Rep. Frank Wolf on Grover Norquist: You can never say again that you didn’t know!

Update October 12th:  Robert Spencer of Jihad Watch has more, here.

Update October 6th:  More, here, at Blue Ridge Forum.  There are more than two choices!

Update #2:  Norquist lashes out, says “racist websites” are ranting and Wolf fell for it, here.  I don’t get the racist part, last I checked Norquist was just another white guy.

Update:  See Blue Ridge Forum, here, with many more links and observations on this stunning development!

Maryland Tea Partiers take note—everyone involved with the upcoming Annapolis rally should know that organizers have invited Grover Norquist of Americans for Tax Reform to speak to conservative activists at the highly anticipated event on October 18th.

In light of this incredible speech and detailed report released earlier today by Virginia Republican Rep. Frank Wolf who so aptly paraphrased William Wilberforce on the House floor—you can never say again that you didn’t know!—those organizers may wish to reconsider that invitation.

Today Wolf gave a five minute floor speech in the US House of Representatives to outline the case against Norquist, his past activities, and his questionable associations and how those associations taint the admirable (to us, maybe not to Wolf) No New Taxes pledge signed by most elected Republicans in state government and in Congress.   Hat tip:  Richard Falknor at Blue Ridge Forum.

Here is how Wolf’s press release begins:

Washington, D.C. – In a speech today on the House floor, Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) expressed concern about Grover Norquist’s influence on the political process in Washington and his association with several individuals, groups and causes many would consider unsavory.

Wolf questioned Norquist’s relationship with convicted felon Jack Abramoff and terrorist financiers Abdurahman Alamoudi and Sami Al-Arian. He also raised the issue of Norquist’s advocacy of moving Guantanamo Bay detainees to the United States, including 9/11 mastermind Khaled Sheik Mohammed, and his representation of the Internet gambling industry and Fannie Mae.

Norquist is the head of Americans For Tax Reform (ATR) and author of the organization’s anti-tax pledge. Wolf’s concern is not with ATR’s goals but with Norquist being the sole interpreter and enforcer of the pledge, especially given his history with questionable individuals and groups.

“I want to be clear: I raise these issues not just because Mr. Norquist’s associates may be unsavory people,” Wolf said. “There are many lobbyists in Washington who represent clients of all stripes and backgrounds. But my concern arises when the appearances of impropriety are raised over and over again with a person who has such influence over public policy. That, I believe, should give any fair-minded person pause.”

And, he wrapped up with this:

Wolf closed his five-minute floor speech by quoting British parliamentarian and abolitionist William Wilberforce, saying “having heard all of this, you may choose to look the other way, but you can never say again that you did not know.”

But, that is not the end.  Please visit Wolf’s website and read the stunning detailed report released by Wolf’s office.   In Wolf’s report he also brought attention to Norquist’s support of the ground zero mosque, but did not raise the issue of Norquist’s active support of the Kennedy/McCain/Bush Amnesty bill that people who ultimately became the Tea Partiers helped defeat in the summer of 2007, but I will.

We have written about Grover (I led three lives) Norquist on many previous occasions.  Please use our search function for his name to learn more.

Update:  As expected, the mainstream media, like the Los Angeles Times (here) cannot bring itself to use the words “Muslim” or “Islam” in its reporting of the story—to them it’s all taxes, taxes and more taxes.