Potential link

The Cat, the British government and the world of Islam have objected to U.S. deportation of Cat Stevens.

A U.S. Homeland Security official Brian Doyle would only say Mr. Islam is on the lists because of "activities that could be potentially linked to terrorism."

Voice of America article

So now it's all terrorists and people who do things that could possibly, potentially, be linked to terrorism. I think that covers the world nicely.

The idiots are firmly in control. That should make you feel safe. At least the security officers got autographs.

Yusuf Islam was on his way to US for the release of a DVD of the 1976 Majikat Tour, his last American concert tour before his conversion to Islam. He was also going to appear at the opening of the US branch of his Small Kindness charity.

article

I just ordered my copy of Majikat. Will that be potentially linking me to terrorism? I don't know where the money will eventually go. Some Islamic charity that supports terrorists? To where will they deport me?

The Cat has re-released Peace Train.

Peace Train and Angel of War are now available on a pay-per-download basis through Liquid Audio. Proceeds from the downloads will help provide emergency aid for children in Iraq.

Download Peace Train & Angel of War.

You can download the songs from the Liquid.com web site in either Windows Media or Liquid Audio format... Here.

The Cat's - excuse me, I can't help it - Yusuf's website has this news item up:

Site visitors and fans alike will no doubt have heard about today's news that Yusuf Islam has been refused entry into the US. As yet we have no specific information from the US immigration authorities as to why he was not allowed to enter the country. What we can say, however, is that he will be shocked and angered at being associated with anyone who commits acts of violence. He has vehemently and consistently criticized terrorist acts and has always advocated peace through his songs and his extensive humanitarian relief work. He has travelled many times to the US, most recently two months ago on a visit with his record company. Any suggestion therefore that he poses a security risk due to alleged connections with terrorist activities is totally denied as it is simply wrong. We are seeking further details so that we can challenge the decision to refuse him entry. When we have more information we will be able to comment further. We feel certain that this matter will be resolved soon.

That's a little misleading, because Yusuf did support the Ayatollah Khomeini's fatwah calling for the death of author Salman Rushdie back when. That's not exactly being shocked and angered by acts of violence. Still, I don't think refusing entry, deportation, and Guantanamo-ing anyone who can "potentially" be linked to terrorism is helpful.

On second thought, I might go along with deporting or Guantanamo-ing the terrorists in the White House.

Let me get back to you on that.