Something Scary In Anaheim

I just received this missive from former state GOP Chairman Shawn Steel (in the interest of full disclosure, I am assisting Councilman Bob Hernandez in his re-election bid). This certainly is food for thought for Anaheim voters.

Dear Colleague:

Belal [Bill] Dalati is a Syrian businessman who is running for Anaheim city council.
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/living/15505423.htm
http://www.islam-online.net/English/news/2004-09/14/article06.shtml

While I encourage all Americans to seek public office, I am concerned when a candidate just weeks ago support an anti-American rally. The “Rally Against US–Israeli Terror in Palestine &  Lebanon" was held July 29th. Extreme groups participating were A.N.S.W.E.R, CAIR, Muslim Student Association and a host of zany left wing groups. http://www.adc.org/index.php?id=2881

The rally was sponsored, in part, by the Arab American Broadcasting Co, of which Dalati is the vice president. Their offices are in Dalati's Farmers insurance office. http://www.yelp.com/biz/QbiZcpsRs17Nv3irEU-Vdg

There is much more to learn about Bill Dalati. He has given funds to Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney at a CAIR reception. Please see the attached below.

The purpose for a CAIR activist to gain a seat on the Anaheim city council would be to raise his prominence in the California political community. Dalati would be poor choice, who focuses on American's enemies in the Middle East. You have chance to do something about it.

Shawn Steel

Comments

[Mike Lawson]

Anti-American? Really?

[Biff]

ACT NOW, before the smoking gun is a mushroom cloud over ANAHEIM CITY HALL!!!1!

[Preston L. Bannister]

Reading the referenced articles I get that Dalati is:
... a Moslem (apparently tolerant)
... an insurance agent (and other businesses?)
... born in Syria
... proud to be an American citizen
... willing to try and make a difference

Frankly, you should be ashamed.

Dalati is an American businessman, not Syrian. Opposition to the actions of Israel is NOT "anti-American". (Personally I find very little to admire in Israel's actions ... at the very least.)

Oh yes, and it is truly shameful that he gave money, repeatedly, to "SAVE AMERICA'S FREE ENTERPRISE". A terrible thing to do? Maybe not...

Based on the evidence presented, this guy is acting like a good American - speaking this mind and attempting to work within the system. To call this "scary" is at least sloppy, if not shameful.

[DanC]

Thank goodnes for full disclosure; we wouldn't want an appearance of a conflict of interest in telling Anaheim voters what to think about.

[redperegrine]

I passed this Dalati guy on Ball Rd. the other day. Frankly, he didn't look too threatening in his shiny BMW.

[tylerh]

when did "the people of Palestine and Lebanon" become American enemies? I must of missed that one.

If you don't like Bill Balati's politics or the company he keeps, fine. No one entering politics should expect the kid glove treatment.

But to call this "scary" shows John Lewis to be a first class coward.

[Elroy El]

I have to agree with Tyler. Is John Lewis an Irish businessman? Is Adam Probolsky a Jewish businessman?

This type of rhetoric is repulsive.

[Alex Brant-Zawadzki]

Who misspelled Shawn's last name - him or you?

[redperegrine]

http://www.unitedamericancommittee.org/

Who, or what is this happy group of individuals? They seem to make it their business to maintain dossiers on Arab-Americans.

Not exactly the kind of political bedfellows you want to shack up with. Let's rethink this post guys.

[AJ]

Classic. Shoot anyone with a dissenting opinion down as quickly as possible.

He is sure going to have a big effect on U.S./Middle East Affairs as a councilman in Anaheim. Give me a break.

[Jesse Petrilla]

You should look at ANSWER's webpage and see the types of folks this guy is tied in with:
http://www.answerla.org/

We can not allow political correctness to stand in the way of seeing someone for their true colors. The fact that this guy follows the Islamic faith is irrelevant, the fact he backs groups that are supporters of Islamic extremism is certainly relevant and is indeed a scary prospect when such a person is attempting to enter California politics.

[Alex Brant-Zawadzki]

Thanks, Jesse from the United American Committee.
Oh, and well done with hiring Lee Kaplan for your Dir. of Communications. Is it true he's being investigated for impersonating a congressional staffer or what?

[Jesse Petrilla]

Lee Kaplan hasn't been our director of communications for nearly a year now. He was only on board with the UAC for a month or so but was involved in countless other organizations and severely lacked focus. I havn't even spoken with him in months so I don't know about him impersonated a congressional staffer. He has nothing to do with the UAC. Why do you say Shawn's name is misspelled? Not sure what that post means.

[Alex Brant-Zawadzki]

Jesse - since I posted the comment it's been corrected - in the intro Mr. Lewis originally spelled it STEELE.
Isn't Steel's wife, Michelle, running for Board of Equalization? And isn't that her ad on the left-hand column of this page?
So the articles Steel cites on Dalati mention his strong faith, pride in his American citizenship, and professional success. Tell you what, Steel - if I ever run for anything, would you do me a favor and attack me? I could use the support. With enemies like you, who needs friends?

[Debbie ONeill]

Excuse me but the Irish, the Jews, the Mexicans, the Asians, the Blacks DID NOT FLY PLANES INTO THE WORLD TRADE CENTER. Nor are they killing our Military Men and Women.

Read for yourself below, This information was taken right off the Arab Calendar; It’s doesn’t say
ARAB AMERICAN CALENDAR. Than state what you think?

the Anaheim City Council. Bill has always been at the forefront of supporting many of the causes and organizations that are dear to us. When Bill is elected, he will be our voice at city hall--a voice we don't have now. It is important that we give him our material and electoral support. Please take the time to fill from below and mail it to Bill's campaign alongside your donation. Also, make sure you register to vote and do vote for Bill in November. Best, Sami

RE: [ArabCalendar] Bill Dalati for Anaheim City Council

Thank you Sami you have said enough that I cannot add any thing more, I’m just hoping that every one realizes that whether it is me or some else from our community we need this more than we think
Thank you
Belal

JOIN US IN A DEMONSTRATION AGAINST ISRAELI OCCUPATION IN PALESTINE, FOR THE
U.S TO END ALL AID TO ISRAEL, FOR AMERICA TO END THE OCCUPATION IN IRAQ AND
FOR ISRAEL TO GET ALL THEIR TROOPS OUT OF LEBANON!

WHEN: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2006
LOCATION: 1299 Galleria At Tyler
Riverside, CA 92503
(The demonstration will be on the streets between Tyler and Magnolia)
TIME: 12pm-3pm

BRING YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS! AND SPREAD THE WORD!

*September 16 will mark the 24 year anniversay of Sabra and Shatila. Sabra
and Shatila is one of the many unforgettable moments in our history. A
demonstration will be held on this day to not only remember the events of
Sabra and Shatila, but also to demand the U.S to get out of the Middle East
and to end all aid to Israel.*

HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE!

[Alex Brant-Zawadzki]

I think the Syrians didn't fly a plane into the World Trade Center either. It was the Saudis, wasn't it? Or at least a bunch of radical zealot Saudis.
Oh, and last I heard, Syrians were DYING to PROTECT our military men and women. Something about an attempted embassy bombing? Yeah.
Sept. 16 is my birthday. It's also the day that Maronite Christian militias wiped out two refugee camps, killing anywhere from 700 to 3,500 people while Israeli troops surrounding the camps did nothing and later claimed no knowledge. It's all in From Beirut to Jerusalem.

[Debbie ONeill]

IF BELAL DALATI IS SO PROUD OF WHO HE IS AND WHERE HE CAME FROM THAN WHY NOT USE HIS REAL NAME?

WILL HE WANT TO TAKE PRAYER OUT OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING? INSTEAD ASK THAT WE ALL PRAY TO ALLAH?

[tylerh]

Debbie,

A usage tip for the future: POSTING IN ALL CAPS tends to make one's posts look like the spittle-flecked rantings of a zealot.

Of course, if the shoe fits....

[Debbie ONeill]

If my using caps offends you than too bad.

I state the truth, you are such a small person that you make a personal attack, Shame, SHAME on you, you can't take the truth? You must be a Belal supporter. And that's okay, you see here in American we are free to voice how we feel? We don't put bombs on our women and children for the sake of Allah. We allow freedom of speech, with out having our head cut off. We allow freedom to worship the God of our choice AND not be killed. You see here in American, we are peaceful people. Just don't piss us off because as Tody Keith songs says WE'LL PUT A BOOT IN YOUR ASS, IT'S THE AMERICAN WAY. We will fight to keep our county free. We will honor those that have lost their lives in prior wars. We will say thank you to every military man and women who is fighting to keep us free. We are the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and GOD BLESS THIS COUNTY.

[redperegrine]

Debbie: help is available.

[AJ]

Just to reiterate. It is still just the Anaheim City Council.

[Bob D]

And to think Lori Galloway is pushing hard to get this guy elected. Have you seen his signs? All they state is his name and Anaheim City Council. It does not say elect. Ti gives the suggestion he already is on the council. Galloway was hawking him at a recent Catholic Church function. Now that is really low, especially seeing he is a Moslem and we all know what Moslems thing of Christians and the American way of life. To bad our freedom of speech is used against us.

[Abraham Kohl]

Let me tell you about Bill(Belal)Dalati. That you are all spreading rumors about. Twenty five years ago, this guy came to this country, an immigrant, just like our parents and some of us also. With six hundred dollars in his pocket, that he spent most of it on the way here. He didn’t know where to start and worked all kinds of odd jobs to put him self through college.

As a successful entrepreneur, he moved to California and opened his insurance business and created the largest Farmers Insurance agency on the west coast. He opened three more successful businesses in addition to the insurance business, all are very successful. He also has his own radio and television show on Time Warner Cable, called the Dalati show. This is a talk show in which he discusses the issues related to the city of Anaheim and the surrounding communities.

When I spoke to him and asked him about himself, I was totally impressed with the struggles in his journey and how like a lot of us, wasn’t lucky to be born in a country as great as these United States. He went on to tell me how that for the longest time you struggle as an immigrant to know who you are and where you belong. If you go back to your homeland, they tell you that you are American and you find yourself defending America and its values. When you are here, they tell you that you are a foreigner, and you really don’t know where you belong, and you feel left out in the open. Finally you realize that even though you are proud of your heritage and who you are, but yet you never get to choose where you were born or what religion you are, but I definitely choose to be an America. I call myself American by choice…..

American by choice, what a beautiful phrase. It gives me chills. Dalati had told me that Americans that were born in this country don’t realize what a great land they were born in. They don’t realize it because they have not seen how it is to live in other lands. Dalati has worked very hard with many law enforcement and federal agencies to insure that no other incident like September 11 would happen again, and still works toward this goal. He builds major bridges between Jews, Christians, Muslims as well as other religions. How he realized and learned that the value of a human life it the highest thing that brings us together, as we are all connected to one soul and are created by one creator. As far as the City of Anaheim, Dalati has helped relocate middle-class families and work on improving many properties. He helped around fifty small business owners start businesses in the City of Anaheim.

I think that reading all the remarks posted on the internet, make me angry and make me realize how biased a society that we live in today. I feel sorry for those of you that think that in that way, and wonder what kind of life they are leading, I pray for them for a change of heart. I think you should always look at a person’s character and not look at where he came from or his ethnicity.

If you’re not touched by Bill Dalati’s story of struggle and success, then you are not impressed by your parents or grandparents, the ones who traveled the same road that he did.

Sincerlely,

Abraham Kohl

[Rob]

I'm a Republican, and I'm not impressed by liberals regardless of their story, and this guy is a liberal who is tied in with the worst of the worst (ANSWER, MSA, CAIR)
To his bid to enter politics, I say "no thanks, now go away."

[Terror-Free Oil]

CAIR - 1, FREE SPEECH - 0
Islamonazi CAIR Intimidates Yet Another American Business In Dhimmitude

http://www.terrorfreeoil.org/videos/MS092506.php - MSNBC video

Free Patriotic Corner Banners: http://www.terrorfreeoil.org/cb/

[BurtB]

regarding the Post by: Preston L. Bannister | October 03, 2006 at 03:49 PM

your post seems disingenuous.

The link to CAIR is described by http://www.ocblog.net/Belal_Dalati_10_02_2006.doc

which lists the link
http://www.islam-online.net/English/news/2004-09/14/article06.shtml

and also lists the contributions
$500 06/03/2004 to CYNTHIA MCKINNEY FOR CONGRESS (Democrat)
$500 08/04/2003 to KEEP NICK RAHALL IN CONGRESS COMMITTEE (Democrat)
$500 06/23/2004 to CAIR - CA PAC

also; the charge, backed by a link
"Dalati's companty 'Arab American Broadcasting Company' sponsored a protest in front of Dalati's offices titled: "Rally Against U.S.-Israeli Terror in Palestine & Lebanon" held July 29th, 2006 along with A.N.S.W.E.R Coalition, the Council on American Islamic Relations, the Muslim Student Association, and others.
http://www.adc.org/index.php?id=2881
"

He clearly is not just a businessman. The evidence seems to suggest a Manchurian Candidate, or better, a stocking horse.

The more his past affiliations are brought to light, the more scary his candidacy is.

This is not about his being a Syrian immigrant or a Muslim. It is about him having questionable friends that suggest he is not what he seems to be.

Just as the Republican party distanced itself from David Duke when they became more fully aware of what he stood for, so the OC repubs should try not to associate with this questionable fellow.

[Biff]

So for all of you that say that Dalati is a "Manchurian Candidate", what's that supposed to buy, exactly? Say that he does win a seat on the Anaheim City Council -- what happens next?

He lets the streets of Anaheim Hills go unpaved so that the resulting monster potholes can jostle the magnetic "Support Our Troops" ribbons off of the SUVs of freedom-loving Real Americans? He leaves a back gate at Disneyland unlocked one night so that Osama can sneak in and mine the Rivers of America?

Or maybe -- just chillingly maybe -- he uses this first City Council victory to climb the American political ladder for twenty years until he arranges through some spectacular incident (think America's version of the Reichstag Fire) to get his corrupt Democratic buddies to amend the Constitution so that he can become President For Life!!!!!1!!!! That's when he tears off the "hard-working immigrant businessman" mask and reveals the cold-blooded, dark-hearted Islamofascist beneath! And that's when those of us who lived in Anaheim back then wish with all our heart and soul that we'd done something to stop this monster all the way back then.

Seriously, people. Let's acquire a sense of proportion here ...

[Rastaman]

Reading all these comments, I am honestly amazed at the real lack of awareness of so many people of the truth about Islam. Don't any of you question why it is that all the terrorists are Islamic? Do you really buy into the propaganda that the terrorists are "fundamentalists" or "radicals"?

Islam teaches its followers that death is preferable to life and God loves those who die in the act of murdering non-believers. All muslims are taught this. All of them, not just some. The "martyrs" get 72 virgins in Paradise and enjoy sexual bliss forever. Or 27 pretty boys if they prefer.

Raping women is allowed in Islam. That's why so much of it is going on. The list goes on and on. If you elect a muslim to office he will promote muslim values, one of which is obviously the extermination of the Jews, the same as Hitler wanted.

Those who oppose Islam are not Fascists. The Islamists are the Fascists. Take a good look at what the muslims are doing to Europe and ask if you want that to happen in Anaheim or anywhere else in America.

[Tylerh]

Rastaman,

you are unworthy of your screen name. Irie, man, Irie.

I have a idea for you: why don't you come to Mason Park the first day of spring. You can see first hand how tens of thousands of Iranians -Moslems, mostly- live and feel and love. The food is fanstastic, and you might just learn something.

If you're not the sociable type, as your screen rant suggests might be the case, pick up a copy of the Koran and read it. Some of the passages of it are stunningly beautiful, others will make you cringe. Most of the book stresses the importance of personally leading a moral life. It's a lot like the Bible, but a heck of a lot easier to read.

[Tylerh]

Rastaman,

you are unworthy of your screen name. Irie, man, Irie.

I have a idea for you: why don't you come to Mason Park the first day of spring. You can see first hand how tens of thousands of Iranians -Moslems, mostly- live and feel and love. The food is fanstastic, and you might just learn something.

If you're not the sociable type, as your screen rant suggests might be the case, pick up a copy of the Koran and read it. Some of the passages of it are stunningly beautiful, others will make you cringe. Most of the book stresses the importance of personally leading a moral life. It's a lot like the Bible, but a heck of a lot easier to read.

[Hanna]

um bill dalati is so nice i saw him hes my freind and if he arab it doesn't mean hes a terrorist !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!a lot of people know him and i doubt that they think hes a enemy and terrorist and that you shoudlnt be talking bad about him.

[Rauya]

I think Bill Dalati would make a really great ahaheim coucil member becuase he is really nice and NOT siding with the enemy. Just becuase hes arab doesn't mean hes a criminal. I guess thats your first impression on arab americans. But i met him and hes really nice and sweet.and laughs ALOT.

[Just an outside who is watching]

Than why take his crying to the press? Oh poor me I'm just a good old American ARAB boy who wants to get elected. I have seen other people running for office have worst press than he is getting and they weren't cry babies about it. He is crying because he is an ARBA/Muslim who feels wronged. And when he is close down the Arab broadcasting? Are you still planning to protest at next weeks council meeting Oh Mr Hernandez said something you don't like, so lets have all my arab friends protest. Daliti Grow Up get over it, pull yourself up by your boots and move on. You are the racist.

TWISTED LOGIC

POOR OLD MUSLIMS - THEY GET INSULTED - WE GET BEHEADED

The Pope says that jihad violence is against God's nature, and officials fear that in response, Muslims enraged by this insult will commit... jihad violence.
Muslims murder 3,000 innocents in New York and expect no criticism.
Muslims murder 202 tourists in Bali and expect no criticism.
Muslims murder 333 schoolchildren and their teachers in Beslan and expect no criticism.
Muslims murder 292 innocents, mainly Kenyans and Tanzanians at two US Embassies and expect no criticism.
Muslims murder 241 US and 58 French peacekeepers in Beirut and expect no criticism.
Muslims fire 4,000 Katyusha rockets into Northern Israel killing over 50 innocent civilians and expect no criticism.
Muslims murder 52 in London and 191 in Madrid and expect no criticism.
Muslims murder 200 in Mumbai and expect no criticism.
Muslims behead Western hostages in Iraq, Buddhist monks in Thailand and Christian schoolgirls in Indonesia and expect no criticism.
Muslims murder 500,000 in Darfur and expect no criticism.
Muslims regard Jews as 'sons of pigs and monkeys', and vow to nuke Israel and expect no criticism.
Muslims force women to wear hideous sacks, stone to death women for getting raped and for leaving the home unescorted, engage in honor killings of sisters and daughters for unapproved dating, and expect no criticism.
Muslims danced in the streets and handed out sweets to their kids to celebrate the 9/11 atrocity, and still expected no criticism.
Since 9/11 Muslims have killed over 26,000 and wounded over 50,000 in terrorist attacks worldwide since 9/11 and expect no criticism.
Since 9/11 Muslims have committed terrorist attacks in Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Chad, Chechnya, Dagestan, Denmark, East Timor, Egypt, England, Eritrea, Ethiopia, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Ingushetia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Jordan-Iraq, Kabardino-Balkans, Kenya, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Mauritania, Morocco, Netherlands, Nigeria, Pakistan, Gaza-Palestinian Authority, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Somalia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Arab Republic, United States, Uzbekistan and Yemen, and still expect no criticism.

Muslims have carried out over 5,800 fatal terrorist atrocities since 9/11, and countless thousands since Islamic conquest began in 623 AD and expect no criticism. But if a Pope dares to tell the truth about Islam or Danes publish cartoons about Mohammed, then let the outpourings of Islamic hate and outrage begin.

And, by some twisted reach of logic, these arrogant thugs demand the Pope issue an apology.

[ANAHEIMWATCH]

Why doesn't Mr. Bill debate Steel if he has nothing to hide?

[Abraham Kohl]

I think some of you should stop painting all Muslims with the same brush. Not all Christians are like Timothy McVeigh or David Duke. What does someone's ethinicity or religion have to do with if they'd make a good councilmember???? Look at a persons character. C'mon, it's only Anaheim City Council. And I think Arnold Schwarzenegger has more power to change the constitution and become president than Bill Dalati, don't you?

[Elias]

I find it amusing to see how low some people can be. I think some people are just not ready to accept someone of an Arab-Heritage to be a mere Councilman? That’s sad. I think its time we show a little diversity and less narrow minded accusations.

Dont quit your day job people.

[hanna dalati]

u guys are wrong wrong wrong wrong he is really nice ask any1 i cant belive you guys!

[hanna]

hehhehehehhehehehhehehehhehehehhehehehehhehehehehehehehhe funny