MUSLIMS IN AMERICA – AT 10:37 A.M. ET:  We had a classic Washington spectacle this week.  Representative Peter King of New York began hearings on the radicalization of American Muslims, and the implications for terrorism.  King was immediately denounced as 1) a racist, 2) an Islamophobe, 3) a grandstander, 4) a McCarthyite, and 5) a right-wing zealot.  What a shock.

The usual suspects came out in force.  Sadly, some Democratic members of King's own committee joined the opposition.  It was particularly said to see African-Americans leading in this smear campaign.  They might gently be reminded of the number of African-Americans killed in terrorist attacks.  But Islam has made inroads into the black community, which is why black members of Congress feel compelled to oppose King.

Some brave Muslims testified before King's committee about the danger of radical infiltration of their community, one father movingly telling how his son has been radicalized.  They were disparaged and insulted by Democratic committee members and so-called Muslim "representatives."

We have in the past investigated dangers that have had ethnic connections, and have done so without demonizing the members of ethnic communities.  Before World War II, there were probes into Nazi penetration of German-American communities, but no one suggested that the probes were targeting all German-Americans.   Congress has investigated organized crime, where Italian and sometimes Jewish names have come up.  But no one believes the targets have been those communities.  Now, investigations into organized crime might turn up some Russian connections.  But does anyone believe we're targeting all Russian-Americans? 

Muslim-Americans should welcome King's hearings, which will show that the great majority of Muslims are not involved in terror-related activities, but that there is a danger to the community itself.  But we've become so "sensitive," so politically correct, that King has become the target, not the radicals.

A new Rasmussen poll, though, shows that Americans just don't buy the idea that Muslims are particularly targeted by their fellow citizens:

Most voters don’t believe their fellow citizens are unfair to Muslim Americans. They also think Muslims in this country should be louder in their criticism of potential domestic terrorist attacks.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 17% of Likely U.S. Voters believe that most Muslims in America are treated unfairly because of their religion and ethnicity. Sixty-three percent (63%) disagree and say they are not treated unfairly while 20% are not sure.

A plurality (49%) of liberal voters, however, says there is bias against Muslim Americans. Eighty-one percent (81%) of conservatives and 57% of moderates disagree.

What can you expect of modern "liberals"?

But only 10% of all voters think American Muslims are speaking out enough against potential terrorist attacks in the United States. Fifty-seven percent (57%) disagree and say they are not speaking out enough. One-in-three voters (34%) are not sure.

COMMENT:  We encourage Congressman King to be brave, and not break under the whip of political correctness.  He is a leader in cutting through the propaganda and getting to the truth.

March 11, 2011