This is a disgrace to this great country and to Eric cantor the leading supporter of these hearings. He should know better. Shame on all republicans who are involved in this. I can’t stop crying. Shame, shame, shame.
I can’t watch. I’m already in a bad place this morning. This might drive me over the edge.
I saw this posted on the Wisconsin livestream chat feed last night, and haven’t stopped thinking about it since: “As democracy rises in the Middle East, it falls in America.”
Isn’t it funny how the right has been screaming for the last two years that Obama is taking away our freedoms, yet here they are doing the very thing they accuse him of.
It’s a sad sad day in this country. And the world is watching what we’ve brought upon ourselves.
Hachiko, Thank you for sharing with us your sadness and expressing what I think all of us are feeling. Do you remember all those white people saying, “I want my country back”, many of them bawling out of grief for the fact that this country had elected this wonderful man who happens to be black.
Now those same kinds of people are trying to destroy what is good and decent about this country.
I am hugging you in my heart. dr
Excerpts from Steve Benen’s post: ELLISON’S EMOTIONAL TESTIMONY
As part of Rep. Peter King’s (R-N.Y.) hearing on the “radicalization” of American Muslims, Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) appeared as a witness, and offered powerful testimony.
Ellison, of course, is the first Muslim ever elected to Congress, and has been subjected to all kinds of ugliness. Soon after getting elected, Ellison appeared on Glenn Beck’s CNN show, and was told by the host, “[W]hat I feel like saying is, ‘Sir, prove to me that you are not working with our enemies.'”
.
.
….but the part of Ellison’s remarks that resonated most came towards the very end, when the Democrat told the committee about Muhammad Hamdami, a 23-year-old first responder who died on 9/11.
In an emotional story, Ellison described the young man who “wanted to be seen as an all-American kid.” He loved Star Wars, played on his high school football team, and became a research assistant at Rockefeller University while driving an ambulance part-time.
“Mr. Hamdani bravely sacrificed his life to try to help others on 9/11,” the congressman said. “After the tragedy, some people tried to smear his character solely because of his Islamic faith. Some people spread false rumors and speculated that he was in league with the attackers because he was Muslim. It was only when his remains were identified that these lies were exposed. Mohammed Salman Hamdani was a fellow American who gave his life for other Americans. His life should not be identified as just a member of an ethnic group or just a member of a religion, but as an American who gave everything for his fellow Americans.”
—————————-
EFFING A**holes. Seriously that is all I have for this bunch anymore.. Republican congresspeople and those who support them… I want to live long enough to get them ALL voted out of our democracy.
I’m on spring break and was therefore able to watch the entire hearing. I was conflicted about watching this because on the one hand, I don’t want to give credence to this type of crap, but on the other hand, it’s history in the making and when, in the future, my nieces and nephews ask me about McCarthy-ism 2011, I want to be able to talk to them about it. This was nothing more than repug partisanship, several members of congress made today about the left “wrongfully defending Islam” and how shameful that the administration has not done enough to single out the problem areas in the muslim community. It was pure bulls***. All I could do was watch and curse my computer screen and think that, if there is a God, he must please forgive us because we are ridiculous and hateful and unfortunately, we know exactly what we do: we just don’t give a s***. Sorry. I try not to curse, but when it comes to politics, bad words are the only things I find coming out of my mouth. And shame on Peter King, Mr. Do-As-I-Say, not as I do. As far as I know, the IRA is a terrorist organization that King obviously does not mind backing. He’s such an idiot. Who the hell are these people who vote for these(Repug) dummies? History will not remember this decade very well.
This is such a very sad day in this country. The corporate media and PL helped put republicans in the position to do this. Peter King would not be in a position to hold these heinous hearings had it not been for two years of bashing the President and sitting on their butts last November and even voting for these SOBs.
Now what we must do is get our President’s back more than ever. The most important thing is to get President Barack Obama and Joe Biden re-elected. We’ve got to register new voters, raise money and get democrats to the voting booths. We must tell everyone over and over what this President has done for this country. And even more importantly, we must in mass push back on the corporate media lies.
We are truly seeing the book of Revelations being of truth today!! Why all this hate towards Muslims? I know alot of muslims who are wonderful people and would not even lift a hand towards another human being. Those terrorist groups should not speak for all Muslims..just as it wouldn’t be fair for those Catholic priest who conduct incest to be the cause of hate and condemnation of the Catholic religion…wise up people!! Obama 2012!!
Hello again P. White people, and yes I am one of them, have had control over every sector of our society for hundreds of years. Things are changing, and they are frightened. It is not all racism, but a big component of it is. A great deal of it has to do with their loss of power. Whites simply can no long control the country.
It has seemed for sometime that we have been moving in the right direction, however slow, but now many are so frightened that they are turning into right wing puritanical zealots. I am actually frightened.
Where are you from? What is your country like at this time?
Hey Again Dorothy..I am from the Caribbean Trinidad and Tobago to be exact! There is a large enough section of Muslim people in my country and they are really nice people. Yes i know there are the extremist who believe arms and ammunitions to be the key to a resolution eg the 1990 coup that took place here! My country have alot of Obama supporters because they don’t like the warlike leadership of ppl like Bush and is hoping Obama would be different & of course there are those of us who support him cause he’s black (I am being honest)mainly because its the first time there is a black family of the Obama’s status at this time. We are proud of him! Well carnival just concluded so that the main topic of discussion here other than that my coutry struggling to improve ourselves like everyone else at this time! With regards to what you said about white people I hope its in the minority…i don’t know or is in contact with too much white folks so I don’t have a clue!
I guess, like many of you, I am in a reflective mood today. It’s still hard for me to accept what is happening all around me. So, in going through all the news events online, I cannot help but see a stark contrast. On the one hand, there is our President and First Lady, leading an earnest and thoughtful conference on the subject of bullying in schools (and elsewhere) and, on the other hand, there is the self-righteous and pompous representative, Peter King, leading a national witchhunt directed at fellow Americans who happen to be of the Muslim faith. I see compassion and action to heal wounds at one site and prejudice and action to inflict wounds at the other. I can only hope that the majority of the people, having to choose which side they want to support, know in their hearts where to sign up.
Very un-American behavior on the part of Peter King, Eric Cantor and the likes. I am going to send them e-mails stating as much. They have no shame, evidently no moral compass, or commitment to the constitution they swore under oath to protect and serve.
sigh. I am an immigrant from Iran, born as a muslim but I don’t practice, and I will be sworn in on March 23rd. I am very sad today. I try to tell myself that this is not what America represents but it’s very hard when elected American representatives single out an entire community. I am telling you, my biggest reason to become a citizen is to vote for Obama and like him. I really think he would need any vote he can get.
I am a contributing educated valuable member of this society. I don’t even practice any religion yet I feel cornered by this approach. I can only imagine how practicing Muslims feel about this.
Hello, Anar. America is better than the despicable beings you see showboating in congress, the scum on rightwing media, like Fox, promoting islamophobia, and the xenophobic ignoramuses who allow themselves to be influenced and manipulated by both.
America is mostly filled with people like me (an immigrant just like you), our lovely Chipsticks, sweet Sue in Minnesota, darling Dorothy, a friend like Fred, and you, anar. America is mostly filled by people like you. So welcome, congratulations on becoming a citizen. You make this country a better place.
Amen! Welcome Anar! Remember, as an American you too have every right to speak and do your piece. You have every right and together we can defeat this evil and hate that threatens our country.
Welcome Anar!
Anar, we are so glad you are joining our American family. As our President expressed in his interview(?) with Bill O’Reilly Americans see politics through the fun house mirrors of our media. It is a reflection that is often less than honest, factual or free from corporate or political agenda. Which serves to confuse, distract and tends to play on our emotions. The political process in America is intended to be deliberative, which means its slow, contested, and it delivers both successes and disappointments. In a fast paced world, it moves at a speed that defies and frustrates the patience of our citizens. The promise of America is a work in progress, I suspect in reality it is a process that literally has no true end. But it is, IMO imperative that we continue the push to move forward.
My hope is that you truly feel at home here in America, that you are received with respect, and have every opportunity to become the fullest expression of yourself. I would love to have you as a neighbor, a co-worker, or a member of my community or state. I am glad that we will be fellow Americans come March 23rd, and commend you for all the courage and determination it took to immigrate, settle and prepare for the swearing in process….realize in your preparations for citizenship, your understanding of U.S. history and the U.S. Constitution will surpass the knowledge of many Americans born and raised here. Their lack of knowledge does not stop them from thinking they know what they actually don’t, or speaking with ignorance. Freedom of speech doesn’t guarantee quality of content….something you may already be familiar with.
I also hope you find a sense of belonging and community here at TOD. I think “Mayor” Chipsticks does such incredible work, she enlightens, informs and provides a sanctuary away from the turmoil and treachery of our political realities. She also has a quick and delightful wit, is a genuis with videos and music, chases trolls and those with ill will away, is forever planting smiles, and never seems to run out of gas. President Obama and FLOTUS definitely owe her a lunch date. Every person that visits here has IMO, demonstrated the best possible traits we as humans can exhibit. We are diverse, colorful, lively, kind, generous, supportive, compassionate and empathetic. We are perceptive, and smart in our recognition and appreciation of the enormous gifts and abilities that our President and FLOTUS possess. We witness all the ways they work tirelessly, day after day, crisis after crisis to make America a better country for everyone. We are painfully aware that our own perceptions of our President are not shared by some of our fellow Americans. Some can not see, and some may see, but refuse to acknowledge the outstanding qualities and leadership of our President. Some are motivated by “unhealthy” and ignorant thinking or conditioning.
You are absolutely right, President Obama will need our votes, and our continuing support and participation. He needs us to be the change we can believe in. So glad to have you join us in supporting a truly remarkable human being, hope you find hope, inspiration and friendship here.
I feel so sad watching this. I accidentally met Keith Ellison once at the Farmers market in Minneapolis. He was canvassing for votes right before his election. I was guarding a pile of pumpkins while my friends went off to get food. Keith came up to me and shook my hand and asked me to vote for him. I told him I would if I could but I didn’t live in his district. I did promise to vote Democrat all the way down the ticket. He thanked me and went on his way. I watched the debates at that time and was very impressed with him. I also have Muslim friends and seeing what is happening now makes me very scared. I feel that we are heading down a path similar to pre-war Germany, when Jews were singled out as the national scapegoats.
The most upsetting thing is that so many people on the wrong side of this call the President a Fascist and a dictator and then they go and support this kind of witch hunt. Can’t they see how wrong they are? We can’t let these people win.
I ask God to show His face and stop these horrid, horrid people like Peter King and Eric Cantor who wreak evil in God’s name. They are as bad if not worse than the so-called “terrorists” they rail against! God I hate the hypocrisy and blatant manipulation that hurts and demeans so many good people!
Obama White House.gov
The Obama Diary 
This is a disgrace to this great country and to Eric cantor the leading supporter of these hearings. He should know better. Shame on all republicans who are involved in this. I can’t stop crying. Shame, shame, shame.
I can’t watch. I’m already in a bad place this morning. This might drive me over the edge.
I saw this posted on the Wisconsin livestream chat feed last night, and haven’t stopped thinking about it since: “As democracy rises in the Middle East, it falls in America.”
Isn’t it funny how the right has been screaming for the last two years that Obama is taking away our freedoms, yet here they are doing the very thing they accuse him of.
It’s a sad sad day in this country. And the world is watching what we’ve brought upon ourselves.
Hachiko, Thank you for sharing with us your sadness and expressing what I think all of us are feeling. Do you remember all those white people saying, “I want my country back”, many of them bawling out of grief for the fact that this country had elected this wonderful man who happens to be black.
Now those same kinds of people are trying to destroy what is good and decent about this country.
I am hugging you in my heart. dr
{{{{Dorothy}}}}
Excerpts from Steve Benen’s post: ELLISON’S EMOTIONAL TESTIMONY
As part of Rep. Peter King’s (R-N.Y.) hearing on the “radicalization” of American Muslims, Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) appeared as a witness, and offered powerful testimony.
Ellison, of course, is the first Muslim ever elected to Congress, and has been subjected to all kinds of ugliness. Soon after getting elected, Ellison appeared on Glenn Beck’s CNN show, and was told by the host, “[W]hat I feel like saying is, ‘Sir, prove to me that you are not working with our enemies.'”
.
.
….but the part of Ellison’s remarks that resonated most came towards the very end, when the Democrat told the committee about Muhammad Hamdami, a 23-year-old first responder who died on 9/11.
In an emotional story, Ellison described the young man who “wanted to be seen as an all-American kid.” He loved Star Wars, played on his high school football team, and became a research assistant at Rockefeller University while driving an ambulance part-time.
“Mr. Hamdani bravely sacrificed his life to try to help others on 9/11,” the congressman said. “After the tragedy, some people tried to smear his character solely because of his Islamic faith. Some people spread false rumors and speculated that he was in league with the attackers because he was Muslim. It was only when his remains were identified that these lies were exposed. Mohammed Salman Hamdani was a fellow American who gave his life for other Americans. His life should not be identified as just a member of an ethnic group or just a member of a religion, but as an American who gave everything for his fellow Americans.”
—————————-
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2011_03/028382.php
EFFING A**holes. Seriously that is all I have for this bunch anymore.. Republican congresspeople and those who support them… I want to live long enough to get them ALL voted out of our democracy.
I’m on spring break and was therefore able to watch the entire hearing. I was conflicted about watching this because on the one hand, I don’t want to give credence to this type of crap, but on the other hand, it’s history in the making and when, in the future, my nieces and nephews ask me about McCarthy-ism 2011, I want to be able to talk to them about it. This was nothing more than repug partisanship, several members of congress made today about the left “wrongfully defending Islam” and how shameful that the administration has not done enough to single out the problem areas in the muslim community. It was pure bulls***. All I could do was watch and curse my computer screen and think that, if there is a God, he must please forgive us because we are ridiculous and hateful and unfortunately, we know exactly what we do: we just don’t give a s***. Sorry. I try not to curse, but when it comes to politics, bad words are the only things I find coming out of my mouth. And shame on Peter King, Mr. Do-As-I-Say, not as I do. As far as I know, the IRA is a terrorist organization that King obviously does not mind backing. He’s such an idiot. Who the hell are these people who vote for these(Repug) dummies? History will not remember this decade very well.
Amen, amen, and amen.
This is such a very sad day in this country. The corporate media and PL helped put republicans in the position to do this. Peter King would not be in a position to hold these heinous hearings had it not been for two years of bashing the President and sitting on their butts last November and even voting for these SOBs.
Now what we must do is get our President’s back more than ever. The most important thing is to get President Barack Obama and Joe Biden re-elected. We’ve got to register new voters, raise money and get democrats to the voting booths. We must tell everyone over and over what this President has done for this country. And even more importantly, we must in mass push back on the corporate media lies.
We are truly seeing the book of Revelations being of truth today!! Why all this hate towards Muslims? I know alot of muslims who are wonderful people and would not even lift a hand towards another human being. Those terrorist groups should not speak for all Muslims..just as it wouldn’t be fair for those Catholic priest who conduct incest to be the cause of hate and condemnation of the Catholic religion…wise up people!! Obama 2012!!
Hello again P. White people, and yes I am one of them, have had control over every sector of our society for hundreds of years. Things are changing, and they are frightened. It is not all racism, but a big component of it is. A great deal of it has to do with their loss of power. Whites simply can no long control the country.
It has seemed for sometime that we have been moving in the right direction, however slow, but now many are so frightened that they are turning into right wing puritanical zealots. I am actually frightened.
Where are you from? What is your country like at this time?
Hey Again Dorothy..I am from the Caribbean Trinidad and Tobago to be exact! There is a large enough section of Muslim people in my country and they are really nice people. Yes i know there are the extremist who believe arms and ammunitions to be the key to a resolution eg the 1990 coup that took place here! My country have alot of Obama supporters because they don’t like the warlike leadership of ppl like Bush and is hoping Obama would be different & of course there are those of us who support him cause he’s black (I am being honest)mainly because its the first time there is a black family of the Obama’s status at this time. We are proud of him! Well carnival just concluded so that the main topic of discussion here other than that my coutry struggling to improve ourselves like everyone else at this time! With regards to what you said about white people I hope its in the minority…i don’t know or is in contact with too much white folks so I don’t have a clue!
farking arseholes 😡
I guess, like many of you, I am in a reflective mood today. It’s still hard for me to accept what is happening all around me. So, in going through all the news events online, I cannot help but see a stark contrast. On the one hand, there is our President and First Lady, leading an earnest and thoughtful conference on the subject of bullying in schools (and elsewhere) and, on the other hand, there is the self-righteous and pompous representative, Peter King, leading a national witchhunt directed at fellow Americans who happen to be of the Muslim faith. I see compassion and action to heal wounds at one site and prejudice and action to inflict wounds at the other. I can only hope that the majority of the people, having to choose which side they want to support, know in their hearts where to sign up.
Very un-American behavior on the part of Peter King, Eric Cantor and the likes. I am going to send them e-mails stating as much. They have no shame, evidently no moral compass, or commitment to the constitution they swore under oath to protect and serve.
sigh. I am an immigrant from Iran, born as a muslim but I don’t practice, and I will be sworn in on March 23rd. I am very sad today. I try to tell myself that this is not what America represents but it’s very hard when elected American representatives single out an entire community. I am telling you, my biggest reason to become a citizen is to vote for Obama and like him. I really think he would need any vote he can get.
I am a contributing educated valuable member of this society. I don’t even practice any religion yet I feel cornered by this approach. I can only imagine how practicing Muslims feel about this.
Hello, Anar. America is better than the despicable beings you see showboating in congress, the scum on rightwing media, like Fox, promoting islamophobia, and the xenophobic ignoramuses who allow themselves to be influenced and manipulated by both.
America is mostly filled with people like me (an immigrant just like you), our lovely Chipsticks, sweet Sue in Minnesota, darling Dorothy, a friend like Fred, and you, anar. America is mostly filled by people like you. So welcome, congratulations on becoming a citizen. You make this country a better place.
Amen! Welcome Anar! Remember, as an American you too have every right to speak and do your piece. You have every right and together we can defeat this evil and hate that threatens our country.
Welcome Anar!
Thank you! I knew I can open up here to the wonderful people who read this blog:)
Anar, we are so glad you are joining our American family. As our President expressed in his interview(?) with Bill O’Reilly Americans see politics through the fun house mirrors of our media. It is a reflection that is often less than honest, factual or free from corporate or political agenda. Which serves to confuse, distract and tends to play on our emotions. The political process in America is intended to be deliberative, which means its slow, contested, and it delivers both successes and disappointments. In a fast paced world, it moves at a speed that defies and frustrates the patience of our citizens. The promise of America is a work in progress, I suspect in reality it is a process that literally has no true end. But it is, IMO imperative that we continue the push to move forward.
My hope is that you truly feel at home here in America, that you are received with respect, and have every opportunity to become the fullest expression of yourself. I would love to have you as a neighbor, a co-worker, or a member of my community or state. I am glad that we will be fellow Americans come March 23rd, and commend you for all the courage and determination it took to immigrate, settle and prepare for the swearing in process….realize in your preparations for citizenship, your understanding of U.S. history and the U.S. Constitution will surpass the knowledge of many Americans born and raised here. Their lack of knowledge does not stop them from thinking they know what they actually don’t, or speaking with ignorance. Freedom of speech doesn’t guarantee quality of content….something you may already be familiar with.
I also hope you find a sense of belonging and community here at TOD. I think “Mayor” Chipsticks does such incredible work, she enlightens, informs and provides a sanctuary away from the turmoil and treachery of our political realities. She also has a quick and delightful wit, is a genuis with videos and music, chases trolls and those with ill will away, is forever planting smiles, and never seems to run out of gas. President Obama and FLOTUS definitely owe her a lunch date. Every person that visits here has IMO, demonstrated the best possible traits we as humans can exhibit. We are diverse, colorful, lively, kind, generous, supportive, compassionate and empathetic. We are perceptive, and smart in our recognition and appreciation of the enormous gifts and abilities that our President and FLOTUS possess. We witness all the ways they work tirelessly, day after day, crisis after crisis to make America a better country for everyone. We are painfully aware that our own perceptions of our President are not shared by some of our fellow Americans. Some can not see, and some may see, but refuse to acknowledge the outstanding qualities and leadership of our President. Some are motivated by “unhealthy” and ignorant thinking or conditioning.
You are absolutely right, President Obama will need our votes, and our continuing support and participation. He needs us to be the change we can believe in. So glad to have you join us in supporting a truly remarkable human being, hope you find hope, inspiration and friendship here.
Sue, you’re just the kindest – thank you so, so much, love ya!
My heart is too heavy to even discuss this event….I cried when I heard him cry:(
I am just sick
Here’s something comforting to see
May Our Creator Help us all!
http://www.motleymoose.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=465
I feel so sad watching this. I accidentally met Keith Ellison once at the Farmers market in Minneapolis. He was canvassing for votes right before his election. I was guarding a pile of pumpkins while my friends went off to get food. Keith came up to me and shook my hand and asked me to vote for him. I told him I would if I could but I didn’t live in his district. I did promise to vote Democrat all the way down the ticket. He thanked me and went on his way. I watched the debates at that time and was very impressed with him. I also have Muslim friends and seeing what is happening now makes me very scared. I feel that we are heading down a path similar to pre-war Germany, when Jews were singled out as the national scapegoats.
The most upsetting thing is that so many people on the wrong side of this call the President a Fascist and a dictator and then they go and support this kind of witch hunt. Can’t they see how wrong they are? We can’t let these people win.
I ask God to show His face and stop these horrid, horrid people like Peter King and Eric Cantor who wreak evil in God’s name. They are as bad if not worse than the so-called “terrorists” they rail against! God I hate the hypocrisy and blatant manipulation that hurts and demeans so many good people!
Their ends will not be justified. We the people will rise up and do what is right. VOTE, and take one with you to vote, and of course Democratic ;o)