The GOP’s Axis of Ignorance: Gays, Latinos and Muslims

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http://www.deathandtaxesmag.com/42693/the-gops-axis-of-ignorance-gays-latinos-and-muslims/

By Andrew Belonsky Thursday, January 06, 2011

Already under right-wing fire for including gay group GOProud, the Conservative Political Action Conference now faces backlash for inviting the Republican group Muslims for America and their leader, Suhail Khan, whom opponents claim wants to impose Shariah law. Republican leaders need to take a stand against internal bigotry, or face the electoral consequences.

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“This is a ticking time bomb for the conservative community. An influence operation is contributing materially to the defeat of our country, supporting a stealthy effort to bring Shariah here,” warned Frank Gaffney, a longtime conservative leader known for his rapid anti-Muslim views.

He and his peers claim Muslims for America represents nothing more than a front for the terrorist group Muslim Brotherhood, and even refuse to call the organization by any other name.

“The Brotherhood’s stated mission is to destroy Western civilization from within,” he said of Muslims for America. “Their agenda for the U.S. and the world is the triumph of Shariah law worldwide under a ruler known as a caliph.” snip

If on the off chance, however, Republican leaders like those appearing at CPAC—a group that includes potential presidential contenders Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney and Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels—want to prove their dedication to America’s inclusive ideals, they’ll stand up and denounce Gaffney, FRC and other right wing elements of hatred and bigotry. If not, they’ll just continue whitewashing over these crystal clear divisions and pretend the conservative camp is one big happy family, a trend that will only bring defeat come 2012.