Romney Refuses to Retract Wiretapping Statement

September 16, 2005

Source: The Muslim American Society

Wire Service: AP

http://www.masnet.org/masnews.asp?id=2763

On September 16, 2005 the Associated Press reported, "Muslim groups and civil libertarians demanded an apology from Gov. Mitt Romney on Friday for his comments about wiretapping mosques and monitoring foreign students. But the governor refused, saying he was only advocating for improved homeland security. � The groups delivered a letter to Romney that said 'your desire to wiretap mosques is an affront to the values and principles that make America a great country.' The groups include the American Civil Liberties Union and various mosques and Islamic organizations. � After the letter was delivered, spokesman Eric Fehrnstrom said the governor would not apologize or retract his comments. � Romney made the remarks Wednesday during a speech in Washington at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank... Romney, who is considering a run for president in 2008, said Friday morning he wasn't suggesting anything beyond the scope of what's done by the FBI today. But some Muslims said that Romney is stereotyping all Muslims as terrorists and promoting dangerous policies that erode civil liberties."