NationStates Jolt Archive


6 Imams removed from US airways flight after a passenger complained

Aryavartha
21-11-2006, 22:12
Disgusting is my response to this sorry episode (going by the story reported).

http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/11/21/passengers.removed.ap/index.html
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota (AP) -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations called Tuesday for an investigation into the behavior of airline staff and airport security in the removal of six Muslim scholars from a US Airways flight a day earlier.

A passenger raised concerns about the imams -- three of whom said their normal evening prayers in the airport terminal before boarding the Phoenix-bound plane, according to one -- through a note passed to a flight attendant, according to Andrea Rader, a spokeswoman for US Airways.

"We are concerned that crew members, passengers and security personnel may have succumbed to fear and prejudice based on stereotyping of Muslims and Islam," Nihad Awad, the council's executive director, said in a news release. (Watch passengers describe how the cops, airplane crew and imams acted Video)

The six were returning from a conference in Minneapolis of the North American Imams Federation, said Omar Shahin of Phoenix, president of the group.

"They took us off the plane, humiliated us in a very disrespectful way," Shahin said after the incident.

Shahin said Tuesday that three members of the group prayed in the terminal before the six boarded the plane. They entered individually, except for one member who is blind and needed to be guided, Shahin said. Once on the plane, the six did not sit together, he said.

"We did nothing" on the plane, Shahin said.

The six were among passengers who boarded Flight 300, bound for Phoenix, around 6:30 p.m. Monday, airport spokesman Pat Hogan said.

Police were called after the captain and airport security workers asked the men to leave the plane and the men refused, Rader said.

Shahin said no one asked the six to leave until police arrived, when the group complied.

"Unfortunately, this is a growing problem of singling out Muslims or people perceived to be Muslims at airports, and it's one that we've been addressing for some time," council spokesman Ibrahim Hooper said.

Hooper said the meeting drew about 150 imams from all over the country, and that those attending included Rep.-elect Keith Ellison, a Minnesota Democrat, who just became the first Muslim elected to Congress. Shahin said they went as far as notifying police and the FBI about their meeting in advance.

Shahin expressed frustration that -- despite extensive efforts by him and other Muslim leaders since even before the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks -- so many Americans know so little about Islam.

"If up to now they don't know about prayers, this is a real problem," he said.

Shahin said the group spent the night at the home of a local imam and was waiting for a phone call Tuesday from US Airways. Hooper said US Airways refused to put the men on another flight.

The airline did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment on that aspect Tuesday.

The other passengers on the flight, which was carrying 141 passengers and five crew members, were re-screened for boarding, Rader said. The plane took off about three hours after the men were removed.
ConscribedComradeship
21-11-2006, 22:12
Gheesh, cretins. -_-
Kryozerkia
21-11-2006, 22:14
Blasphemy! How dare they pray! :p
Neesika
21-11-2006, 22:15
So in a situation like this, are the people removed out airfare? If so, can they sue in any way for the cost to them if their removal was not really justified? Or can anyone be removed at any time without being reimbursed?
Rhaomi
21-11-2006, 22:16
What the hell?

Since when does one racist, xenophobic jackass have the right to remove six people from a plane?
Neesika
21-11-2006, 22:16
And I can just imagine what people were thinking, "They were praying to Allah to cleanse themselves before blowing up the plane" :(
Trotskylvania
21-11-2006, 22:16
Blasphemy! How dare they pray! :p

Yes, quite so! How dare they pray to their Heathen god, Al!
Pyotr
21-11-2006, 22:17
All it takes is one prejudiced, paranoid idiot and the lemmings just go right over the cliff.
Nodinia
21-11-2006, 22:17
Well some Orthodox jewish man was thrown off for praying (on a flight), so I'd say its not so much Islamophobia as a fear of beards in general....
Fleckenstein
21-11-2006, 22:17
I mean, you arent threatened by a blind holy man?
Quarantin
21-11-2006, 22:18
Well some Orthodox jewish man was thrown off for praying (on a flight), so I'd say its not so much Islamophobia as a fear of beards in general....

with a parachute?
Wilgrove
21-11-2006, 22:19
What is an Imams?
Rhaomi
21-11-2006, 22:19
All it takes is one prejudiced, paranoid idiot.
This is what I'm not getting. Could a KKK member forcibly remove six black guys from a plane 'cause he said they gave him dirty looks? No, of course not.

Such is what happens when the government plays on people's fears for political gain.
Kryozerkia
21-11-2006, 22:19
Yes, quite so! How dare they pray to their Heathen god, Al!
Yes, the audacity indeed. First they're praying in our airports, then they're praying for our souls! Where does it end?? :p
Utracia
21-11-2006, 22:19
Discrimination alive and well in America. Nice to know we have such enlightened people working for our airlines where a person can be removed if one asshole doesn't like the way you look.
Intangelon
21-11-2006, 22:19
And thus, Ignorance spread its soporific sterotypes across this great land, stultifying any kind of common sense, reason or compassion from public consideration.

US Air should be made to pay reparations and those who "tattled" be publicly humiliated. I'd go with the stocks, personally.
Kryozerkia
21-11-2006, 22:19
What is an Imams?
The Islamic version of Rabbis and Priests.
Pyotr
21-11-2006, 22:20
I heard that the passengers(or some of them) are claiming that the imams were praying inside the plane.



Because that makes this less prejudice. :rolleyes:
Aryavartha
21-11-2006, 22:20
Well some Orthodox jewish man was thrown off for praying (on a flight), so I'd say its not so much Islamophobia as a fear of beards in general....

I would think that the phobia of islamist terrorists feeding to islamophobia feeding to fear of beards (the jewish beard in this case)...
Kryozerkia
21-11-2006, 22:20
I heard that the passengers(or some of them) are claiming that the imams were praying inside the plane.



Because that somehow makes this less prejudice. :rolleyes:

I wonder if that works if Christians are praying inside a plane...
Neesika
21-11-2006, 22:21
Discrimination alive and well in America. Nice to know we have such enlightened people working for our airlines where a person can be removed if one asshole doesn't like the way you look.

As much as I'd like to just go ahead and agree with you, I could see this very thing happening in Britain and elsewhere. This kind of discrimination is not confined to the US.
Aryavartha
21-11-2006, 22:21
What is an Imams?

Plural of Imam. :p
Drunk commies deleted
21-11-2006, 22:22
Hey, if they don't want to be discriminated against what are they doing out in public?
Neesika
21-11-2006, 22:22
I wonder if that works if Christians are praying inside a plane...

If they have long beards, and perhaps are praying in a foreign language...oh, like Latin...
Lunatic Goofballs
21-11-2006, 22:22
I mean, you arent threatened by a blind holy man?

Israel is. A few years ago they blew up a blind, deaf elderly man in a wheelchair while he was at his morning prayer. With a helicopter rocket. :p

Blind holy men are clearly a terrible threat. :p
Duntscruwithus
21-11-2006, 22:22
I heard that the passengers(or some of them) are claiming that the imams were praying inside the plane.

Hell, considering how many pilots have been removed for being drunk lately, if I wasn't an athiest, I'd be praying too!
Icovir
21-11-2006, 22:26
Yes, quite so! How dare they pray to their Heathen god, Al!

Actually, some Americans don't even know that Muslims worship a God...
Nodinia
21-11-2006, 22:29
Actually, some Americans don't even know that Muslims worship a God...

Most do, but consider it to be the wrong one.

Yes, I know.
Utracia
21-11-2006, 22:30
As much as I'd like to just go ahead and agree with you, I could see this very thing happening in Britain and elsewhere. This kind of discrimination is not confined to the US.

Given how American rhetoric is about how we are the most free out of any country in the world, how great it is to be a citizen here I feel it gives us a higher standard to live up to. When you see something like this it is a blow to the freedoms our government and society loves to talk about. Relgious toleration being one of the planks of our society being attacked and so it is a blow to our country as a whole.
Carnivorous Lickers
21-11-2006, 22:30
Israel is. A few years ago they blew up a blind, deaf elderly man in a wheelchair while he was at his morning prayer. With a helicopter rocket. :p

Blind holy men are clearly a terrible threat. :p

Oh,no- they are never a threat:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheik_Omar_Abdel-Rahman


:rolleyes:
Nodinia
21-11-2006, 22:30
If they have long beards, and perhaps are praying in a foreign language...oh, like Latin...


Its going to be a whore of a job organising the orthodox get-together then so....
Wilgrove
21-11-2006, 22:30
Now comon, whats the worse a holy man is going to do? Even I find this silly.
Dempublicents1
21-11-2006, 22:31
Actually, some Americans don't even know that Muslims worship a God...

Muslims don't worship God. They worship a demon they call Allah. Didn't you know?
Poliwanacraca
21-11-2006, 22:33
Yeesh, this country is nuts. Last month we're kicking passengers off planes for breastfeeding, this month we're kicking passengers off planes for praying; perhaps in December we'll decide to kick some people off planes for being unattractive. Anything to make sure the passengers feel safe! :rolleyes:
Trotskylvania
21-11-2006, 22:33
Yes, the audacity indeed. First they're praying in our airports, then they're praying for our souls! Where does it end?? :p

What's more, they pray to this guy named Al Lah? I mean, if you're gonna pray, pray to a real god, not one named Al!:p
Nodinia
21-11-2006, 22:36
What's more, they pray to this guy named Al Lah? I mean, if you're gonna pray, pray to a real god, not one named Al!:p

Ali is a god, I'll have you know.
Lunatic Goofballs
21-11-2006, 22:37
Oh,no- they are never a threat:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheik_Omar_Abdel-Rahman


:rolleyes:

You're right. We took an awfully big chance investigating him, arresting him and holding a trial. We should have blasted him with an attack helicopter. :p
Utracia
21-11-2006, 22:37
Muslims don't worship God. They worship a demon they call Allah. Didn't you know?

And Mohammad was the son of the demon? Came to Earth to preach to the Muslims? :eek:
Bitchkitten
21-11-2006, 22:40
Idiots.
I'd rather kick the complainer off the plane. "No, they're not bothering me. But your paranoid whining is."
Dempublicents1
21-11-2006, 22:40
Yeesh, this country is nuts. Last month we're kicking passengers off planes for breastfeeding,

Man, i didn't hear about that one. *sigh*


And Mohammad was the son of the demon? Came to Earth to preach to the Muslims?

Why, he was a Satan-worshipping false prophet, obviously!
Icovir
21-11-2006, 22:40
The Islamic version of Rabbis and Priests.

Not really. Those are Mullahs, and they're opposed by all Muslims.

Imams are people elected by those who go to the Mosque, to lead a prayer and/or sermon (sermon on Fridays only). They can be different or the same each time, and they're always people who go to the Mosque; not "special people" apporved of by a large governing council.
CthulhuFhtagn
21-11-2006, 22:41
Israel is. A few years ago they blew up a blind, deaf elderly man in a wheelchair while he was at his morning prayer. With a helicopter rocket. :p

I laughed at this. I'm a horrible, horrible person.
Pyotr
21-11-2006, 22:43
It seems "Flying while muslim" has been added to "driving while black" in the unofficial american lawbook.
Farnhamia
21-11-2006, 22:44
It seems "Flying while muslim" has been added to "driving while black" in the unofficial american lawbook.

Should just be expanded to "traveling while being someone suspicious."

So, should we call this "Sheiks on a Plane"?
Psychotic Mongooses
21-11-2006, 22:47
So, should we call this "Sheiks on a Plane"?

You win teh thread.
Pyotr
21-11-2006, 22:48
Hey, if they don't want to be discriminated against what are they doing out in public?

Perhaps they believe the 1st amendment still exists?


Those backward fools.
Icovir
21-11-2006, 22:48
So, should we call this "Sheiks on a Plane"?

"Enough is enough! I'm gettin' tired of these motherf*ckin' Shaykhs, on this Motherf*ckin' plane!"
Unlucky_and_unbiddable
21-11-2006, 23:07
Since when does one racist, xenophobic jackass have the right to remove six people from a plane?

How long have citizens of the usa been able to fly in a plane?
Extreme Ironing
21-11-2006, 23:08
A very sad state of affairs when stereotypes produce so much paranoia as this.
Intestinal fluids
21-11-2006, 23:15
Israel is. A few years ago they blew up a blind, deaf elderly man in a wheelchair while he was at his morning prayer. With a helicopter rocket. :p

Blind holy men are clearly a terrible threat. :p

Dont be naieve. Just because someone is blind doesnt make them automatically innocent of any and all crimes. No, i dont think innocent praying Muslims should be hassled in airports but neither do i give free passes to people just because they cant see.
Kryozerkia
21-11-2006, 23:17
A very sad state of affairs when stereotypes produce so much paranoia as this.
That is the product of allowing bigotry to rule.
German Nightmare
21-11-2006, 23:17
Home of the 'fraid, land of the "save"...
Intestinal fluids
21-11-2006, 23:26
That is the product of allowing bigotry to rule.

I dont honestly thing its bigotry. I honestly believe for the most part its cultural ignorance along with imprecise instructions from our government.

The government unarguably gives people very general and ambigious instructions in regard to potential terrorists. We are basically told to report all unattended bags and report anything suspicious. Thats a pretty broad mandate thrust apoun the American people open to MASSIVE subjective interpretation. Now someone who has lived in NYC for a decade or two, probably wouldn't give someone lying prone on the ground and praying anywhere a second thought. But i guarentee you, some housewife in the breadbasket midwest, who hasnt even seen a muslim before let alone praying ones and doing stuff that to them, seems legitematly threatening and strange(from thier perspective). So it gets reported. Because to that Midwest Christian wife with 8 kids that farms and bakes bread every day, seeing some guy groveling on the ground could reasonably be interpreted as suspicious behavior. And this is exactly what thier government asks them to report. I dont nessesarily think all this is bigoted, i think its very cultural and there is alot of simple cultural ignorance.
Farnhamia
21-11-2006, 23:30
I dont honestly thing its bigotry. I honestly believe for the most part its cultural ignorance along with imprecise instructions from our government.

The government unarguably gives people very general and ambigious instructions in regard to potential terrorists. We are basically told to report all unattended bags and report anything suspicious. Thats a pretty broad mandate thrust apoun the American people open to MASSIVE subjective interpretation. Now someone who has lived in NYC for a decade or two, probably wouldnt give soemone praying anywhere a second thought. But i guarentee you, some housewife in the breadbasket midwest hasnt even seen a muslim before let alone praying ones and doing stuff that to them seems legitamatly threatening and strange. So it gets reported. Because to that Midwest wife with 8 kids that farms and bakes breead every day, this is suspicious behavior. And this is exactly what thier government asks them to report. I dont nessesarily think all this is bigoted, i think its very cultural and there is alot of simple cultural ignorance.

All of which may be true, but the authorities ought to have reacted differently, perhaps by inviting the person who turned in the report if she'd like to take a different flight. Six perfectly respectable men, the equivalent of pastors or priests in their culture, were thrown off a plane, where they had every right to be, because one person was made nervous by them.
Icovir
21-11-2006, 23:31
That is the product of allowing bigotry to rule.

*cough*fundiechristians*cough*
Soviestan
21-11-2006, 23:46
What is an Imams?

Imams are like your priests. They are our religious leaders. Apparently you can't pray in America if your Muslim anymore.:eek: Which means I broke the law four times today:p
Utracia
22-11-2006, 00:18
All of which may be true, but the authorities ought to have reacted differently, perhaps by inviting the person who turned in the report if she'd like to take a different flight. Six perfectly respectable men, the equivalent of pastors or priests in their culture, were thrown off a plane, where they had every right to be, because one person was made nervous by them.

*nods*

It is really shameful that so many people are so paranoid about anybody who looks Middle Eastern or is maybe Muslim that they deserve to be looked as suspiciously as if the actions of a few condemn them all. This individual should be ashamed but the airline should get nothing but contempt to allow one persons prejudice to allow multiple people to feel discrimination. I say this airline needs to be boycotted, let them have people like this stupid person but the rest of us won't fly on your planes.
NERVUN
22-11-2006, 00:27
I'm coming home in a month. I wonder if I have time to grow out a beard and learn to mumble strange prayers in Japanese?
Farnhamia
22-11-2006, 00:29
I'm coming home in a month. I wonder if I have time to grow out a beard and learn to mumble strange prayers in Japanese?

I'd be careful, there are a few of those FDR Vacation Spas still around, I think. :p

The whole thing is quite absurd, but it's in line with what the US government would have the people do: be afraid, be very afraid.
Kryozerkia
22-11-2006, 00:30
I'm coming home in a month. I wonder if I have time to grow out a beard and learn to mumble strange prayers in Japanese?

You could just glue one on.
Pyotr
22-11-2006, 00:39
I'm coming home in a month. I wonder if I have time to grow out a beard and learn to mumble strange prayers in Japanese?

Dress up as the leader of Aum Shinrikyo, see how many americans think your a kindly old buddhist monk.
NERVUN
22-11-2006, 00:47
Dress up as the leader of Aum Shinrikyo, see how many americans think your a kindly old buddhist monk.
That'd get me arrested in Japan and I REALLY don't want to spend time in a Japanese jail. I am told they are most unplesent.
NERVUN
22-11-2006, 00:48
You could just glue one on.
OUCH! They're painful to pull off though.
Pyotr
22-11-2006, 00:49
That'd get me arrested in Japan and I REALLY don't want to spend time in a Japanese jail. I am told they are most unplesent.

Eh, change in the bathroom over international waters?

I would pay a lot of money to see someone distributing pamphlets at an airport dressed as Shoko Asahara, being totally ignored by americans.
The Arm of Vispilio
22-11-2006, 00:55
At first look you might all appear to be right for calling all those people crazy for doing such a "horrendous" thing. But read the WHOLE story.



Passengers reported suspicious activity:

Prior to getting on the flight the imams were spouting anti-American rhetoric, frequently mentioning the war in Iraq and President Bush.

Another Imam was heard saying that he would do anything to fufill his commitent to the Qur'an.

A number of the passengers were unsettled by this. More than one asked the flight crew to look into matters.

A couple asked for seat belt extension, which in the opinion of the flight crew were clearly NOT needed.

One of the Imams was the head of charity that has had all of its assets frozen by the U.S. Treasury Department for their connections with the funding of extremist and terrorists groups.

This charity was shut down in 2004.

The preceding information was found in this article (http://powerlineblog.com/archives/015982.php).



Perhaps you might think them rash. Buit get the WHOLE story first. Dont be so quick to judge what you are all so quick to bash. Perhaps a little diligence is required in our world today. Think on it.
Sel Appa
22-11-2006, 00:55
I should dress as a stereotypical muslim and start praying at an airport...
Icovir
22-11-2006, 00:55
Imams are like your priests. They are our religious leaders. Apparently you can't pray in America if your Muslim anymore.:eek: Which means I broke the law four times today:p

Anymore? It's been that way for 5 years :D
Icovir
22-11-2006, 00:59
Passengers reported suspicious activity:

Prior to getting on the flight the imams were spouting anti-American rhetoric, frequently mentioning the war in Iraq and President Bush.

What the...? Looks like if you practice your right of Freedom of Speech, you'll be a "terrorist".

Another Imam was heard saying that he would do anything to fufill his commitent to the Qur'an.

Hmmm... I should start reporting "suspicious activity" when a Christian says that he/she loves God and will use the Bible to guide his/her life.

A number of the passengers were unsettled by this. More than one asked the flight crew to look into matters.

Pure prejudice; stuff like this can't be justified at all.

A couple asked for seat belt extension, which in the opinion of the flight crew were clearly NOT needed.

Pure prejudice; stuff like this can't be justified at all.

One of the Imams was the head of charity that has had all of its assets frozen by the U.S. Treasury Department for their connections with the funding of extremist and terrorists groups.

This charity was shut down in 2004.

I doubt it. Nowadays, the government considers J-Walkers terrorists, and all Muslims as "suspicious characters". This is probably just a fabrication.
NERVUN
22-11-2006, 01:03
At first look you might all appear to be right for calling all those people crazy for doing such a "horrendous" thing. But read the WHOLE story.

Passengers reported suspicious activity:

Prior to getting on the flight the imams were spouting anti-American rhetoric, frequently mentioning the war in Iraq and President Bush.
Ah, so Americans are not allowed to hold political opinions about current events or disagree with the government? I had no idea. Oh dear, this entire board is in serious jepordy then.

Another Imam was heard saying that he would do anything to fufill his commitent to the Qur'an.
A religious figure was saying he wanted to fullfil his relgious obligations? That's what you're trying to tell me? And this is somehow troublesome? You'll demand the investigation of all evangelists next, right? I've heard THEM say the same about the Bible any number of times.

A couple asked for seat belt extension, which in the opinion of the flight crew were clearly NOT needed.
Lord forbid they shoudl ask to be comfortable.

One of the Imams was the head of charity that has had all of its assets frozen by the U.S. Treasury Department for their connections with the funding of extremist and terrorists groups.

This charity was shut down in 2004.

The preceding information was found in this article (http://powerlineblog.com/archives/015982.php).
Ah yes, a blog, proof positive always. :rolleyes:

Perhaps you might think them rash. Buit get the WHOLE story first. Dont be so quick to judge what you are all so quick to bash. Perhaps a little diligence is required in our world today. Think on it.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Sorry, when people start running against the ideals of this nation, I start being judgemental.
The Arm of Vispilio
22-11-2006, 01:05
I'm not out after an agenda (unlike some perhaps) I just want everyone to get the whole story.

This whole thing isn't nearly as one sided as most here would like to believe. Don't fear information, its only just what it is. Considering the whole story can do nothing but give us a clearer picutre of what happened. Only someone who would like a distorted picture would attempt to knock down facts and in their place errect oft touted sentiments that only serve to enflame.
Turquoise Days
22-11-2006, 01:06
this article (http://powerlineblog.com/archives/015982.php).



Perhaps you might think them rash. Buit get the WHOLE story first. Dont be so quick to judge what you are all so quick to bash. Perhaps a little diligence is required in our world today. Think on it.

Yes that would be a blog.
EDIT: Beaten to it.
Romanar
22-11-2006, 01:07
Well, considering that toothpaste scares the hell out of the airlines, you can see why a few praying Muslims would be cause for alarm. Just be glad they didn't have toothpaste!
Romanar
22-11-2006, 01:09
Yes that would be a blog.
EDIT: Beaten to it.

These days, the average blog is more accurate than the average news story. That says a lot more about the news than it does about bloggers.
NERVUN
22-11-2006, 01:10
I'm not out after an agenda (unlike some perhaps) I just want everyone to get the whole story.

This whole thing isn't nearly as one sided as most here would like to believe. Don't fear information, its only just what it is. Considering the whole story can do nothing but give us a clearer picutre of what happened. Only someone who would like a distorted picture would attempt to knock down facts and in their place errect oft touted sentiments that only serve to enflame.
No, the story seems to be pretty cut a dried, religious figures, traviling home, were singled out due to their religion and nothing further. Any "Good white Christian American" would not have received the same treatment if they prayed before boarding a plan or made any comment about politics.

That's what's being touted here, this is discrimination, not security conserns.
NERVUN
22-11-2006, 01:11
These days, the average blog is more accurate than the average news story. That says a lot more about the news than it does about bloggers.
Really? I've yet to see that. Blogs on both sides tend to be less acruate than the news, and usually just parrot the news from sources they like.
Turquoise Days
22-11-2006, 01:12
These days, the average blog is more accurate than the average news story. That says a lot more about the news than it does about bloggers.

You read the sidebar?
Faith, the power to unite?
I'm a proud friend of isreal
Exposed: the extremist agenda
A world without Isreal
Doesn't sound exactly impartial.
The Arm of Vispilio
22-11-2006, 01:17
Nearly every news source has a bias. Everyone has their own point they want to get across. I'm not trying to put any one in front of the other. I just want to let it be known that there is more than one side of this story.

It would be foolish to accept any one account, but better to take in mnay of them and be on the look out for bias. This is not the only article to talk about many of the same things found in other articles, all you have to do in invest a little time and look.

There are two sides to every story. Which is right? I dont know. But this story certainly is more than what many here seem to be making of it.
School Daze
22-11-2006, 01:37
This is probably just a fabrication.
Probably? It was on a blog with no credible news source.

If it is true from the way I see it, the imams were trying to get thrown off the plane to show how stupid Americans are when it comes to Muslims and Freedom of Speech.

Think of it like a comedy sketch:

Six guys dressed as imams are at an airport. They start yelling "anti-American and anti-Bush" stuff. Then they get on the ground and start praying *laugh track starts.* Enter the dumpy white middle aged woman holding two babies and her four kids in tow. She says: "Them raghads is prayin' to Satan!" over and over again. *Laugh track intensifies.* Security wants to make them stop "disturbing the peace" but is uncomfortable with punishing a "wholesome American" and so decides only to keep the imams from boarding the plane. At the very end the guy who's playing Omar Shahin says to one of the other imams:
"I was right, the Americans threw us off the plane, you owe me $20." *Laugh track gets to a pee-in-the-pants level.*

If the blog is right, the imams aren't passive religious leaders nor are they terrorists, they're protesters with a sense of humor. :)
Demented Hamsters
22-11-2006, 01:44
What is an Imams?
Jamaican for "My Mother"


(ps. google and dictionary.com are your friends)
Cyrian space
22-11-2006, 02:45
The blog doesn't give any sources, that's the worst part. What proof do we have that this guy isn't pulling this out of his ass?
There are a number of blogs that are more reliable than the news, and thousands that are not. There are enough news blogs that, if you look, you will find one that supports your idea of how events occurred, no matter how crazy that idea may be.
New Xero Seven
22-11-2006, 02:49
One person's fear.
Entire plane's inconvenience, especially of the 6 imams.

Ridiculous.
Marrakech II
22-11-2006, 02:57
Given how American rhetoric is about how we are the most free out of any country in the world, how great it is to be a citizen here I feel it gives us a higher standard to live up to. When you see something like this it is a blow to the freedoms our government and society loves to talk about. Relgious toleration being one of the planks of our society being attacked and so it is a blow to our country as a whole.

Compared to much of the world the religious tolerance in the US is 10 on a scale of 1-10. Now do not take a few incidents of over reacting people and brush everyone with being intolerant. Speaking to all who would think otherwise. We also do not know exactly what had happened on the plane. Without actually being there it is difficult to say what truly happened.
The Nazz
22-11-2006, 03:08
One person's fear.
Entire plane's inconvenience, especially of the 6 imams.

Ridiculous.I will praise to the skies the first pilot who tells complaining passengers that if they're uncomfortable flying with Muslims who have cleared security, they can take another flight, because the Muslims are flying.
New Mitanni
22-11-2006, 03:11
Props to the passengers. Better safe than sorry.

If that aggravates CAIR, all the better. Maybe they'll get aggravated enough to leave.
Marrakech II
22-11-2006, 03:12
1. Smell bad (I swear I have sat next to people on planes that I could have booted)....

http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3864252a4560,00.html

2. Breast feeding (as many bootings as muslim men it seems)...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15720339/

3. Wearing offensive t-shirts (Happens fairly often)...

http://www.plastic.com/article.html;sid=05/10/24/03131413

4. Being overweight and refusing to buy a second seat for your ass (Another oldie but goodie)...

http://www.plastic.com/article.html;sid=05/10/24/03131413

5. Generally pissing off the flight attendants...

http://www.tripso.com/archives/2005/03/how_to_get_kick.html

6. Do not forget the all to often getting to DRUNK to fly rule. Seen this numerous times in my flying experiences. Other people of course. No link needed for this one. This one is the most frequent cause of airline bootings.
Lacadaemon
22-11-2006, 03:18
Public displays of religion should generally be banned. The world would be a better place if people were forced to be ashamed of their superstitious mumbo-jumbo.
The Nazz
22-11-2006, 03:22
Props to the passengers. Better safe than sorry.

If that aggravates CAIR, all the better. Maybe they'll get aggravated enough to leave.And if I'm on a plane and fundies playing before they get on makes me uncomfortable, because I think they're the kind of folks who bomb abortion clinics, is that enough to toss them?
Ultraextreme Sanity
22-11-2006, 03:23
'""We are concerned that crew members, passengers and security personnel may have succumbed to fear and prejudice based on stereotyping of Muslims and Islam," Nihad Awad, the council's executive director, said in a news release. "


Be concerned be very concerned....:D


Six Muslims on a plane...wow I bet half the plane at least needed a change of shorts after the flight...:D


Fuckin worlds gone mad I tell ya ...:rolleyes:
Lacadaemon
22-11-2006, 03:25
And if I'm on a plane and fundies playing before they get on makes me uncomfortable, because I think they're the kind of folks who bomb abortion clinics, is that enough to toss them?

Yes. Because the bible prohibits flying, which is why the amish don't do it.

So any fundie on a plane is clearly up to no good.
The Nazz
22-11-2006, 03:27
Yes. Because the bible prohibits flying, which is why the amish don't do it.

So any fundie on a plane is clearly up to no good.I'm guessing that New Mitanni limits his anti-fundie feelings to Muslims, who are all fundies to him, I'd imagine.
The Black Forrest
22-11-2006, 04:09
I'm guessing that New Mitanni limits his anti-fundie feelings to Muslims, who are all fundies to him, I'd imagine.

hey if you are feeling left out, I will complain to the airline about you the next time we fly. ;)
The Nazz
22-11-2006, 06:44
hey if you are feeling left out, I will complain to the airline about you the next time we fly. ;)

Well, for my next big trip, I'm taking the train, but I'll keep it in mind.

I wonder what an airline would do if a passenger made that same sort of complaint about a fundy christian, or dared to defend the Muslim passengers? Probably try to throw the book even harder at you, I'd imagine.
Greater Trostia
22-11-2006, 06:47
I'm guessing that New Mitanni limits his anti-fundie feelings to Muslims, who are all fundies to him, I'd imagine.

He would argue that although there are other fundies, Islam is unique because it is a barbaric culture of extremist terrorist death and should be outlawed/persecuted.

Well, he wouldn't really argue it. He mostly just makes his judgement calls and then baps out of the thread to avoid the Vast Left Wing Conspiracy.
Pyotr
22-11-2006, 06:48
Mittani was an Aryan kingdom in what is now Syria IIRC.

Don't feed the troll.
Greater Trostia
22-11-2006, 06:52
Mittani was an Aryan kingdom in what is now Syria IIRC.

Don't feed the troll.

I've always found it odd that white supremacist groups - people who glorify northern european 'races' - take the name Aryan.
The Black Forrest
22-11-2006, 07:41
Well, for my next big trip, I'm taking the train, but I'll keep it in mind.

I wonder what an airline would do if a passenger made that same sort of complaint about a fundy christian, or dared to defend the Muslim passengers? Probably try to throw the book even harder at you, I'd imagine.

In that situation of course not.

Now if the Fundi christians blew up a few planes, would it still be the same?
Pyotr
22-11-2006, 07:48
Now if the Fundi christians blew up a few planes, would it still be the same?

I don't think so. no one would be trying to allege that christiainity is at its core violent, and no one would associate Christians with the terrorists.
Seangoli
22-11-2006, 08:30
I don't think so. no one would be trying to allege that christiainity is at its core violent, and no one would associate Christians with the terrorists.

Or, at best, they would say that it was a very small minority of Christian Extremists, whom in no way represent Christianity as a whole.

Few Muslims blow up a few planes? ALL MUSLIMS ARE EVIL!

Few Christians? Meh, it was only a handful of wackjobs.
Dragontide
22-11-2006, 08:46
no one would be trying to allege that christiainity is at its core violent,

The Spanish Inquisition was pretty damm violent! All religions have violent histories because there never was or will be an entity to base a real religion on. Religion is a political tool.
Seangoli
22-11-2006, 09:04
The Spanish Inquisition was pretty damm violent! All religions have violent histories because there never was or will be an entity to base a real religion on. Religion is a political tool.

Let's not forget the Salem Witch Trials. Of course, those were radical movements, which in no way represent Christianity as a whole.

9/11 however shows exactly how brutal Islam is. :rolleyes:(note this is not rolling eyes at you, just those who seem to believe this)
Melayu
22-11-2006, 16:24
Public displays of religion should generally be banned. The world would be a better place if people were forced to be ashamed of their superstitious mumbo-jumbo.

so should philosophy... what is philosophy other than the religion of the athiest man =)
The Nazz
22-11-2006, 16:27
so should philosophy... what is philosophy other than the religion of the athiest man =)

Riiiiiiiight. Because most philosophy is sooooo dogmatic and calls for penalties for failing to follow it to the letter. :rolleyes:
Jwp-serbu
22-11-2006, 16:38
Discrimination alive and well in America. Nice to know we have such enlightened people working for our airlines where a person can be removed if one asshole doesn't like the way you look.

true

however if they proclaimed that they didn't follow the hard line hezbolla and al queda policies they would get better treatment

moderate/liberal muslims aren't doing that so all are tarred rightly or wrongly

times we live in

btw watch the movie obsession concerning muslim beliefs
UpwardThrust
22-11-2006, 16:38
so should philosophy... what is philosophy other than the religion of the athiest man =)

Totaly not alike, one can understand and use philosophy on a daily basis while still being religous

One can not "Use" religous faith personally on a daily basis while being atheist

One is a religon, the other is the construct of logic and reasoning on studying the HERE. Sure at some point some philosophy delves into the "why we are here" (metaphisical philosophy) but even then it is not a religon so much as a study

It has no dogma
No required faith
No higher being
Kryozerkia
22-11-2006, 16:42
4. Being overweight and refusing to buy a second seat for your ass (Another oldie but goodie)...
Too bad this couldn't be applied to public transit like it is to air planes.
Aryavartha
22-11-2006, 16:46
I've always found it odd that white supremacist groups - people who glorify northern european 'races' - take the name Aryan.

I find it irritating. These idiots have appropriated the sanskrit word "aryan" which has nothing to do with color and everything to do with character (which these racists so obviously lack).
Melayu
22-11-2006, 16:46
Totaly not alike, one can understand and use philosophy on a daily basis while still being religous

One can not "Use" religous faith personally on a daily basis while being atheist

One is a religon, the other is the construct of logic and reasoning on studying the HERE. Sure at some point some philosophy delves into the "why we are here" (metaphisical philosophy) but even then it is not a religon so much as a study

It has no dogma
No required faith
No higher being

juz curious cuz i heard dat sumwhere and was meant as mroe of a joke but anwyways... wouldnt the 'supreme being' in this case be logic and emperical study . what is a 'dogma' really? to clear it up.... and then... 'punishment' would governed by cause and effect?
Pure Metal
22-11-2006, 16:47
Disgusting is my response to this sorry episode (going by the story reported).

http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/11/21/passengers.removed.ap/index.html

oh dear :(
Cyzwernercyz
22-11-2006, 16:50
I saw this on CNN yesterday.

Pretty much all that happened, was the Imams were saying a prayer, and somebody thought they were saying anti-American threats and what-not. And that person got scared, so they complained and caused the whole situation to grow out of proportion.

It's all about stereotyping and fearing what one doesn't understand. It's just human nature at its worst...
The Nazz
22-11-2006, 17:04
moderate/liberal muslims aren't doing that so all are tarred rightly or wrongly

Bullshit. Moderate muslim groups condemn terrorist attacks all the time, but that doesn't stop people like you from trotting out this crap as an excuse to treat them as second class citizens.
Melayu
22-11-2006, 17:12
Bullshit. Moderate muslim groups condemn terrorist attacks all the time, but that doesn't stop people like you from trotting out this crap as an excuse to treat them as second class citizens.

well i think that the Palestinians held sum memorial thing when 911 happened... but it hink that was not as news worthy as crazy ppl celebrating the death of innocents when it is condemned by thier own religion blinded by ignorence and hate.
Neola
22-11-2006, 17:20
It occurs to me that if people want to protest these ridiculous TSA actions then everyone will dress like an Arab when they fly. I'm going to start doing that and sue the socks off of anyone who harasses me.:sniper:
Liuzzo
22-11-2006, 17:21
What the hell?

Since when does one racist, xenophobic jackass have the right to remove six people from a plane?

It's actually the law in the United States and this is not the first time it has happened.
The Nazz
22-11-2006, 17:48
It's actually the law in the United States and this is not the first time it has happened.
If that person is the pilot. The pilot has the ultimate discretion as to who flies, from what I understand. A passenger has no such authority.
Farnhamia
22-11-2006, 17:50
It's actually the law in the United States and this is not the first time it has happened.

Wait, I know I haven't stayed current on the law, but are you saying that there's actually a law in the US that says anyone can be removed from a plane on the complaint of one person? Such as, if I'm sitting next to you on a plane and decide I want an empty seat beside me, I can ring the flight attendants, tell them that you're scaring me because you might be a terrorist, and they'd lawfully eject you from the plane? Has it come to that?
Drunk commies deleted
22-11-2006, 17:51
Wait, I know I haven't stayed current on the law, but are you saying that there's actually a law in the US that says anyone can be removed from a plane on the complaint of one person? Such as, if I'm sitting next to you on a plane and decide I want an empty seat beside me, I can ring the flight attendants, tell them that you're scaring me because you might be a terrorist, and they'd lawfully eject you from the plane? Has it come to that?

If that's true I'm going to complain about everyone in my row next time I fly. More room to stretch out during the flight.
Farnhamia
22-11-2006, 17:56
If that's true I'm going to complain about everyone in my row next time I fly. More room to stretch out during the flight.

Exactly. :p
The Nazz
22-11-2006, 17:56
If that's true I'm going to complain about everyone in my row next time I fly. More room to stretch out during the flight.

Suddenly, two year olds are going to look an awful lot like suitcase bombs to me.
Drunk commies deleted
22-11-2006, 17:59
Suddenly, two year olds are going to look an awful lot like suitcase bombs to me.

I wonder if the parents will object to having their kids disarmed or hauled away and exploded at a safe site?
Farnhamia
22-11-2006, 18:00
I wonder if the parents will object to having their kids disarmed or hauled away and exploded at a safe site?

Don't two-year-olds spontaneously explode if left unattended anyway?
Glorious Freedonia
22-11-2006, 18:06
What the hell?

Since when does one racist, xenophobic jackass have the right to remove six people from a plane?

I am a racist xenophobe and even I would not want to boot six imams off of a plane. This is so wrong it even offends me and I am pretty flipping racist.
The Nazz
22-11-2006, 18:09
I wonder if the parents will object to having their kids disarmed or hauled away and exploded at a safe site?Or cavity searched. ;)
Wallonochia
22-11-2006, 18:13
If that's true I'm going to complain about everyone in my row next time I fly. More room to stretch out during the flight.

That's a damned good idea. I'm 6'4, I need some legroom!
Pyotr
22-11-2006, 18:28
however if they proclaimed that they didn't follow the hard line hezbolla and al queda policies they would get better treatment


Why is it assumed that they follow hezzbollah or al-qaeda?
Swilatia
22-11-2006, 20:37
i'm surprised it is not on this webstie (http://www.stupidsecurity.com/)
Marrakech II
23-11-2006, 00:33
I am a racist xenophobe and even I would not want to boot six imams off of a plane. This is so wrong it even offends me and I am pretty flipping racist.

LOL, you call yourself a racist xenophobe! Pfffff.... You should be ashamed of yourself for not wanting to boot 6 clearly terrorist!
Yootopia
23-11-2006, 00:37
Oh the American airport security types. Why would you put people too retarded to be proper police in charge of something which has a genuine responsibility attached?
Ultraextreme Sanity
23-11-2006, 03:15
This thread and what happend annoys the living shit out of me.

Are these morons so afraid of their own shadows ?

It makes me sick..mob friggin mentality...and then arrest them !

Compund your stupidity ...why not...inbred bunch of assholes.
New Mitanni
23-11-2006, 03:43
Mittani was an Aryan kingdom in what is now Syria IIRC.

Don't feed the troll.

Actually, the reference is to the "United Mitanni Republic," which was a new nation dedicated to free-enterprise capitalism and limited government and the subject of a science fiction story from the 1980's in Analog magazine.

Consider yourself now enlightened, my very young apprentice :D [Imperial March playing in background]
Katurkalurkmurkastan
23-11-2006, 04:04
one of the guys at our university has been nicknamed the doobiebomber. his mosquito collecting traps first got him noticed by police because they were set up in a forest, where old ladies thought he was growing pot. then some more old ladies called the police when they found the traps, and the police arrived, blew them up, and left the bits on the ground for him to find.

thank god for security.