A Reply to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune Op-ed on my being on an ‘ISIS Hit List’

I recently wrote a column about being contacted by an FBI agent on the local Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) warning me that I was on an ISIS hit list.

Tom Lyons writer for the SH-T. Photo: Facebook

Tom Lyons, a writer for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune (SH-T), contacted me about being on the list and requested an interview. Mr. Lyons and I had an extended conversation about my experience and he subsequently published an op-ed column titled “Lyons: Local anti-Muslim blogger makes special list.”

The op-ed was published on Sunday, September 25th, the same day the FBI identified 20-year old Arcan Cetin, a Muslim immigrant from Turkey, as the man who slaughtered five innocent people inside the Macy’s store at the Cascade Mall in Oak Harbor, Washington. The FBI is considering this shooting an act of terrorism.

Many of our readers saw Mr. Lyons’ column and sent me words of encouragement. One of them, Brent Rubin, took the time to send an email to Mr. Lyons and copy me. Brent stated:

Tom,

Interesting article and I have several pertinent comments.

Moral relativism is killing our country. When we begin to look at everything as left and right, we are falling into an abyss. The more appropriate response would be right and wrong. That being said, you need to educate yourself about many of the so called peaceful Islamic organizations. CAIR is a Moslem brotherhood organization which appeals to the American people as a peaceful group. Check out their history, don’t take their word for it.

There are many of these organizations in America and if it is Islamophobic to point them out to the American people so be it. I have enclosed just one article to view about this organization, but there are many.

Hatred of an ethnic group in America is inappropriate and discriminatory but that being said, more discriminate evaluation of our current security crisis in America, many [sp] force us to understand how serious our denial of Fundamental Islam is and the impact it will play on our future.

Best

Brent Rubin
Lakewood Ranch Florida

Attachment: Is CAIR a Terror Group? A prominent Arab government thinks so.

I replied to Brent’s email as follows:

Brent,

Thanks for your insightful comments.

I did say to Tom Tryon during our conversation that the Islamic State is evil. This is proven by Hassan Shibley being on an ISIS hit list as am I.

You see Hassan isn’t Muslim enough for ISIS.

Agree that moral relativism (i.e. Political Correctness) is a clear and present danger to our national security.

I think Hassan and I would agree on that.

Tom,

Thanks for writing about this. Much needed.

Warm Regards,

Rich

NOTE:  Mr. Lyons has not responded to Brent’s email at the time of the publishing of this column. If Mr. Lyons does we will add his comments as an update.

As Edmond Burke wrote, “All it takes for Evil to prevail in this world is for enough good men to do nothing.”

There are many on the “do nothing” side when it comes to radical Islam and terrorism, including the President of the United States and the Democratic Party nominee for president.

I commend Tom Lyons for writing:

“You can’t be afraid,” he [Swier] said, because fear is what ISIS wants.

That’s one of the few things we agree on.

As FDR said, “There is nothing to fear but fear itself!”

Western civilization and the free world is in a struggle between good and evil. Evil must be confronted! Evil must be defeated! Good must prevail!

UPDATE: We received the following reply from Tom Lyons:

Rich,

You and I are and have long been clear about your often stated belief that CAIR is evil. I am sure Brent Rubin understands that you see it that way, as would any reader. It is me he wants to convince. As you probably know, I see CAIR as more gray, as so many things are when people and organizations line up to condemn each other, but I am not sure enough to make any sort of pronouncement either way.

Brent, send me whatever you like. I get CAIR’s emails daily and take them with much salt, at times, but they do keep me aware of many acts of anti-Islamic violence and arson and vandalism and such.

RELATED ARTICLES:

Text of S.2230 – Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act of 2015

Mall shooter Arcan Cetin supported Hillary Clinton, linked to page supporting ISIS

Shocking Footage Shows Real-Time Suicide-Bombing by ISIS Terrorist Bursting Into Meeting of Free Syrian Army Commanders

Washington state killer is from Turkey, Muslim refugee family?

Senator Jeff Sessions’ Senate subcommittee has re-scheduled Refugee Oversight hearing

---