This is a response to “Elias Fillmore’s” vigorous objections to information I placed on the Gazette website (fillmoregazette.com) a few weeks ago. It was an excerpt from a book entitled Slavery, Terrorism and Islam:.., by Dr. Peter Hammond.

This can also be found on the outstanding website WWW.FRONTPAGEMAG.COM. Robert Spencer, is an internationally recognized expert on the Muslim Jihadist movement. Among his numerous (two best selling) books is the splendid Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam (and the Crusades) the best introduction to the subject I have read to date.

Elias’ comment, as well as the excerpt from Hammond’s book that he so vehemently objects to, can be found on the Gazette’s website (after being accidentally obliterated by my clumsy attempts to respond).

Elias wrongfully accuses me of “hate crimes”, “blatant bigotry”, “akin to posting Hitler’s ramblings or the Klan doctrine.” He also accuses me of “religious or racial profiling” and intends to “forward [the matter] to authorities.” Elias will also refer me to the “Ventura City Attorney for investigation.” Finally, he believes that “Fillmore should be disgusted and stop this paper from posting such utter nonsense.”

Elias - surprise – you are living in The United States of America. We are a representative democratic republic. The citizens of this nation created a Constitution by which they have secured their freedom by strictly limiting the power of government. A unique part of this Constitution’s several amendments is known as our Bill of Rights. Among these rights are those expressed in Amendment number one:

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

The relatively short length of this Constitution belies its power and uniqueness among the governing documents of the world; it has preserved our freedom amidst constant attack for more than two centuries. More specifically, it assures my freedom, at this time, to publish the truth as I see it in this little newspaper.

I originally intended to respond to your ill-founded attack with a detailed refutation of your allegations. However, your obvious ignorance of American history and the laws of this nation caused me to believe such an effort would be a futile waste of time.

I have a deep respect for the well-intended religious beliefs of others. Unfortunately, Islam, today in particular, is divided into two dramatically different camps; those hundreds of millions of believers demanding strict adherence to the words of the Quran and traditions of the Hadith, and those millions who are inclined to find a more temperate, less violent interpretation. But the contents of both Muslim sacred books are officially defined as categorical moral imperatives. Islam is a “complete” and “completed” religion. It is no longer open to liberal interpretation.

No one has a problem with peaceful interpretation, but the non-Muslim world must defend itself from the millions of Muslim believers who take, for example, the violent verses of the ninth sura (especially 9:5, The Verse of the Sword) seriously.

I challenge “Elias Fillmore” to cite any specific falsehoods in Dr. Hammond’s or, for that matter, in Robert Spencer’s work.