Peter King's crusade

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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."


FACTS & FIGURES

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



SAR/HJ/SM

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