Muslim Rep. Keith Ellison breaks down in Muslim radicalization hearings

[sabra]

Source: CBS News

In testimony before the Homeland Security Committee's hearing on radicalization in the Muslim community Thursday, Minnesota Democratic Rep. Keith Ellison, Congress's first elected Muslim member, broke down in tears while delivering an emotional tribute to a young Muslim-American who lost his life in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks - and whose reputation was later maligned due to his faith.

Ellison, who argues that the hearings unjustly target the Muslim American community for the acts of a few Islamic terrorists, closed his remarks with the story of 23-year-old Mohammed Salman Hamdani, a paramedic who died trying to save lives in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

"Mr. Hamdani bravely sacrificed his life to try and help others on 9/11. After the tragedy some people tried to smear his character solely because of his Islamic faith," Ellison said, his voice breaking. "Some people spread false rumors and speculated that he was in league with the attackers only because he was Muslim. It was only when his remains were identified that these lies were fully exposed."

"His life should not be defined as a member of an ethnic group or a member of a religion, but as an American who gave everything for his fellow citizens," he continued.

Ellison also contended that the hearings, led by Rep. Steve King (R-NY), were essentially targeting Muslim-Americans and would likely put U.S. national security at risk.

Read more: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20041613-503544.html?tag=cbsContent;cbsCarousel

---

Rep. Keith Ellison delivers testimony before the Homeland Security Committee on March 10, 2011.
(Credit: AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

[Solly Mack]

1. K&R

[pinboy3niner]

2. K&R

[Uncle Joe]

3. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, sabra.

[Sinistrous]

4. K&R

[cui bono]

5. Rep. Keith Ellison is a true patriot. n/t

[MedicalAdmin]

34. I've met him socially.

He's a great guy and seriously committed to making this country a better place. If there is any hope for the US in the coming century, it lies with men like Rep. Ellison.

[glinda]

6. I believe that these hearings are an attempt to get rid of Ellison in part.

They are political beyond belief and should be stopped immediately.

[The Doctor.]

7. 'The election? It's already over, we've won...

Oh, It's all over but the counting, and we'll take care of the counting.'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7dV67u370Pg

Whenever I hear the name Peter King, I'll never forget that he admitted to fixed elections on video. Even that isn't enough to convince people that we're screwed.

[Scottybeamer70]

8. WOW........

this country has truly lost its way. Too bad we can't lock up
idiots...........King would be first in line. What a truly
disgusting person he is. I guess we haven't made it to the
21st century after all.

[handmade34]

16. my sentiments exactly

[Shadowflash]

9. K&R!

[Ian David]

10. The House Select Committee on Un-Christian Activities. n/t

[ladywnch]

29. yep. n/t

[defendandprotect]

60. +1000%

[japple]

79. You're right and it's appalling that something like this is happening

in the 21st century. I guess we didn't learn our lesson the first time around.

[realisticphish]

88. +1000

[glinda]

95. Chip Cravaak was put in office by Pro-Life Evangelicals. All this from

a man who soaks the system by receiving thousands of dollars a year in disability for a treatable condition, sleep apnea. Guess his Dominionist interests get in the way of things, huh?

[bread_and_roses]

11. Words fail me

what have we become?

[damntexdem]

12. Compare this to the crocodile tears Boehner fakes.

[spedtr90]

25. but his tears are real when...

[alp227]

64. Seriously. +1. Privlileged rich tobacco-check-collecting Boehner vs.

Ellison, a member of a religious minority continuously bullied by the conservafascists.

[swimboy]

13. F*** the privileged bullies

My heart goes out to Rep. Ellison.

[yurbud]

14. whenever someone asks a Muslim if they are a terrorist, the Muslim should ask if that person

supported Bush killing a million Iraqis who had nothing to do with 9/11.

[tosh]

17. ++.

[Jankyn]

15. K&R

[Tommy_Carcetti]

18. Look at this footage here and tell me the first thing that comes to mind...

....isn't Little Rock?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgDAW5xk9Ks

[xxqqqzme]

38. I was only 7 or 8

when Little Rock happened. In addition to being confused over what the people were so angry about, I remember I was glad I didn't live there.

I guess the ignorance and hate caught up w/ me because now I live in Orange County.

[forty6]

39. Yes, Little Rock, Selma, and all the other places where the...

stupidity and ignorance, prejudice and ugliness of a dark part of America was exposed to the world.

[jwirr]

42. Turn the clock back to 1917 and it would have been German Americans

being treated that way and in 1941 it would have been Japanese Americans and Germans. According to the census there are many german american descendants in this country now. If they are taking part in these harassments they should be ashamed. It was us once. Stand with the Muslim Americans if you are one of those who remember when they did it to us.

[bengalherder]

85. Hell, turn back the clock a bit more and Mr. King wouldn't be

allowed into places for being Irish.

I hate these hypocrites who feel since their group 'passes' they have a right to cast mud at others.

[libmom74]

19. This is so sad.

My thoughts on this and all of the attacks on women are that the GOP are trying to divide and distract progressives so that we are focusing on so many different things that we can't come together and rise up as one against their attacks on the American people.

[Lynx]

20. These hearings are a disgrace

Screw Peter King.

[MNBrewer]

21. I couldn't be happier to be represented by him in Congress

I live in his district.

[geardaddy]

40. Howdy neighbor

I'm right there with ya.

[MedicalAdmin]

43. I'll see that bet and raise you a Bachmann.

So we are both represented by dangerous demogogues.


Whoops - I thought you were talking about that asshat in NY... sorry about that. Sigh - I'm still stuck with El Bachmanno

[MNBrewer]

46. Keith Ellison is a dangerous demagogue?

[MedicalAdmin]

48. See edit above. I've pulled my foot our of my mouth.

I need to go gargle with some salt now.

*hangs head in shame and slinks into a corner with his pointed hat*

[MNBrewer]

50. I thought that might be the case :)

My mom and dad live in her district, too. They have lots of fun ways of referring to her. Almost as fun as Chris Matthew's names for her.

[thereismore]

22. Mission accomplished, fuckers! nt

[madrchsod]

23. he is a brave man to expose these scum of the earth but

that`s what a man of faith has to do.

[SkyDaddy7]

24. The group we should be holding hearings on is...

ALL WHITE CHRISTIANS! This group is the group that has committed almost all the "HOME GROWN" terrorist attacks in America! They have assassinated doctors & nurses...Bombed buildings, clinics & vehicles & they have been know to plant bombs to where people gather. NOTHING IS BEING DONE ABOUT THIS ONGOING THREAT!!

[myrna minx]

26. K&R. I'm so proud of you. n/t

[madrchsod]

27. king supported the irish republican army

http://www.politicsdaily.com/2011/03/09/peter-kings-ira-support-resurfaces-as-lawmaker-probes-muslim-ra/

and he has to balls to claim moral authority

[geardaddy]

30. Why isn't he in gitmo, then?

[Solomon]

32. I was hoping somebody would point this out.

What a hypocrit!

[gauguin57]

53. More on Peter King's IRA past, from the NY Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/09/us/politics/09king.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=peter%20king%20ira&st=cse

"We must pledge ourselves to support those brave men and women who this very moment are carrying forth the struggle against British imperialism in the streets of Belfast and Derry,” Mr. King told a pro-I.R.A. rally on Long Island, where he was serving as Nassau County comptroller, in 1982. Three years later he declared, “If civilians are killed in an attack on a military installation, it is certainly regrettable, but I will not morally blame the I.R.A. for it.”

[geardaddy]

55. That's an excellent article

I see some of his former Irish supporters are breaking with him on this.

[Horse with no Name]

28. I weep for my country too Congressman Ellison. n/t

[geardaddy]

31. Keith is a great rep.

I'm so sorry he has to sit through this shit.

I'm proud to be represented by him.

[Hissyspit]

33. Repeat After Me: "The Tea Party Is Not Racist"

"The Tea Party Is Not Racist"

If we just keep repeating it, it will make it so, right?!

[forty6]

Only in the minds of the Glenn Beck and Sarah Palin fans n/t

[JDPriestly]

35. Rep. King may be trying to incite a terrorist attack on the US during Obama's administration.

If anything happens, we will know who to blame. How awful!

[nalnn]

63. How

How is this an incitement to a terrorist attack?

[JDPriestly]

67. Because King is trying to humiliate innocent Muslims in the US, Muslims

who are good citizens.

He is accusing people of being unpatriotic just because they are Muslim.

His conduct could be used by fanatics somewhere in another country to stir up people against the US and persuade them to do terrorist acts.

How do American Christians, especially fundamentalists, feel when Christian missionaries or other Christians living overseas -- say the Coptic Christians in Egypt -- are persecuted or accused of being dangerous to others in the countries in which they live?

You and I would not be moved to commit terrorist acts, but fanatics could be so moved.

King is just irresponsible. If he really has information about Muslim terrorists in the US, he should notify the FBI. He should not call people before Congress just because they are Muslims.

[nalnn]

72. Ahhh

Good points. Thanks!

[jwirr]

36. I for one am extremely proud of our MN rep. He stand up for the things

we stand for. I am glad he is testifying against the new American inquisition. This is nothing more than another kind of fear tactic from the rw.

[geardaddy]

41. I see you're from Cloquet

So sorry you lost Oberstar.

:(

[jwirr]

44. Yeah so are we. Too many did not vote. Many others thought that

because Craavack was once in the union as a pilot that he would be pro-union and not so different than Oberstar. We did this to ourselves.

[MedicalAdmin]

49. Given what is happening just across the bay...

Now might be a good time to start a recall petition... just sayin. Jimbo's a good guy for the state and for the country. And he was one of the most knowledgable people about transportation issues alive.

[Enthusiast]

37. K&R!

Republicans will express their bigotry in many different ways. They are equal opportunity bigots. Religious or racial minorities or something else, it doesn't matter.

[AC_Mem]

45. K&R

One of my biggest issues in life is hypocritical or "anti" so called Christians. It must be a life lesson, because I meet them everywhere. I live in the bible belt and can say with all honesty that I can count on less than the fingers of one hand, the number of true Christians who walk their talk.

This type of thing, these people like King (and I hate that he even shares the same last name as MLK), are who turned me away from organized religion.

One good thing about this is that they are giving us a teachable moment for our children. I plan to use it to show my grandchildren and help them become aware.

Another good thing (because I always try to find the silver lining), the GOP is transparent now, they can no longer hide who and what they are and it is an U-G-L-Y truth for all to see. There is no going back for them and this cannot end well for the GOP. I think that the time is coming and apparently its very soon as everything seems to be coming to a head, where people WILL make a choice, and the majority will align with light instead of darkness. It is going to be hard because they will have taken almost everything from us, but we are all in this together and we will overcome.

I still have hope.

Shine On,
Annette

[efhmc]

47. liars and cheats: bush and fox and rove and all of faux

They are full of hate and NEVER did one productive thing for others and especially not the individuals in this country.

[yellowwood]

51. What Religion is Peter King?

Let's investigate his religion to see if any of them are or ever have been radical.

I remember coming out of Confession when I was a little girl and some little boy outside the church said, "You're a Cathollic, and Catholics asre bad people!."

I was so shocked! That somebody could say something like that to me because of my religion.

These hearings are disgraceful.

And, yes, these hearings are meant to discriminate.

[mwooldri]

68. You don't even need to check the NY Rep's religion for this.

Just check his record.

At one point in his life he was actively supporting the Provisional Irish Republican Army with cash... which they used to buy weapons and explosives and killed actual people - and at one point came extremely close to killing the then Prime Minister of the UK - Margaret Thatcher. I may not care for her politics but I wouldn't kill her for it!!!

I wish I could haul him to the stand.

[LeftishBrit]

71. Oh, Peter King has *directly* supported terrorism by a radical Catholic organization!

He was a big supporter of the IRA and its activities in Britain in the 1980s.

I wonder whether this indeed figures in his 'Muslims = terrorists' attitude; *he* was among the minority of people who are prepared to support terrorism by co-religionists, so that may be why he thinks others are too. Whatever the reason, it's all pretty disgusting.

[Ghost Dog]

91. Separate again was the infamous Spanish Inquisition

Separate again was the infamous Spanish Inquisition, started in 1478, a state institution used to identify conversos—Jews and Moors (Muslims) who pretended to convert to Christianity for purposes of political or social advantage and secretly practiced their former religion. More importantly, its job was also to clear the good names of many people who were falsely accused of being heretics. It was the Spanish Inquisition that, at least in the popular imagination, had the worst record of fulfilling these duties.

The various inquisitions stretched through the better part of a millennia, and can collectively be called "the Inquisition."

...

But the facts fail to do that. The Church has nothing to fear from the truth. No account of foolishness, misguided zeal, or cruelty by Catholics can undo the divine foundation of the Church, though, admittedly, these things are stumbling blocks to Catholics and non-Catholics alike.

What must be grasped is that the Church contains within itself all sorts of sinners and knaves, and some of them obtain positions of responsibility. Paul and Christ himself warned us that there would be a few ravenous wolves among Church leaders (Acts 20:29; Matt. 7:15).

Fundamentalists suffer from the mistaken notion that the Church includes only the elect. For them, sinners are outside the doors. Locate sinners, and you locate another place where the Church is not.

Thinking that Fundamentalists might have a point in their attacks on the Inquisition, Catholics tend to be defensive. This is the wrong attitude; rather, we should learn what really happened, understand events in light of the times, and then explain to anti-Catholics why the sorry tale does not prove what they think it proves.

...


These same texts were interpreted similarly by the first Protestants, who also tried to root out and punish those they regarded as heretics. Luther and Calvin both endorsed the right of the state to protect society by purging false religion. In fact, Calvin not only banished from Geneva those who did not share his views, he permitted and in some cases ordered others to be executed for "heresy" (e.g. Jacques Gouet, tortured and beheaded in 1547; and Michael Servetus, burned at the stake in 1553). In England and Ireland, Reformers engaged in their own ruthless inquisitions and executions. Conservative estimates indicate that thousands of English and Irish Catholics were put to death—many by being hanged, drawn, and quartered—for practicing the Catholic faith and refusing to become Protestant. An even greater number were forced to flee to the Continent for their safety. We point this out to show that the situation was a two-way street; and both sides easily understood the Bible to require the use of penal sanctions to root out false religion from Christian society.

/... http://www.catholic.com/library/Inquisition.asp


... Now, where you read 'catholic' or 'christian', read 'muslim' or 'islamic'.

[Posteritatis]

96. Jackasstafarian. (nt)

[Fire1]

52. K&R

[think]

54. The Radicalization of Republicans needs to be investigated!

It has been brought to my attention that there are radical elements with in the Republican party that are instigating violence and speaking ill words about the president of the United States. These un American republicans need to be exposed and brought to justice.

I realize there are good Republicans out there but they have not done enough to condemn the radical actions of it's members. Ever since 911 this group has actively pursued un American activities including subverting the constitution, corporate fraud, treason, and in general lying cheating and stealing the American dream.

Now I know some Republicans and they are generally a decent bunch but if you get them out on a golf course things begin to change. Now Republicans want to put golf courses in state parks in Florida! The audacity of it all. Spending public funds to create a Republican terror bunker in the middle of our state parks!

Now it appears these radicalized Republicans want to establish Old Testament Law in America and ignore the new testimony of Christ! True Christians know that Jesus's words are the new testament but these snakes want to ignore the words of Christ and impose their false religion on the people of America!

There are reports they are taking up arms and threatening to over throw the American government! Let's face it we need a national discussion concerning the radicalization of Republicans as we have overlooked this growing problem for far too long!

****Please Note The Heavy Sarcasm that is meant for Peter "I'm a proud supporter of IRA terrorism" King's wing nut followers and not the ordinary every day run of the mill like the gal next door just like your neighbor fun loving all American republicans.......

[BrklynLiberal]

57. +1000

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=439&topic_id=606410&mesg_id=606755

[BrklynLiberal]

56. Peter King and his ilk make me want to believe in hell so I can tell them to rot in hell.

[JitterbugPerfume]

58. Keith Ellison

absolutely broke my heart.

[Divine Discontent]

59. Such a nice tribute. And as for Steve King? blech...

[DesertFlower]

61. K&R. nt

[NuclearDem]

62. Hey Pete, how's the IRA doing?

You hypocritical terrorist fuck.

[alp227]

65. heard his testimony on Thom Hartmann today. saddening indeed.

Thank you, Mr. Ellison, for standing up against ignorance and hate. Ellison was talking about a Muslim firefighter who died in the 9/11 attacks and how that firefighter was constantly smeared because of his religion if i recall correctly.

[BobbyBoring]

66. Peter The Chicken Hearted, 21st Century Crusader!

I'm far more afraid of radical fundie Christions than I am Muslims. If one kept score through out the years, I think we would find more blood on the hands of "Christians" than we would Muslims.

[KG]

69. steve king is scum.

[Turborama]

70. K&R&Thanks Here's a Largely ignored OP in GD: Muslim McCarthyism (contains several related articles)

Muslim McCarthyism: Peter King's Broad-brush Indictment Of The "Muslim Community"
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x593816


Many thanks to the DUer's who rec'd it. :hi:

[riverwalker]

73. Peter King is a racict xenophobic pig

An embarrassment to this country. Maybe communities should visit their neighborhood Mosques, they have many events "open to the public", just to say "Hi, how are ya". I'm a Lutheran, but my son and I went to one to see a film and speaker on the Palestinian situation. They were so pleased to see us, and welcoming. Maybe all this fear and ignorance would dissipate if everyone went to see for themselves.

[baldguy]

74. Do not judge them by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.

Rep. King's time to be judged will come, and his character will be found wanting.

Peter King is a pig.

[riverwalker]

75. remember this photo?

http://www.motleymoose.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=465

[DinahMoeHum]

76. Peter "Little" King is a piddle-pants slab of meat with a big mouth. . .

...and a douchebag to boot.

He also has a reputation throughout the years of dissing constituents who write letters to him.

:mad:

[howaboutme]

77. Peter King - Two pertinent questions need answered.

1- Why aren't you also honing your focus on the financial terrorists of Wall Street that have cost most of the people of the USA untold trillions of dollars, yet not even one of them has worn a set of handcuffs? Why not?

2- Why doesn't Obama, Congress and America hold what should be a completely candid, honest and open town hall debate about one question - "why do the Muslims hate us"? We've expended much of our nation's wealth in wars and absurd never ending security without ever answering this question.

[johnroshan]

89. well.. Its pretty obvious.

1. Those financial terrorist would pay him much more than his salary.

2. Truth is hard to accept, so we'll just live with the simple lies like "they hate our freedoms!!1!"

[Paka]

78. King is a disgusting petty man.

Full of hate and nastiness to the core.

[1776Forever]

80. For someone that called himself "the Ollie North of Ireland" and banned from UK TV he is full of it!

From Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_T._King

King called himself "the Ollie North of Ireland."<14> King did not meet Gerry Adams until 1984, four years after his liaison with the IRA began <16> and before that his links with the IRA were predominantly with its military, rather than the political wing, Sinn Fein. At this time he was friendly with Michael McKevitt, the common law partner of Bernadette Sands, sister of the IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands. McKevitt was at the time a senior leader of the IRA and was its Quarter Master-General, in charge of arms acquisition. McKevitt planned a massive series of arms smuggling operations of weapons provided to the IRA by Libyan leader, Col. Muammar Gaddafi during the mid-1980's. During this time, King would stay in their home in Co. Louth while visiting Ireland and was also very close to the IRA's former Operations Officer in Belfast, Anto Murray, who was convicted in 1990 of kidnapping a suspected British spy. As Belfast Operations Officer, Murray planned or authorised every IRA bombing, shooting and killing in the city. King would stay with Murray and his wife Lucy during visits to Belfast and after Anto Murray was imprisoned, he hosted Lucy Murray on a tour of the Capitol when she visited the United States. <17> He became involved with NORAID, an organization that the British, Irish and US governments accuse of financing IRA activities and providing them with weapons.<6><18><19><20> He was banned from appearing on British TV for his pro IRA views and refusing to condemn IRA activity in the UK.<6>

[deacon]

81. Votes the racists out in 2012. Use these hearings in campaign ads. n/t

[tpsbmam]

82. Saw a clip on Hartmann/FSTV. Absolutely heartrending. This country absolutely

sucks right now. We've got your back, Congressman Ellison. We should all be there yelling "shame" at King!

:cry: :hug:

[TomCADem]

83. Reminds Me Of The Japanese American WWII Concentration Camps

President Roosevelt signed off on the mass internment of thousands of Japanese Americans. This mass internment has been since been widely condemned, yet here we are, back where we started.

[JeffersonChick]

84. k&r

[Lorien]

86. With every passing day I wonder "What the Hell Country am I living in???"

It just plunges deeper and deeper off the far right wing cliff of complete madness. Hateful, ignorant, bigoted, backwards, knuckle dragging, mouth breathing, monsterous fucktards are terrorizing our citizens INTENTIONALLY, turning neighbor against neighbor while the wealthiest grab everything that they can and make off with it to their Cayman Island or Swiss bank accounts.

WE MUST PUT AN END TO THIS.

[Douglas Carpenter]

87. thanks for posting Sabra --- kick and recommended!!

[Mojeoux]

90. Kick and Recommend

[underpants]

92. Ellison and Jefferson's Koran

http://journals.democraticunderground.com/underpants/84

Rep.-elect Keith Ellison, the first Muslim elected to Congress, found himself under attack last month when he announced he'd take his oath of office on the Koran -- especially from Virginia Rep. Virgil Goode, who called it a threat to American values.

Yet the holy book at tomorrow's ceremony has an unassailably all-American provenance. We've learned that the new congressman -- in a savvy bit of political symbolism -- will hold the personal copy once owned by Thomas Jefferson.

[reggie the dog]

93. this hearing is an insult to the moral fabric of our country

religious freedom is one of the cornerstones of the our republic, these hearings are so wrong.

[progressoid]

94. Hey CBS, it's Peter King not Steve King

But they are equally repugnant.