Congressman Peter King, Chairman of
the House for Homeland Security Committee is "launching a new crusade against
Muslims in the United States," with his so-called hearing on Radicalization of
American Muslims, says Liaquat Ali Khan, Author and Professor of Law in Washburn
University School.
"[King] is arguing that there is a threat from
the entire Muslim community and that mosques have become centers of radical
Islam," Khan said in an interview with Press TV's U.S. Desk on Friday.
"And I think this idea that all Muslims are a
threat to national security is a very frightening idea," he added.
Khan said that Muslims in the United States come from a varied
socio-economic and cultural background.
"Mr. King should understand that when we talk
about American Muslims, we are talking about all kinds of Muslims… [including
those who] work for the U.S. army."
"So this broad sweep is very, very, disturbing.
It doesn't respect Muslims as individuals," he added.
He further said, "This is a reminder to us that Peter King is doing
what Joseph McCarthy did in 1950s. Joseph McCarthy also did not make any
distinctions and everybody who criticized U.S. policy was considered as a
communist spy."
Khan expressed concern over King's anti-Muslim actions. "So I am very
disturbed that Peter King is doing this and I am also very disturbed that the
House leadership has done nothing to stop him from launching this new crusade
against the Muslims."
Congressman Peter King, who has rationalized his past defense of IRA
terrorism without a hint of self-awareness or irony, is now the self-appointed
protector of America from future terrorist attacks by holding a congressional
hearing on the "Extent of Radicalization in the American Muslim Community and
that Community's Response." Guardian King has in the past claimed there are "too many mosques" in America
and that 85% of American mosques and its religious leaders are radicalized, a
statement that has been thoroughly discredited. Guardian Despite a recent study showing that 40% of all extremist plots in
America were thwarted as a result of Muslim American help, King ignores this
evidence and stubbornly asserts that there is a "lack of cooperation" by Muslims
with law enforcement. The intent, scope and framing of King's hearing have been
criticized by law enforcement officials, counter-terrorism professionals, civil
rights organizations, interfaith leaders and political commentators as being
misguided, ineffective and potentially dangerous. Guardian The majority of terror plots in America since 9/11 have been
committed by non-Muslims, especially rightwing extremists and white
supremacists. Examples include the failed Martin Luther King parade bomber in
Washington State; Jared Lee Loughner, the Arizona shooter who killed six people,
including a judge, and Joseph Stack who flew his plane into an IRS building last
year. Guardian
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