The New Era editorial this morning, “What motivates mosque backers?” is the most deceitful and demagogic I have ever witnessed by newspaper editorial writers.

It is cunningly deceitful for [its]editorialist to supposedly quote syndicated columnist Cal Thomas by stating “As Cal Thomas pointed out on this page Friday, Rauf’s (the leader of the Muslim community center) goal is to use ‘peaceful means’ to establish the Islamic state worldwide”

Cal Thomas, who is certainly no innocent in this matter, said no such thing.

Cal Thomas pointed to a foreign language (Arabic) website (www.hadielislam.com – no translations available) where a supposed interview with Rauf was published which was then privately translated by a former Palestinian terrorist turned Christian convert (he is also an “end times”/Muslim conspiracy enthusiast, etc.) This person then “explains” what Rauf wants to do, without ever actually quoting the “translation”, and, it is on this, less than a thread of credibility, that we discover, for the first time ever, just what it is that Rauf wants to do, i.e. use “peaceful means” to establish an Islamic state worldwide, a state that both the New Era and Cal Thomas immediately elaborate on as one that would subject all infidels, including Christians and Jews, to decapitation.

Is this not simple deceit plus gratuitous fear mongering which amounts to demagoguery? Additionally, is it not also political opportunism in creating yet another “anger point” to hang on President Obama as the mid-term silly season begins?

But to some, this new “information” comes with a bonus.

Opponents of the NYC project will not only be able to quote an unknown terrorist turned Christian for an explanation of what Rauf really wants to do, they can “point to” nationally syndicated columnist, Cal Thomas, and our own local newspaper’s editorial writers. How is that for irrefutable evidence? Disgraceful!