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From Senator Harry Reid
In Arlington National Cemetery, there is a white headstone, which, like so many others, marks the final resting place of a courageous service-member who gave his life in combat. This grave belongs to Kareem Khan of New Jersey, who was just 20 years old. Kareem was Muslim.
Kareem’s rank was that of Specialist in the Stryker Brigade of the U.S. Army’s 2nd Infantry division. He received a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and a medal for good conduct. Like thousands of other soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, Kareem Khan sacrificed everything for his country. Kareem gave, as President Abraham Lincoln said, “the last full measure of devotion” for the United States.
But yesterday, I watched on “Meet the Press” as a Republican candidate for President denigrated Kareem Khan and all Muslim-Americans. Ben Carson questioned Muslim-Americans devotion to the United States. He questioned their integrity. And then Ben Carson unilaterally disqualified every Muslim-American from becoming President of the United States.
Shame on him. Shame on any person who spews such vile, hateful rhetoric. The nearly three million Muslim in this country are part of the fabric of America. They teach in our schools, fight in our military, and serve in Congress. Congressmen Keith Ellison of Minnesota and Andre Carson of Indiana – both Muslim – have represented their districts and states with distinction.
Sadly, this is just another example of Republican candidates refusing to speak for three million Muslim Americans. We saw it last week with Donald Trump, as he refused to denounce bigotry at his own campaign rally. If these Republican candidates are incapable of going to bat for America’s Muslim community, then they shouldn’t run for President of the United States.
I call upon every Republican to denounce Ben Carson’s disgusting remarks. That shameful intolerance and bigotry should have no place in America today. Sadly, it seems to have a lasting place in the Republican Party. Republicans should open their eyes and take note of the contributions of our country’s Muslim community. Until they do, none of them will be worthy of leading this nation.
In Arlington National Cemetery, there is a white headstone, which, like so many others, marks the final resting place of a courageous service-member who gave his life in combat. This grave belongs to Kareem Khan of New Jersey, who was just 20 years old. Kareem was Muslim.
Kareem’s rank was that of Specialist in the Stryker Brigade of the U.S. Army’s 2nd Infantry division. He received a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and a medal for good conduct. Like thousands of other soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, Kareem Khan sacrificed everything for his country. Kareem gave, as President Abraham Lincoln said, “the last full measure of devotion” for the United States.
But yesterday, I watched on “Meet the Press” as a Republican candidate for President denigrated Kareem Khan and all Muslim-Americans. Ben Carson questioned Muslim-Americans devotion to the United States. He questioned their integrity. And then Ben Carson unilaterally disqualified every Muslim-American from becoming President of the United States.
Shame on him. Shame on any person who spews such vile, hateful rhetoric. The nearly three million Muslim in this country are part of the fabric of America. They teach in our schools, fight in our military, and serve in Congress. Congressmen Keith Ellison of Minnesota and Andre Carson of Indiana – both Muslim – have represented their districts and states with distinction.
Sadly, this is just another example of Republican candidates refusing to speak for three million Muslim Americans. We saw it last week with Donald Trump, as he refused to denounce bigotry at his own campaign rally. If these Republican candidates are incapable of going to bat for America’s Muslim community, then they shouldn’t run for President of the United States.
I call upon every Republican to denounce Ben Carson’s disgusting remarks. That shameful intolerance and bigotry should have no place in America today. Sadly, it seems to have a lasting place in the Republican Party. Republicans should open their eyes and take note of the contributions of our country’s Muslim community. Until they do, none of them will be worthy of leading this nation.
Religion
Election 2016
Republicans
Democrats
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 31
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I think that Harry Reid is an interesting choice to quote on the subject. He has a long history of hateful rhetoric.
This is a shameless play to attempt to paint all Republicans with the brush of racism. A long standing tactic of the DNC. Can't use the usual rubric on Ben Carson, so they go this route. Dr Carson gave an answer that many will rally around, others will decry. In political terms, he made an unforced error. A Muslim is not running for President. The day one does, that question will be asked plenty. Today, it is an ad hominum.
This is a shameless play to attempt to paint all Republicans with the brush of racism. A long standing tactic of the DNC. Can't use the usual rubric on Ben Carson, so they go this route. Dr Carson gave an answer that many will rally around, others will decry. In political terms, he made an unforced error. A Muslim is not running for President. The day one does, that question will be asked plenty. Today, it is an ad hominum.
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MAJ Keira Brennan
LCDR (Join to see) - im TOTALLY AGAINST the falsity of Islam along with all the Abrahamic traditions. Im for people but not iron age myths.
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SSG John Gillespie
SGT Curtis Earl - I agree with a lot of what Dr Carson says, but as it stands I will not be voting for him because we part ways on some very fundamental policy positions and priorities. And, no, it is doubtful that I will be voting for this modern version of Republican candidate any time soon.
Does that mean I dislike the man or his larger message? No. It means that I'm exercising my natural talents as an analytical thinker in determining what I believe is the best course for our nation at this time. I want my Republic back and that is, to me, of critical importance at the moment. Quite honestly, I would love to see Dr Carson in a cabinet position where his views and talents could do serious good for the American People while someone with a more defined view of what is necessary for socio-political and economic reform gets in there and pushes Congress to make those changes a reality.
Does that mean I dislike the man or his larger message? No. It means that I'm exercising my natural talents as an analytical thinker in determining what I believe is the best course for our nation at this time. I want my Republic back and that is, to me, of critical importance at the moment. Quite honestly, I would love to see Dr Carson in a cabinet position where his views and talents could do serious good for the American People while someone with a more defined view of what is necessary for socio-political and economic reform gets in there and pushes Congress to make those changes a reality.
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SSgt (Join to see)
analytical. If you had that you would never vote for Democrats... Democrats are digging their own political graves...
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PO3 Sherry Thornburg
Rhetorical statment about something that may or may not happen in the future, however, a recently published study shows that Islamic followers aren't of a piece on how to deal with secular vs. religious laws. You would have to ask the future candidate if they agree to defend and uphold secular laws over religious laws. As I recall Kennedy was required to say he would uphold the constitution above the teachings of the Catholic Church for the same reasons this issue comes up today.
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You missed a much larger point, and either already had your mind made up about Dr. Carson, or did not watch the entire exchange.
I disagree with him, but you are not accurately portraying what was said. The same as many in the GOP are misrepresenting Hillary Clinton's remarks.
You're right we need to be more tolerant, but his point (poorly articulated and easily manipulated in selected quotes) was that upholding sharia law may be counter to the constitution. Can you say that it isn't?
Obviously not all Muslims feel all the rules of Sharia law should or do apply. Which is why he clarified his statement (still not very well).
I have significant other issues with this candidate as well, but I can't stand people using one liners and half-quotes to further an agenda. He is not a bigot, and what you're doing is the equivalent of pulling the race card for someone stating a fact about incarceration rates.
I disagree with him, but you are not accurately portraying what was said. The same as many in the GOP are misrepresenting Hillary Clinton's remarks.
You're right we need to be more tolerant, but his point (poorly articulated and easily manipulated in selected quotes) was that upholding sharia law may be counter to the constitution. Can you say that it isn't?
Obviously not all Muslims feel all the rules of Sharia law should or do apply. Which is why he clarified his statement (still not very well).
I have significant other issues with this candidate as well, but I can't stand people using one liners and half-quotes to further an agenda. He is not a bigot, and what you're doing is the equivalent of pulling the race card for someone stating a fact about incarceration rates.
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SN Greg Wright
LCDR (Join to see) Careful with that logic on the interwebs, Commander. It'll get you ridiculed!
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Harry Reid would be absolutely correct if he wasn't Harry Reid. In that I mean, Harry Reid the congressman. The same man who's a mirror image of his counterpart in the RNC both equally worthless. Had this comment come from the average man or woman, I'd be 1000% behind it. But when you cross the line and use deaths for votes, then I have nothing for you. There are loads of Islamic warriors in our nations military and they fight with us bravely and with distinction every day. Funny thing we don't see them as Islamic warriors we see them as Soldiers, Marines, Airmen, and Sailors. Again so much more to worry about. BTW to add to yesterdays talk, Mr. Reid, instead of using this Soldiers death as a contrast to Dr. Carson's comments, why not celebrate his life and his accomplishments to the country and the Army? FOR THE HELL OF IT? People like you would throw out Dakota Myers name just off principle. Why not use this picture to tell congress that alongside him, there are quite a few who actually made it home just to die on our own land? Why are we expanding military cemeteries not for those who died naturally or from foreign battles but from self inflicted injuries due to lack of care, or follow through from those who sent them in the first place? Kareem Khan of New Jersey is a Soldier and a NCO. No different that the thousands who served before or after him. His religion and religious view doesn't mean anything. His dedication to his country and his belief in her does. Congress when have you shown this level of commitment to the United States that this NCO did? You do when it's election time and you need billionaire financiers and your PAC's to solicit donations. Now you know who I am, but not a DAMN thing about me. What have you given that would even compare? I don't care if/how/why legislators go after each other, but I do when you use us as a means to do it. Leave us alone. You haven't been doing anything for us so far, and to think that would change today is stupid. Recon In Peace CPL, your day is done. Enjoy your walks in heaven or whatever you want to call it. Just make sure St. Pete has the BBQ ready after he inspects my uniform when it's my time to get up there.
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