"Obession"

I recieved a copy of a film called "Obsession: Radical Islam's War Against the West" by direct mail yesterday. I neither requested, nor did I want a copy of this film. But in researching its origins, I came across some interesting insights.

Released and now distributed by The Clarion Fund, a selfproclaimed independant 501(c)e, this DVD is hateful propaganda. I saw this film for the first time a little over a year ago while I was still in Philadelphia, and through the use of graphic imagery it compares Arabs and Muslims to Nazis without apology. The film has become subject to scrutiny in recent weeks. As a part of a campaign the organization says was in "remembrance of the 7th anniversary of 9/11" they paid for advertisements in many publications nationwide - which were mostly in political swing states -, paid to have them inserted into papers in nearly 70 markets, and even paid for direct mailing (as I was subject to) in others.

The Clarion Fund was founded in 2006, and during the election season of that year, they launched a similar campaign. They were present at both major political conventions this year, advertising this film with posters, banners and a massive truck touting "Osama wants you to see this film."

Incidently, they have yet to file a Form 990 to reveal who their donors are, and information on the organization is sketchy at best.

A dear friend of mine has launched a campaign on the east coast to combat the message of this film, and try to silence the Clarion Fund. But he is fighting the fine details of the First Ammendment, and this film does not pose and “imminent" danger - because no one is screaming "Fire" in a crowded theater, and no direct threats are being made, it is sanctioned speech, and my friend will fail in his fight. (OMG I DID learn something in college!)

As far as the media's affiliation with it, they will claim no liability. It is being distributed as clearly labled advertising by the NY Times and other publications so they can deny responsibility for any of the product's claims. They do this with all political advertising. From a legal perspective, this will be very hard to fight. Its a line that journalists and newspapers walk everyday in their vain attempts at neutraility and insatiable appetite for revenue.

BUT something clearly needs to be done about this film. I feel threatened by this movie, and I'm not even a Muslim! Obviously, there are people with a lot of money out there who are distributing the film with a specific purpose and I can't help but acknowledge the blatant "coincidence" that the funding suddenly became available right in the midst of the campaign season, and it makes me ill that it is during such a holy season for the Muslims: Ramadan.

My advice to my friend was to keep doing what he is are doing, but be proactive, not reactive. Use there techinques against them. I would suggest staging peaceful demonstrations with creative expressions of love and tolerance. Ramadan and its nearing end affords a prime opportunity to bring people together... in love. I guarantee the ignorant people who are distributing this film took into consideration the fact that Muslims in every community are more visable right now than any othr time of the year. Use that visibilty against them by being even MORE public with expressions of love, kindness and devotion. Educate the community that Islam teaches peace! Hold events. Organize them quickly and with a creative flair. Prior to these events, write press releases to all of the major media organizations, inviting them to educate themselves.

Protest. Protest loudly. And in all of your protest, even in moments of fear and bitter frustration, remember always the words of the great MLK (roughly): Hatred paralyzes life; love realease it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it.

From my end, I am seeking to appeal to the people of the opposite standpoint who have the money to combat this campaign. I have several friends in the film industry that may even have interest in putting together a commercial for national release... Say your prayers and perhaps we can even see some of this material released in important places like the presidential debates. I'm fired up! I passionate! And I am angry over this!