Last Thursday was a sad day in the halls of Congress.
The Republican chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, Rep. Peter King of New York, singled out the entire Muslim-American community by convening a hearing to investigate potential terrorist infiltration in America.
King believes that Muslim American leaders aren’t cooperating with law enforcement, or doing enough to prevent their group from falling into terrorist activity. But Democrats called the hearing a colossal abuse of power.
The most memorable moment of the hearing came when Democratic Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota spoke to the assembly. Ellison is the first Muslim American elected to Congress and his heartfelt message struck a chord with all in attendance.
Ellison choked back tears as he recalled a Muslim man who lost his life trying to save people in New York City during the 9/11 attacks. “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,” Ellison said.
Defending his decision to hold the controversial hearing, King tried to downplay any idea that the hearing was intended to indict the religion or its adherents, but was meant as a response to a growing problem. “Despite what passes for conventional wisdom in certain circles, there is nothing radical or un-American in calling these hearings,” King said. He added that it is the “logical response to the repeated and urgent warnings the Obama administration has been making in recent months.”
This kinda hurt my feelings a little bit. I don't know what was gained by these hearings getting held but it doesn't seem worth it. Targeting muslims with hearings then wondering why some of them hate us is a no brainer.