Swapping Adam Hasner for Allen West Would Replace One Anti-Islam Politician With Another

By Lisa Rab Fri., Feb. 3 2012 at 12:18 PM

Hasner, the Jewish Allen West.

U.S. Rep. Allen West's departure from his Broward-Palm Beach district to run for a more Republican-leaning seat up north is undeniably good news for local Muslims. Finally, South Florida will be rid of a congressman who calls Islam "a totalitarian, theocratic, political ideology."

But don't start celebrating yet. Former state House Majority Leader Adam Hasner (R-Delray Beach) is seeking to replace West and has already received the congressman's ringing endorsement. Small wonder, because the two men share similar political tactics -- namely, getting ahead by spouting fear-mongering, anti-Islam rhetoric. (To read about how local Muslims are coping with such bigotry, see this week's New Times cover story.)

In 2009, Hasner invited anti-Islam nutbag Geert Wilders, a member of the Dutch Parliament, to be the featured speaker at an event in Palm Beach County. "We need strong leaders like we have here today, Allen West and Adam Hasner," Wilders said that night.

"We should also stop pretending that Islam is a religion," Wilders continued. "It's not a religion; it's a totalitarian ideology, and the right to religious freedom should not apply to Islam."

And there's more. Hasner freaked out when a group of Muslims came to Tallahassee to lobby their legislators. He also brags about how, when he was majority leader in the state House, he boycotted a prayer offered by a Tampa imam on the House floor.

In a June speech to the Tea Party of Fort Lauderdale, Hasner spoke about facing an "existential threat from shari'a-compliant Islam" -- a threat he neither defined nor explained.

Looks like he and West have been sharing talking points.

Tags:

Adam Hasner, Allen West, Boca Raton, Geert Wilders, Islam, Islamophobia

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D2M

After having been stationed in Turkey for 2 1/2 years there are some things that no one that knows of Islam debates. It's fundamental purpose is to destroy anyone or anything that is not Islamic with a laser focus on the Jews and Christians. In the beginning it may be with a smiling face and talk of equal freedoms, but it's ultimate purpose hasn't changed since the 600's. For anyone that thinks that there is a plausible alternative, please study the last hundred years of Lebanon. It went from the Pearl of the Mediterranean to the equivalent of a cultural cancer, and accomplished with strategic design . . . because of it's Christian culture.

When certain people on either side of the political spectrum demonstrate wisdom, let's celebrate it, rather than blurt out blind pluralistic condemnation. After all, that would be intolerant.

Pete Pepper

So basically, the republicans are running more of the same? We are getting rid of the criminal West and they will run someone just as bad as he is.Muslims and Islam is NOT the enemy people, Terrorists are. There is a difference if you would just open your eyes and look.And all of you who rant and rave about how horrible they are, go talk to one. I have several I count as friends. Guess what, they are just like everyone else, just trying to live their lives like everyone else. This is their home just like it is yours. Open your eyes and MAYBE you will learn something. It was not that long ago that the Jews were viewed just as bad, or worse, than how you look at Muslims now. And we remember how all of that turned out, dont we?Those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it.

nanook5

it's not just about muslims. the american people do not deserve to be ruled by war criminals. sharia law? try motherfuckin' junta law!

JS7

You've shared little here except your own prejudice. Just how is it that having an opinion about an ideology makes one a "bigot"? I don't recall anyone who was strongly anti-communist in the 1980s being accused of "bigotry against Russian people". Islam is not a race, it is an ideology (and one that seeks to establish a whole society/government). Both Judaism and Christianity specifically draw a line between personal faith and state. Islam does no such thing.

While many American Muslims may not know or care about that, many other Americans are aware of it. They can see the result of Islamic influence in countries around the world, and do not wish to see their country become another Egypt, Jordan, Sudan, Gaza, Bosnia, etc.

Demonstrate for us that you understand the difference between informed concern and "bigotry".

Pete Pepper

Here is a little bit of history for you. The Jewish people were viewed as villains not that long ago, ESPECIALLY by christians. There is still some hatred out there if you read enough comments. They love to call for the death of Jews ala Germany in the 30's. The only reason any of the evangelicals are into the Jewish faith is because they want their myths to come true concerning Israel. Yes they want to start a war so they keep attacking the Muslims.Sounds a hell of a lot like what you people are calling for with Muslims.And what are you talking about with a separation of faith and state? Have you not been paying attention? Even in this election season, they keep saying how religious they are, that they are going to use the bible to run the country. How in the hell is this separating anything?

nanook5

trying to tell 1 billion muslims who and what they are IS bigotry. you don't fucking know them. most of them are probably a lot nicer than you and don't go around condemning billions of people they've never met and telling everyone to be "concerned" about them.

Lisa Rab

I hesitate to respond to someone who calls one of the world's three largest monotheistic religions an "ideology." However...

1) Plenty of Christians and Jews want their religion to influence government -- ever heard of prayer in schools? Or Rick Perry?http://www.texasobserver.org/c... 2)As for why I am concerned about anti-Islam bigotry, here's why:

"First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out -- because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out -- because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out -- because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me -- and there was no one left to speak for me."--Attributed to Pastor Martin Niemoller