Bachmann’s Muslim Witch Hunt Must be Stopped in its Tracks

July 18, 2012


MPAC today called Rep. Michele Bachmann’s (R-MN) request for investigations into what she called the supposed “infiltration” of the U.S. government by “fundamentalist Muslims” an “absurd and shameful witch hunt only Sen. McCarthy could be proud of.”

Last month, Ba­chmann, ­along with four other members of Congress, sent a letter to the Inspectors General of the Department of Justice, the State Department, the Department of Homeland Security and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence making baseless claims that the Muslim Brotherhood is infiltrating the U.S. government through organizations, including MPAC and individuals who are working in the government.

SEE: Anderson Cooper Slams Michele Bachmann’s Islamophobic Witch Hunt (CNN)

“This is a witch hunt, pure and simple,” said Haris Tarin, Director of MPAC’s Washington, DC, office. “The attempt by Rep. Bachmann and her alliance of hate and fear to marginalize the American Muslim community has gone beyond politics and has become a national disgrace. This is McCarthyism at its worst, a threat which should unite public officials to cross party lines to uphold America’s fundamental commitment of equality.”

MPAC also commended Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) for taking to the Senate floor to condemn Bachmann’s witch hunt. Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) also took the airwaves last night, after he sent a letter to Bachmann and her colleagues, demanding evidence for their accusations.

ALSO SEE: Keith Ellison on Anderson Cooper 360 (CNN)

“When anyone, not least a member of Congress, launches specious and degrading attacks against fellow Americans on the basis of nothing more than fear of who they are and ignorance of what they stand for, it defames the spirit of our nation, and we all grow poorer because of it,” McCain said.

The five members of Congress – who also include Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX), Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ), Rep. Thomas Rooney (R-FL) and Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA) -- are basing their claims on evidence that is “questionable, at best,” in the words of journalist Anderson Cooper.

In a 16-page follow-up letter sent to the Inspectors General, Bachmann’s provided “evidence” for her claims from none other than Frank Gaffney, whom the Southern Poverty Law Center calls one of the nation’s top Islamophobes.

The congressional leaders making these accusations along with Bachmann have breached the trust of the public they serve. These members must be held responsible by the media and their constituents. If there was any offense that would warrant a resignation from a member of Congress, it seems that we have reached that point.

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