In the wake of the Paris terrorist attacks, some right-wing figures have lashed out at law-abiding Muslims and Syrian refugees. (More here and here.) Some right-wing leaders have called for everything from bans on Syrian refugees to mosque closures to monitoring of Muslim residents. Xenophobia and bigotry are very much alive in the U.S., sadly.
Even my home state, Pennsylvania, has not escaped the controversy. When Governor Wolf stated that Pennsylvania would still accept Syrian refugees, some Pennsylvania lawmakers and citizens urged him to reverse his decision.
Below are news stories on the recent eruption of open xenophobia among some Republicans and right-wing figures.
The Tennessean: Tennessee GOP leader: Round up Syrian refugees, remove from state
Washington Post: ‘Rabid’ dogs and closing mosques: Anti-Islam rhetoric grows in GOP
Kansas City Star: Missouri lawmaker calls for legislature to stop ‘Islamization of Missouri’ by Syrian refugees
CNN: Trump would 'certainly implement' national database for U.S. Muslims
Media Matters for America: Fox Business Chyron: "Close All U.S. Mosques?"
Talking Points Memo: GOP Rep. Bashes 'Xenophobic And Knee-Jerk' Rhetoric On Syrian Refugees
(Hat tip to Slaktivist for some of these links.)
My state has weighed in on the issue as well. What makes me sick is when FB peeps start going off on tangents and urging others to call their state reps and vote against it.
ReplyDeleteI do understand the fear that comes with allowing large masses to come into our country. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't apprehensive, BUT, if the roles were reversed and my family needed a safe place, I'd want other countries to open their doors to us.
Heather -- I would feel the same way. Unfortunately, some right-wing figures are letting fear get the better of them (or using fear to manipulate others).
DeleteThe extent to which these rightwing figures must dehumanize entire races/ethnicities/cultures in order to feel superior to them is astounding. It doesn't speak highly of their collective intelligence, either.
ReplyDeleteAgi Tater -- Their xenophobia is both irrational and hateful. Where is their empathy?
DeleteThe terrorists have won. Congress is terrorized and scared shitless knowing these women and children will commit mass atrocities to them and their families. And take all their hardly earned money.
ReplyDeleteJono -- Not yet. They only win if America completely succumbs to fear and xenophobia. I'm hoping that rational people get the upper hand and allow refugees to continue seeking refuge here.
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