Its easy to raise an eyebrow at Yusuf Islam (aka Cat Stevens) being diverted and deported for being on "the list" - but just remember that Mr. Peace Train supported the fatwah against Salmon Rushdie in 1989.
I remember thinking at the time that his supposed search for God (which he started in the 70s after nearly drowning in California) had taken a major turn - and a bad turn at that.
I was never a fan of Cat's music but you have to wonder what happened to the guy who sang this:
Why must we go on hating, why can't we live in bliss
Now Mr Islam's website states that
He has vehemently and consistently criticized terrorist acts and has always advocated peace through his songs and his extensive humanitarian relief work.
Um... I would imagine Mr. Rushdie wouldn't quite agree with that.
In 1989 Mr. Islam stated that:
Under Islamic Law, the ruling regarding blasphemy is quite clear; the person found guilty of it must be put to death. Only under certain circumstances can repentance be accepted.
A few days later he said that his words were "misrepresented", that while what he stated was indeed true, that didn't mean that he thought Rushdie should be put to death. When asked if he would denounce the fatwah Islam refused and still does so today - saying that he doesn't want to talk about it.
Everyone jump up on the peace train
Posted by dmason at September 23, 2004 06:31 PM