221@storefull-3212.bay.webtv.net>, (Su Zanadu) wrote:
I just can't picture old Tom tapping his foot to Cat Stevens tunes.
Me neither. But I can see that more than doing so to Uriah Heep .....
;-)
Woods
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| User: "Jean Guernon" |
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| Title: Re: Tom Ridge's Favorite Artist.... |
23 Sep 2004 09:57:30 AM |
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Su Zanadu a écrit:
I just can't picture old Tom tapping his foot to Cat Stevens tunes.
I think the reason they had him on the watch list was for none other
than his connection to Islam....being his last name.
I think he will be cleared.
He is branded a security risk.
J.
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| User: "Su Zanadu" |
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| Title: Re: Tom Ridge's Favorite Artist.... |
23 Sep 2004 11:05:26 AM |
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Jean wrote:
He is branded a security risk.
He has yet to be branded with a hot iron.
We will get to the bottom of this. It is VERY possible this was all a
mistake.
He promotes PEACE not TERRORISM.
If you want to abide by the ways of an AMERICAN.....you are INNOCENT
first and then you must be PROVEN GUILTY.
We shall see.
SuZanne
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| User: "dreamwalker" |
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| Title: Re: Tom Ridge's Favorite Artist.... |
23 Sep 2004 05:57:31 PM |
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"Su Zanadu" <tugbertswife@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:22821-4152F446-265@storefull-3216.bay.webtv.net...
Jean wrote:
He is branded a security risk.
He has yet to be branded with a hot iron.
We will get to the bottom of this. It is VERY possible this was all a
mistake.
He promotes PEACE not TERRORISM.
If you want to abide by the ways of an AMERICAN.....you are INNOCENT
first and then you must be PROVEN GUILTY.
Wrong. That rule of law only applies to Americans. He is far removed from being an American.
.
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| User: "Barbarossa" |
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| Title: Re: Tom Ridge's Favorite Artist.... |
23 Sep 2004 10:06:42 PM |
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"dreamwalker" <backfromthe@dead.net> schreef in bericht
news:6ea53$415354df$407626b2$10181@powerweb.allthenewsgroups.com...
"Su Zanadu" <tugbertswife@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:22821-4152F446-265@storefull-3216.bay.webtv.net...
Jean wrote:
He is branded a security risk.
He has yet to be branded with a hot iron.
We will get to the bottom of this. It is VERY possible this was all a
mistake.
He promotes PEACE not TERRORISM.
If you want to abide by the ways of an AMERICAN.....you are INNOCENT
first and then you must be PROVEN GUILTY.
Wrong. That rule of law only applies to Americans. He is far removed from
being an American.
So, a tourist coming to America does not have the same basic rights
as an American? Gee, that is a very good reason not to ever visit such
a country!
Please shout this from every roof and you will face huge losses of
tourists choosing another country.
My girlfriend and I did have plans to visit Florida once, but hey, thanks
for the warning.
What rights can I expect as a visiting tourist on a Dutch passport and
my girlfriend traveling with a Belgian one? Oops, I almost forgot, we
are not muslims.
Kind Regards,
Barbarossa
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| User: "Jean Guernon" |
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| Title: Re: Tom Ridge's Favorite Artist.... |
24 Sep 2004 06:41:33 AM |
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Barbarossa a écrit:
"dreamwalker" <backfromthe@dead.net> schreef in bericht
news:6ea53$415354df$407626b2$10181@powerweb.allthenewsgroups.com...
"Su Zanadu" <tugbertswife@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:22821-4152F446-265@storefull-3216.bay.webtv.net...
Jean wrote:
He is branded a security risk.
He has yet to be branded with a hot iron.
We will get to the bottom of this. It is VERY possible this was all a
mistake.
He promotes PEACE not TERRORISM.
If you want to abide by the ways of an AMERICAN.....you are INNOCENT
first and then you must be PROVEN GUILTY.
Wrong. That rule of law only applies to Americans. He is far removed from
being an American.
So, a tourist coming to America does not have the same basic rights
as an American?
DUH! What an idiot you are Barbara.
Gee, that is a very good reason not to ever visit such
a country!
Well, Barbara, I am sure they will be happy to know that you won'T go to
pollute their space.
J.
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| User: "Barbarossa" |
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| Title: Re: Tom Ridge's Favorite Artist.... |
26 Sep 2004 06:08:06 AM |
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"Jean Guernon" <jguernon@globetrotter.net> schreef in bericht
news:NJT4d.78325$KU5.14759@edtnps89...
Barbarossa a écrit:
"dreamwalker" <backfromthe@dead.net> schreef in bericht
news:6ea53$415354df$407626b2$10181@powerweb.allthenewsgroups.com...
"Su Zanadu" <tugbertswife@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:22821-4152F446-265@storefull-3216.bay.webtv.net...
Jean wrote:
He is branded a security risk.
He has yet to be branded with a hot iron.
We will get to the bottom of this. It is VERY possible this was all a
mistake.
He promotes PEACE not TERRORISM.
If you want to abide by the ways of an AMERICAN.....you are INNOCENT
first and then you must be PROVEN GUILTY.
Wrong. That rule of law only applies to Americans. He is far removed
from
being an American.
So, a tourist coming to America does not have the same basic rights
as an American?
DUH! What an idiot you are Barbara.
Ask Dreamwalker all about, he/she said that the American Law only applies
to American citizens and not tourists visiting the USA.
Gee, that is a very good reason not to ever visit such
a country!
Well, Barbara, I am sure they will be happy to know that you won'T go to
pollute their space.
And I am pretty sure that the tourist-industry in the USA would not like the
idea of tourists being less welcome or having less rights.
Kind Regards,
Barbarossa
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| User: "Jean Guernon" |
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| Title: Re: Tom Ridge's Favorite Artist.... |
29 Sep 2004 04:03:38 PM |
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Barbarossa a écrit:
"Jean Guernon" <jguernon@globetrotter.net> schreef in bericht
news:NJT4d.78325$KU5.14759@edtnps89...
Barbarossa a écrit:
"dreamwalker" <backfromthe@dead.net> schreef in bericht
news:6ea53$415354df$407626b2$10181@powerweb.allthenewsgroups.com...
"Su Zanadu" <tugbertswife@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:22821-4152F446-265@storefull-3216.bay.webtv.net...
Jean wrote:
He is branded a security risk.
He has yet to be branded with a hot iron.
We will get to the bottom of this. It is VERY possible this was all a
mistake.
He promotes PEACE not TERRORISM.
If you want to abide by the ways of an AMERICAN.....you are INNOCENT
first and then you must be PROVEN GUILTY.
Wrong. That rule of law only applies to Americans. He is far removed
from
being an American.
So, a tourist coming to America does not have the same basic rights
as an American?
DUH! What an idiot you are Barbara.
Ask Dreamwalker all about, he/she said that the American Law only applies
to American citizens and not tourists visiting the USA.
They apply to both. But before they get into America, if they are on not
wanted list, or if hey have any kind of restriction that require
waivers, they don't make it onto the soil of the US until they regulate
their situation, unlike Americans of course.
`
What is complicated to understand about that?
J.
Gee, that is a very good reason not to ever visit such
a country!
Well, Barbara, I am sure they will be happy to know that you won'T go to
pollute their space.
And I am pretty sure that the tourist-industry in the USA would not like the
idea of tourists being less welcome or having less rights.
Kind Regards,
Barbarossa
.
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| User: "Su Zanadu" |
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| Title: Re: Tom Ridge's Favorite Artist.... |
23 Sep 2004 06:42:15 PM |
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dw wrote:
SuZanne wrote:
If you want to abide by the ways of an
AMERICAN.....you are INNOCENT
first and then you must be PROVEN
GUILTY.
Wrong.
I know you are!
Anything new to report?
I was talking directly to Jean. That if *he* meaning "Jean" wants to be
like an American, than *he* "Jean" should not automatically assume
guilt.
That rule of law only applies to
Americans.
I am not trying to enforce any laws here, just asking for common
courtesy and fairness.
He is far removed from being an
American.
Yes, I am aware of Jean's Canadian citizenship. He even once posted his
drivers license.
:)
SuZanne
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| User: "Jean Guernon" |
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| Title: Re: Tom Ridge's Favorite Artist.... |
24 Sep 2004 04:56:41 AM |
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Su Zanadu a écrit:
dw wrote:
SuZanne wrote:
If you want to abide by the ways of an
AMERICAN.....you are INNOCENT
first and then you must be PROVEN
GUILTY.
Wrong.
I know you are!
Anything new to report?
I was talking directly to Jean. That if *he* meaning "Jean" wants to be
like an American, than *he* "Jean" should not automatically assume
guilt.
That rule of law only applies to
Americans.
I am not trying to enforce any laws here, just asking for common
courtesy and fairness.
He is far removed from being an
American.
Yes, I am aware of Jean's Canadian citizenship. He even once posted his
drivers license.
:)
SuZanne
I replied to you Susan 2 hours before you made that post.
Message-ID: <3CH4d.77612$KU5.45561@edtnps89>
It is essentially the same thing he says. Yet, I don't see a response
from you on this.
This is what I said:
Nah, if he was proven guilty he would be in jail. Protection of the
homeland of a nation at war is taking no chances with potential
terrorists before they become guilty.
Well, note Su that it is always possible that the murderers or their
sympathizers parasite his entourage and he is not really aware of it,
but there is certainly substance to the allegations either way. Who
knows, he may be an OK guy despite appearances unwittingly serving the
cause of radicals murderers.
J.
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| User: "Su Zanadu" |
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| Title: Re: Tom Ridge's Favorite Artist.... |
24 Sep 2004 05:59:30 AM |
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Jean, I did see your post and dw's at the same time. I also saw Woods
reply which seems to be the most rational of the three. he he he!
I never mean to ignore anyone and usually I am short of time and make
sure that I at least get to read everybody's replies and hopefully will
get to come back later and respond which doesn't always work out.
So if I didn't respond It is not that I am ignoring you and just know
that I heard you!
Now I think I have said all I have to say on the subject of Cat Stevens
and most importantly is that we shouldn't automatically assume that he
is guilty.
We should wait and see.....hopefully like he said It is just a mistake.
SuZanne
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| User: "Jean Guernon" |
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| Title: Re: Tom Ridge's Favorite Artist.... |
24 Sep 2004 08:37:48 AM |
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Su Zanadu a écrit:
Jean, I did see your post and dw's at the same time. I also saw Woods
reply which seems to be the most rational of the three. he he he!
I never mean to ignore anyone and usually I am short of time and make
sure that I at least get to read everybody's replies and hopefully will
get to come back later and respond which doesn't always work out.
So if I didn't respond It is not that I am ignoring you and just know
that I heard you!
Now I think I have said all I have to say on the subject of Cat Stevens
and most importantly is that we shouldn't automatically assume that he
is guilty.
We should wait and see.....hopefully like he said It is just a mistake.
SuZanne
Maybe too he will realize that sending money to hams that was used for
the first attempt against the world trade center is not a small matter.
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&call_pageid=971358637177&c=Article&cid=1095891011236
Law enforcement officials who asked not to be identified said the U.S.
had information that Islam, who visited the U.S. in May, donated money
to the militant Islamic group Hamas and that donations from Islam may
have ended up helping fund blind sheik Omar Abdel-Rahman, convicted for
a plot to bomb New York City landmarks.
J.
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| User: "Su Zanadu" |
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| Title: Re: Tom Ridge's Favorite Artist.... |
24 Sep 2004 05:18:31 PM |
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Jeanne wrote:
Maybe too he will realize that sending
money to hams that was used for the
first attempt against the world trade
center is not a small matter.
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&call_pageid=971358637177&c=Article&cid=1095891011236
I'm still not convinced and hold out hope that he is innocent and can
clear his name.
SuZanne
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| User: "Jean Guernon" |
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| Title: Re: Tom Ridge's Favorite Artist.... |
23 Sep 2004 04:54:07 PM |
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Su Zanadu a écrit:
Jean wrote:
He is branded a security risk.
He has yet to be branded with a hot iron.
We will get to the bottom of this. It is VERY possible this was all a
mistake.
He promotes PEACE not TERRORISM.
If you want to abide by the ways of an AMERICAN.....you are INNOCENT
first and then you must be PROVEN GUILTY.
We shall see.
SuZanne
Nah, if he was proven guilty he would be in jail. Protection of the
homeland of a nation at war is taking no chances with potential
terrorists before they become guilty.
Well, note Su that it is always possible that the murderers or their
sympathizers parasited his entourage and he is not really aware of it,
but there is certainly substance to the allegations either way. Who
knows, he may be an OK guy despite appearances unwittingly serving the
cause of radicals murderers.
J.
.
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