Birther-Linked Super PAC Runs Islamaphobic Ad Against Michigan Candidate

[SpartanDem]

Source: Think Progress

In a stunning appeal to Islamaphobia, a group linked to former Swiftboater and birther conspiracy theorist Jerome Corsi has launched a smear attack ad on a Muslim-American Congressional candidate. The spot warns that Dr. Syed Taj, the Democratic nominee in Michigan’s 11th Congressional district, wants to “advance Muslim power in America.”

Freedom’s Defense Fund, a right-wing PAC that has spent at least $150,000 on ads in support of Missouri Senate candidate Rep. Todd Akin (R) despite his comments that victims of “legitimate rape” are unlikely to become pregnant, reported spending at least $30,000 on ads against Taj and for his opponent Republican Kerry Bentivolio, a Tea Party activist and Santa Clause impersonator.

So far in the 2012 election cycle, the PAC has spent over $3 million to promote its far-right beliefs. Corsi, who has been tied to the Fund, has promoted a multitude of Islamophobic conspiracy theories, including that President Obama wears an Islamic inscription on the interior of his wedding ring. Despite his fringe beliefs, Corsi was recently permitted to ride on the Romney campaign plane with the press corps.
This spot, titled “What do we really know about Syed Taj?” warns:

ANNOUNCER: We know Syed Taj wants to advance Muslim power in America. Syed Taj: too extreme for Michigan. Too extreme for America.

Read more: http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2012/10/29/1105301/birther-linked-super-pac-runs-islamaphoic-ad-against-michigan-candidate/

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Republicans being racist I'm shocked . This is a sign of desperation this is a republican leaning district and Taj is dead even.


If any of you of DU'ers are in a giving mood tonight please help out a good Democrat

http://tinyurl.com/8tsnwab

[pampango]

1. The GOP appealing to Islamophobia can hardly be considered "stunning".

"predictable", "disgusting", "racist", "us vs them" - all apply, but not "stunning".

[proud2BlibKansan]

2. Wow.

They don't even try to hide it anymore.

[cyclezealot]

5. Predictable would be more like it..

The Republican party is so steeped in racism it is no surprise.. What is predictable . This attack ad's creator , Jerome Corsi has even been found as a guest on the Mitten's campaign plane.. Usually , Mittens would just keep them closeted in a back room. I had thought.

[lunasun]

3. not surprised this is TV aired as acceptable in a campaign nowdays

we are at this point in this country now
very sad very un-united
Swiftboating vets and birthers against black prez, it just keeps getting worse as time goes on and very selective too

[Bozita]

4. More about Dr. Taj ...

Taken from his webpage ( http://www.tajforcongress.com/ )

Born and raised with humble beginnings in India, I left my birthplace for postgraduate training in health and medicine in Great Britain. In search of opportunity and prosperity in my medical career, my wife, Sofia, and I came to the United States in 1982 and joined her family. I began my career as a medical resident and worked my way up to become Chief of Medicine at Oakwood Hospital and Medical Center in Dearborn. My wife and son, Asad, and I live in the home we built in Canton (in a subdivision I was a partner in developing). Immigrating to Michigan was the best decision I ever could have made for my family. My wife is an accomplished artist, author and poet and my son is studying hard at the University of Michigan in preparation for medical school next year. I am extremely proud of my family.

In 2008 I was elected to the Canton Board of Trustees, the first Democrat elected in recent times. It has been a great honor to work with the community and serve on the board of directors of the Canton Community Foundation and the Wayne County Senior Alliance with the shared goal of enhancing the quality of life for Canton residents. While serving as a trustee, I worked with my colleagues in a bipartisan manner to aggressively attract businesses, lower the personal property tax and offset the rising cost of water for our township.

I am running for Congress because, as a small business owner and physician, I've dedicated my career to helping others less fortunate than myself. I have been very blessed to provide for my family and put my son through college. However, many of my patients and constituents are not as fortunate and although they are hard working, skilled individuals they are unable to find work due to Michigan’s high unemployment rate. I know Michigan has the talent, expertise and work ethic to compete in today’s global market place. As a small business owner, I understand how jobs are created and I will work with the private sector to bring good paying jobs back to Michigan. As a physician, I understand how the financial and medical sides of our health system work. This experience has taught me how to treat the symptoms of a problem and when to treat the actual problem.

Americans are tired of all or nothing politics and failed divide-and-conquer strategies; they want an independent voice who can work across the aisle. Recognizing that to prosper as a community, we must embrace our differences and work together for our future generations. In the end, we all can benefit from the opportunities that are afforded to each of us, without raising the burden on our seniors and the less fortunate. I believe my unique skill set and experiences personally and professionally make me the ideal representative for the outstanding citizens of the 11th Congressional District.

Welcome to my website and I invite you to learn more about my views on health care, national security, jobs and the economy, and other issues I’m passionate about. In the months ahead, I look forward to sharing my plan with each of you.

[cyclezealot]

6. Dr Taj is mainstream

His Gobber opponent in this suburban Detroit district is the nut job.. Taj has served well in a suburban Detroit Hospital.. And is mainstream. His opponent is the crazy . This Gobber candidate, Kerry Bentivolio. a reindeer farmer and X teacher was canned for intimidating his students.. And is a tea nut.. This Bentivolio is so crazy even the Republican rag sheet, The Detroit News endorsed Dr Taj . For the News to endorse a Democrat.. You have to have a cold day in hell. But, for Swiftboaters such as this Jerome Corsi , Bentivolio is mainstream.


http://www.freep.com/article/20120822/NEWS15/308220116/While-a-teacher-11th-District-candidate-Bentivolio-s-behavior-was-a-problem-records-show

[Behind the Aegis]

7. Classy!

They don't even try to pretend they are something other than bigots.

[bpollen]

8. Sounds like the Republican is talented...

"Republican Kerry Bentivolio, a Tea Party activist and Santa Clause impersonator."

How DOES one go about impersonating a bad film with Tim Allen???