Following Islamic leader Maher Hathout’s pathetic appearance on Hannity and Colmes last night attempting to justify his hateful speech, the Council on American Islamic Relations has issued one of their infamous “action alerts,” urging their members to barrage Los Angeles officials with messages of support for Hathout. (Hat tip: Ciaospirit.)

According to CAIR, posting this man’s own ugly words on the internet amounts to a “smear campaign by Islamophobes.”

CAIR SUPPORTS AWARD FOR CALIF. MUSLIM LEADER - TOP

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 9/7/06) - The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) commends Dr. Maher Hathout on the exceptional work he has undertaken over the past two decades to build bridges of understanding between Muslims and Americans of other faiths.

Dr. Hathout has worked tirelessly to foster dialogue among followers of the Abrahamic faiths - Islam, Christianity, and Judaism - and is dedicated to promoting the values of peace and social justice in the United States and worldwide.

We wholeheartedly support the decision of the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations to honor Dr. Hathout with the prestigious John Allen Buggs Award for excellence in human relations.

The award is well-deserved and significant at a time when Dr. Hathout has been subjected to a smear campaign by Islamophobes seeking to marginalize and silence American Muslim leaders.

ACTION REQUESTED:

Contact the L.A. Board of Supervisors and the L.A. County Commission on Human Relations to support their selection of Dr. Maher Hathout to receive the prestigious John Allen Buggs Award for excellence in human relations.

E-mail L.A. Commission of Human Relations Executive Director Robin Toma at: Rtoma@hrc.co.la.ca.us with the subject line “Please forward this to the Board of Supervisors.” Please copy all e-mails to: Glowenberg@hrc.co.la.ca.us , Bwelcome@hrc.co.la.ca.us, info@cair.com

It’s very considerate of CAIR to provide the email addresses of the LA officials they’re targeting with this effort. I suggest that LGF readers also email these officials to express your opinions about awarding a “human relations” prize to Maher Hathout.

For reference, here’s the video shot by Steven Emerson’s Investigative Project: