Last month, readers and subscribers of more than 70 newspapers received a free DVD inside their paper. Unfortunately, it was not a new release, but rather a rehashed piece of hate propaganda titled "Obsession: Radical Islam's War Against the West." A total of 28 million copies of the DVD were sent to newspaper readers and potential voters in 14 swing states. Six newspapers, including Cleveland's Plain Dealer and The Cincinnati Enquirer refused to carry the advertisement.
The Clarion Fund, a tax-exempt non-profit organization, is responsible for the distribution of the film. As a tax-exempt group, Clarion Fund is not permitted to promote candidates or sway voters, but a Web site run by Clarion had an article explicitly endorsing Republican candidate John McCain. Considering that swing voters are the target audience, the delivery of the DVD itself is questionable, especially in a climate where deep suspicion, anger and even hatred is becoming more evident at political rallies.
In terms of the actual content, there are a number of problems. The so-called documentary begins with a disclaimer that says it is about "Radical Islamic terror, an ideology fuelled by religious hatred. It's important to remember most Muslims are peaceful and do not support terror." However, the images, video clips and statements that follow completely contradict the disclaimer. Images of Muslims praying at Mecca flash across the screen as questions are raised about what percentage of the Muslim world supports "radical Islam."
Daniel Pipes suggests that 10-15 percent of Muslims support militant Islam, but an even larger number is anti-American and anti-Zionist. Another interviewee reiterated this point and said the number of Muslims who support "radical Islam" is as big as the population of the United States. In addition to such gross, unsubstantiated exaggerations, it is notable that the word "obsession" in the film's title incorporates the Islamic star and crescent symbol followed by an AK-47.
2008 Woodie Awards
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 15
Rajeev Ravisankar
posted 10/13/08 @ 11:08 AM EST
I just wanted to correct a mistake that I made. A total of 28 million copies of the DVD have been distributed, not 1 million. That's a huge difference and I apologize for the error. (Continued…)
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Rajeev Ravisankar
posted 10/13/08 @ 11:42 AM EST
I just wanted to correct a mistake I made in the first paragraph. A total of 28 million copies of the DVD have been distributed, not 1 million. That's a big difference, my apologies. (Continued…)
Scott Greytal
posted 10/13/08 @ 1:51 PM EST
Great article Rajeev. The College Democrats took part in sponsoring the filming of "Obsession" a year and a half ago at the Gateway, thinking it would encourage needed public debate. (Continued…)
edward
posted 10/13/08 @ 3:46 PM EST
It is shocking that someone could write about the film "Obsession" and not give any credence to the main topic of the film - the threat of Radical Islam. (Continued…)
Osama NoBama
posted 10/13/08 @ 10:05 PM EST
Good point, Edward. But you are talking to deaf, brainwashed ears. I have watched this video, and you are correct. It deals with RADICAL Islam.
Unfortunately, liberal, left wing poltical correctness outweighs common sense. (Continued…)
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Rajeev Ravisankar
posted 10/13/08 @ 11:47 PM EST
I give little credence to the main topic because the film consists of logical inconsistencies and fallacies, unsubstantiated assertions, and complete falsehoods. (Continued…)
Jean Hayward
posted 10/14/08 @ 9:01 AM EST
Rajeev: Regarding your statement that the Clarion Group gives an endorsement to John McCain, so I know where that group stands. I also noticed that in reading your article in the Lantern, that the face of Obama appears no less than three times, with zero face-time given to McCain. (Continued…)
A. Postate
posted 10/14/08 @ 9:54 AM EST
Numerous journalists have gone undercover in mosques across Europe, secretly filming and recording sermons. Many documentaries have been broadcast as a result, exposing the tremendous hatred and separatism which is being systematically preached in mosques across Europe. (Continued…)
CosmoReaxer
posted 10/14/08 @ 10:12 AM EST
More and more lately I find myself responding to blanket statements that this film is "anti-Muslim". As someone who has been involved in marketing efforts for the film for some time (well before the newspaper drops) I am compelled to stand up for it against these assertions. (Continued…)
Osama NoBama
posted 10/14/08 @ 12:47 PM EST
"The animosity cannot be separated from America's unwavering (and counterproductive) support of Israel, ongoing occupation and offensive action by Israel, US support for the dictatorial Shah of Iran (the CIA sponsored overthrow of democratically elected Mohammed Mossadegh to reinstall the Shah), among other things. (Continued…)
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