BVBL is not giving up its efforts to publicize its grave concerns over Faisal Gill (see my earlier post on this). So we now have The Faisal Gill Affair. This latter BVBL post is essentially a rehash of the first. BVBL has gathered together a list of some blogs and nonprofit political organizations suspicious of Faisal Gill’s connections.
FOX News began seriously covering this issue in July 2004 (here), reporting that Gill was forced to take a few days off in March 2004 so the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) could investigate his connections with the American Muslim Council. Faisal Gill’s political connections did not alarm the DHS. Yet some folks thought Gill’s connections were cause for concern. Naturally, they raised a stink. So FOX reported again on Gill in August 2004 (here) when some senators took an interest in the case. To appease the senators, DHS provided this report.
Raw Data: Homeland Security Responds (web link here)
Thursday , August 12, 2004
WASHINGTON — A spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security offered this statement in response to questions about Faisal Gill, a political appointee whose previous employment record has been called into question.
Before an employee joins the Department of Homeland Security, a background check is conducted that is commensurate with their position.
DHS is confident that our security clearance process is effective. Mr. Gill was thoroughly vetted at several levels. Mr. Gill did not withhold information on government forms required to initiate government security clearance processing and has been cooperative throughout the process.
Although Faisal Gill had previously held a security clearance, the department’s office of security updated his security clearance prior to him assuming his current role and responsibilities. We went to great lengths to investigate his background and ensure there were no potential conflicts or inappropriate activities in relation to Mr. Gill.
Following a thorough investigation, we found that Mr. Gill exceeded all requirements set forth by the department office of security for access to classified information as prescribed by the intelligence community that allows him to conduct his day-to-day duties for the department.
Curiously, all of BVBL’s primary sources predate the clean bill of health Faisal Gill received from the security people at DHS. Nonetheless, since Faisal Gill has indicated an interest in running for political office (here and here), BVBL has seen fit to bring this issue up.
Perhaps BVBL has a personal beef with Gill (a certain lawsuit, see here and here). Perhaps not. I do not know. However, I think I understand the problem others might have with Gill. Just as Christians did in an earlier era, some Muslims have made it quite clear they mix religion and politics. Moreover, the Koran seems to support this posture. Hence the possibly that Faisal Gill might have an affiliation with a Muslim organization that has an association with terrorists scares some people.
We have seen something of this sort before. Certain Catholic politicians had to explain they would not bow to the authority of the Pope. If he wants to run for public office, Gill is going to have to clearly demonstrate his willingness to support religious freedom.
