Anti-Muslim rhetoric and hate has become commonplace and increasingly acceptable in political and civic discourse. It’s unfortunately fueled a toxic environment in which violence against the Muslim, Arab, Sikh, and South Asian American communities is on the rise. That’s not America.
That’s why Congressman John Conyers (D-Mich.) introduced H.Res. 283, a resolution making it the official position of the United States Congress that the “Federal Government should take steps to counter the growth in anti-Muslim sentiments, targeted rhetorical attacks, and violence against the Muslim, Arab, Sikh, and South Asian American communities.”
Write your member of Congress today asking him or her to co-sponsor H. Res. 283.
Will you unite with us to support the American values of freedom, truth and fairness?
Whether for political gain or public notoriety, anti-Muslim rhetoric and bigotry has become acceptable in political and civic discourse. That’s not America. Today, I am taking a stand for what unites us as Americans – freedom, truth and justice – and against the type of fear-mongering that seeks to divide us.
One month ago, U.S. Reps Gary Miller and Ed Royce attended an anti-Muslim rally in Orange County in which right-wing protesters hurled hateful comments at American Muslim families attending a fundraiser to support women’s shelters and charitable efforts to curb hunger and homelessness.
At the rally, protesters yelled insults at attendees, including families with young children, including “You are stupid terrorists! Go home! Go home! Go home!” In addition, Villa Park Councilwoman Deborah Pauly spoke from the stage and said, “I know quite a few Marines who will be very happy to help these terrorists to an early meeting in paradise.”
On March 10, Congressman Peter King held congressional hearings unfairly targeting the American Muslim community.
Whether for political gain or public notoriety, anti-Muslim rhetoric and bigotry has become acceptable in political and civic discourse. These hearings are the worst example – because they legitimize anti-Muslim rhetoric by giving them a congressional stamp of approval.
WhatUnites.Us calls on all Americans to focus on what unites us and to call out the hateful rhetoric and actions that divide us. Contact your member of congress and ask them to take a stand against hearings like this that not only divide us, but make us less safe.