If Ray Rahman’s post at Mediate is accurate, apparently so.

Bill Maher Afraid Mohammeds, Islam Taking Over Western World

Those who accuse the once libertarian Bill Maher of becoming too much of a liberal apologist might want to clean their ears.

Maher made a Juan Williams-esque confession on his program when he apprehensively noted that Mohammed has just become the most popular baby name in Britain. “Am I a racist to feel alarmed by that?” Maher asked his panel. “Because I am. And it’s not because of the race, it’s because of the religion. I don’t have to apologize, do I, for not wanting the Western world to be taken over by Islam in 300 years?”

His normally boisterous crowd fell silent as the panel responded to Maher’s admission.

“If you’re with NPR,” the conservative Margaret Hoover chimed, “You’d be fired.”

“It’s worse,” Lawrence O’Donnell told Maher. “It’s way worse than what Juan Williams said.” Hoover seemed to agree with this sentiment.

Reihan Salam, a conservative analyst with a Muslim name, also seemed irked by Maher’s comments, noting that he “has some uncles named Mohammed” that are “pretty decent guys.”

Of course, it’s not the name that Maher fears, but the religion. (Any of them, in fact — Maher’s qualms with religion of any sort, Islam or not, are long-standing and well-documented.) Hoover further stoked Maher by claiming that the U.K is saddled with a “far bigger problem” than baby names: Sharia Law, which she said is creeping into England.

“Then I’m right,” Maher said, taking her for her word. “I should be alarmed. And I don’t apologize for it.”

And we believe him there. After all, this is the same man who got his previous show Politically Incorrect cancelled when he asserted that the 9/11 attackers were “not cowardly.”

Let’s see how HBO reacts.

In the interest of fairness, I hereby stipulate and assert that virtually all Muslims are just like Reiham Salam’s uncles—”pretty decent.”

Also in the interest of fairness, it can be pretty tricky for peace-loving Muslims to assert themselves publicly. Radical Muslims who are willing to attack America are certainly willing to attack other Muslims, or their families and friends. Those of us who wonder aloud why Muslim communities sometimes seem to tolerate radicalism by not openly opposing it, should remember that. If I lived in a Muslim community, I’d certainly think twice about standing up to a radical imam and his followers, if I thought my family and I would pay a physical price for it.

Neverthless, it’s striking to hear Bill Maher say that.

If you’re unhappy that federal courts just invalidated the Arizona’s law that required you to…well, essentially show your drivers’ license when you register to vote, your best chance to do something meaningful about it comes on Tuesday.

If you’re happy with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision and its result, your best chance to help that result endure also comes on Tuesday.

In its decision, the 9th Circuit Court said that the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) takes precedence over any attempts by states to define what documents you do (or don’t) need to register. The NVRA’s requirements for proof of citizenship aren’t as strict as those in the Arizona law, so the Arizona law had to go.

If you don’t like that, consider electing Congressmen/women who’ll overturn or modify the NVRA. If you do like that, consider electing someone who will keep the NVRA unchanged.

Here’s the link to the United States Election Assistance Commission’s website. If you click on the link for the National Voter Registration Act, you’ll find this form that you can use to register to vote in any state.

The EAC form, officially titled the “National Mail Voter Registration Form,” doesn’t require you to physically present ID when you register. It only requires you to present it the first time that you actually vote.

To be sure, the national form makes VERY clear that you have to be a US citizen to register to vote in Federal and state elections, and that it’s illegal to falsely claim US citizenship. Arizona has state-specific instructions on the form, which require registrants to provide the ID number of their drivers’ license or the last 4 of their SSN. So, there are safeguards against non-citizens registering.

If you don’t think those safeguards are enough, if you think Arizona’s requirement to show proof of citizenship at registration time is a smart thing to do…it won’t do to just rewrite the state law that got overturned. According to the 9th Circuit, when it comes to determining documentation requirements for voter registration, federal laws per se trump the states.

Here is a link to the 9th Circuit’s opinion. The majority opinion in this case relies on the Elections Clause found in Article I of the US Constitution. The court said:

The Elections Clause establishes a unique relationship between the state and federal governments. It provides:

The Times, Places, and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Place of chusing Senators.

In a nutshell, the Elections Clause gives state governments initial responsibility to regulate the mechanics of national elections, “but only so far as Congress
declines to preempt state legislative choices.” Foster v. Love, 522 U.S. 67, 69 (1997).

In the 9th Circuit’s view, the fact that Congress passed a National Voter Registration Act showed that Congress WANTED to preempt state choices on voter registration requirements.

In sum, a state’s role in the creation and implementation of federal election procedures under the Elections Clause is to administer the elections through its own procedures until Congress deems otherwise; if and when Congress acts, the states are obligated to conform to and carry out whatever procedures Congress requires. See Foster, 522 U.S. at 69.

(Emphasis added).

By specifying voter registration requirements in the NVRA, to include the documentation a person needed to register, the 9th Circuit concluded that Congress had “deemed otherwise.”

Next, the opinion clearly states that the NVRA’s obvious goal was to get more people registered to vote in federal elections. One way to do that—make it easier to register.

The NVRA said that drivers’ license applications could also serve as voter registration applications. (This became known as the “Motor Voter” law). It also said that, in consideration for people who “will not come into contact with motor vehicle agencies,” states would be required to let people register to vote at offices that provided public assistance. Lastly, it required states to let people register for federal elections by mail, using a “Federal Form.” (I’m presuming the “Federal Form” is the one I linked above, from the EAC website).

The court compared Arizona’s Proposition 200 with the NVRA, and didn’t like what it saw. Bad news for Proposition 200.

we conclude that Proposition 200’s documentary proof of citizenship requirement conflicts with the NVRA’s text, structure, and purpose. First, the NVRA addresses precisely the same topic as Proposition 200 in greater specificity, namely, the information that will be required to ensure that an applicant is eligible to vote in federal elections. See Foster, 522 U.S. at 73. Section 7 of the NVRA, § 1973gg-7, both spells out the information that an applicant must provide in order to register to vote in a federal election and limits what the Federal Form can require.
…
Perhaps the instructions to the Federal Form put it best in stating: “you can use the application in this booklet to: Register to vote in your State.” Under the NVRA, prospective voters seeking to register in federal elections need only complete and submit the Federal Form. If this sounds simple, it is by design. Congress enacted the NVRA to increase federal registration by streamlining the registration process and eliminating complicated state-imposed hurdles to registration, which it determined were driving down voter turnout rates. Proposition 200 imposes such a hurdle.

By requiring prospective voters to show proof of citizenship when registering, the 9th Circuit deemed that Arizona was adding additional requirements to the registration process….something that Arizona—or any state, for that matter—did not have the authority to do.

Basically, Proposition 200 requires you to show a drivers’ license or non-operating identification card, both of which DMV provides. The 9th Circuit deemed that to be a “complicated” hurdle to voter registration.

Because the NVRA, which the opinion described as “comprehensive,” exists, the states are basically at the federal government’s mercy when it comes to determining requirements for voter registration documentation.

If you don’t like that, elect a Congress that will change the NVRA. If you do, don’t.

I’m stunned that so many people who call themselves liberal yet are completely intolerant. I thought liberals loved everyone: the poor, the immigrant, the gays, the handicapped, the minorities, dogs, cats, all eye colors, all hair colors! Peace, love, bull! Curious they have no tolerance whatsoever for anyone who doesn’t think exactly as they do. You disagree and you’re immediately called a fool, a Nazi, a racist. That’s pretty f’d up!!

Those are the words of Maureen “Moe” Tucker, former drummer for the Velvet Underground. The Velvet Underground was an influential rock band in the ’60s. Lou Reed was a member, and Andy Warhol had a hand in managing it.

Not exactly the kind of crew you’d expect to find at a Tea Party rally.

But, that’s exactly what happened this past April in Georgia. A local news crew interviewing attendees at a Tea Party rally talked with a “Maureen Tucker.” Maureen said she was furious, because she felt America was being led toward socialism. She also said that, due to incredibly wasteful spending, our government couldn’t afford things the American people really need.

To the shock of liberal hipsters of all ages, “Maureen” was Moe Tucker.

Not surprisingly, many on the left were despondent to see Moe leave the plantation.

I was really really heartbroken cause i love her solo albums and had always interpreted the lyrics to be fairly liberal.I am spending the day in mourning for Moe.

I wouldn’t put it past Wal-Mart to put an additive in the employee’s water fountains that turns them into tea-partiers

Lots of working stiffs are Tea Party members, more fools they, so if indeed it’s Tucker she’s just getting shafted by a new boss now.

(Nobody said they were smart liberal hipsters.)

Journalist Mike Applestein of the Riverfront Times tracked down Moe Tucker and asked to interview her. Tucker agreed to respond via e-mail. Oh boy, did she ever respond.

Just sit back and drink in the sheer awesomeness that follows:

Mike Appelstein: In the now-infamous videotape, you indicated that you’re furious about the way we’re being led toward socialism and “incredible waste of money” being spent. Could you elaborate a bit on these sentiments?

Moe Tucker: No country can provide all things for all citizens. There comes a point where it just isn’t possible, and it’s proven to be a failure everywhere it’s been tried. I am not oblivious to the plight of the poor, but I don’t see any reason/sense to the idea that everyone has to have everything, especially when the economy is so bad. I see that philosophy as merely a ploy to control.

My family was d*** poor when I was growing up on Long Island. There were no food stamps, no Medicaid, no welfare. If you were poor, you were poor. You didn’t have a TV, you didn’t have five pairs of shoes, you didn’t have Levi’s, you didn’t have a phone; you ate Spam, hot dogs and spaghetti. We all survived! I am not against food stamps, welfare or Medicaid, if only they would oversee these programs properly!

I am also against the government taking over the student loan program, car companies, bailouts and the White House taking control of the census (what the hell is that all about?); [about] any First Lady telling (I know, I know, “suggesting to”) us what to eat, the mayor of New York City declaring “no salt” (screw you, pal!), the mayor/city commissioners of Anytown, U.S.A. declaring you can’t fly a flag, can’t say the Pledge of Allegiance and can’t sing the National Anthem. I’m against a President dismissing any and all who dare to disagree; the water being turned off in (central) California, at [an] area where they’ve turned off the water because they want to save a one-inch fish — turning that huge area of farming land into another dustbowl — the insipid start of food supply control methinks! The government deciding what kind of lightbulbs we can use (all you “think green” people, three objections to this b.s.: 1) Those bulbs give off the light of a candle; 2) They’re very expensive; 3) They have mercury in them – how the hell are we supposed to dispose of them?).

I am against the government now thinking about bailing out unions. The unions made the contracts which include insane pensions; the U.S. government didn’t. I’m against the government closing down offshore drilling in the Gulf with one hand and with the other giving (lending?) Brazil money to help them do way deeper offshore drilling — rather curious. I’m against a government that will not defend our borders; and on and on and on.

As a lead-in to the next part of your question: Today it was announced that there would be no cost of living increase for Social Security recipients because “there’s no inflation.” I’d love to know what makes them think that! Where the hell do they shop? Prices have been rising for over a year. Inflation is a natural happening, I know. But why is it that suddenly food prices don’t go up two or three or five cents, but instead they’re going up 40, 50, 60 cents at a clip? No inflation my a**!

My anger stems from the unbelievable (criminal!) waste of money on pork and earmarks. It drives me nuts to see that X millions are being allocated to build a turtle tunnel, a donkey museum, a salamander crossing, etc, etc, etc. Billions spent every friggin’ year on totally unnecessary crap so that these Congressbums can tell their constituents that they “brought home the bacon” and get re-elected. I’m sorry, but I don’t want to pay for any Congress SOB’s vote buying, and sure as hell not in these very very worrisome times!

What specifically about the current administration do you disagree with?

I disagree with spending / borrowing / printing — d*** the torpedoes, full speed ahead! I disagree with the “we won” attitude, which is the cowardly way of saying f*** you! I disagree with an administration that for twenty months blames Bush. If the President and his minions are so d*** smart, why didn’t they know the severity of the situation? The president has actually said (and I saw it on video) that they didn’t know!

What would you like to see change?
The current administration!
How did you get involved with the local Tea Party movement?
I’m not “involved” with the local movement. I went to the first Tea Party in June or July of 2009 because it was within striking distance and I wanted to be counted.

Are you still involved in Tea Party activities?
I do my own protesting via email and postcards. Anyone who thinks I’m crazy about Sarah Palin, Bush, etc. has made quite the presumption. I have voted Democrat all my life, until I started listening to what Obama was promising and started wondering how the hell will this utopian dream land be paid for? For those who actually believe that their taxes won’t go up in order to pay for all this insanity: good luck!

What are some misconceptions that people have about Tea Parties (and their attendants) in general?
That they’re all racists, they’re all religious nuts, they’re all uninformed, they’re all stupid, they want no taxes at all and no regulations whatsoever. Those “arguments” are presented by the Dems in order to keep their base of uninformed voters on their side. In my opinion, as soon as you start name-calling, your opinion is immediately deemed invalid!

Have you always had conservative views?
To be honest, I never paid attention to what the hell was going on. My always voting Democrat was the result of that. My philosophy was and is all politicians are liars, bums and cheats. I make decisions on an issue by issue basis. I’m far more of an independent than a conservative or liberal. I don’t agree with all of either side, and I think anyone who claims to is either a fool or a d*** liar.

Did your experience working at Wal-Mart influence you?
I don’t think so. I did some protesting there, too!

When you consented to an interview with that television reporter, did you envision that your words would be spread online a year and a half later?
No. I’m amazed at this.

What are your feelings about the online reactions? Many people seem upset or outraged.
I’m stunned that so many people who call themselves liberal yet are completely intolerant. I thought liberals loved everyone: the poor, the immigrant, the gays, the handicapped, the minorities, dogs, cats, all eye colors, all hair colors! Peace, love, bull! Curious they have no tolerance whatsoever for anyone who doesn’t think exactly as they do. You disagree and you’re immediately called a fool, a Nazi, a racist. That’s pretty f’d up!! I would never judge someone based on their political views. Their honesty, integrity, kindness to others, generosity? Yes. Politics? No!

And yet there is also a minority that agrees with you.
There are a lot more than you think who agree with me.

Have you heard from Lou [Reed] or John [Cale] about it? Other artistic/musical friends?
No, haven’t heard from anyone, but anyone who knows me knows that I’m not a fool, a racist, a Nazi. Anyone who knows me knows I’m afraid of flying, afraid of bugs, but not afraid to say what I think.

In your experience, are there other closet conservatives in the music/art world? (Without naming names, of course.)
I don’t consider myself a “closet” anything! That TV reporter was the first who ever asked me what my political views might be. I’m sure there are plenty of conservatives in the music/art world since I don’t believe there’s any group, club, organization or profession in which all members think exactly the same.

To be honest, I never paid attention to what the hell was going on. My always voting Democrat was the result of that.

Sweet.