Following an unprecedented wave of fearmongering and violence inspired by a number of Republican lawmakers, Democrats have spoken out against the growing Islamophobia in our political discourse. Senator Tommy Tuberville and Congressman Randy Fine have already received a storm of condemnation for their anti-Islam, anti-Muslim rhetoric. Even their most ardent supporters admit to the dangerous and divisive nature of their rhetoric.
Senator Tuberville recently called Islam a “cult,” claiming that Muslims “are here to conquer.” His remarks come amid considerable international pressure, following the shooting of a soldier in Australia that has once again focused the world’s attention on the threat of Islamic extremism. Tuberville’s incendiary rhetoric has led to intense criticism from multiple outlets. Even members from his own party and from his constituents down in Alabama have pressured him to interact with the local Muslim community at a local mosque. To date, though, that invitation has gone unaccepted by Tuberville.
Florida Congressman Randy Fine was recently called out for posting Islamophobic content on social media. He regularly posted statements insisting that “Diversity is now a suicide pact.” Before that, he grabbed headlines for calling for Gaza’s destruction and mocking a dead Palestinian child. In response to Fine announcing his bill, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has called Fine an anti-Muslim bigot. He has personally led efforts to deport legal Muslim immigrants and revoke citizenship from Muslims as often as he can.
In response to these statements, Democratic leaders have publicly condemned the Administration’s pro-Keystone position. Sen. Patty Murray called Fine’s comments “vile and disgusting” and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called them a “disgrace.” Ocasio-Cortez emphasized that Muslims should not be used as scapegoats for antisemitic attacks or political failures, stating, “Our Muslim neighbors are not Republicans’ scapegoats for antisemitic attacks and Trump’s failed policies.”
Senator Chris Murphy, who represents Newtown, CT, condemned Fine’s comments as “vile and so un-American,” noting that normalizing this sort of bigoted rhetoric is extremely harmful. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer characterized Fine’s statements as “an outrageous, disgusting display of Islamophobia,” calling for accountability among those who perpetuate such views.
Unfortunately, the problem of Islamophobia in politics is not a new one. In 2017, then-President Donald Trump issued a travel ban on seven Muslim-majority countries. This decision quickly opened the floodgates for anti-Muslim politicians to stoke Islamophobia for political gain. Unfortunately, this current wave of hostility is a direct reflection of those sentiments. In reply, Democrats are calling on their GOP colleagues to be more honest.
In response to the backlash, Tuberville doubled down on the backlash. He went on to proudly refer to it as a “badge of honor” and promised that he would fight on, fight for American values.
“Badge of honor. I will NEVER stop fighting for AMERICANS and our Constitutional values.” – Tommy Tuberville
Congressman Fine certainly put his statements to solid support. He insisted that he wasn’t going to abandon America “on the altar of suicidal empathy.”
“Bring it. I will not sacrifice America on the altar of suicidal empathy. Islamophobia is lie. Because fear of Islam is rational.” – Randy Fine
These requisite statements have quickly sparked anger among reality-based commentators, academics and activists. Award-winning journalist Mehdi Hasan has called out the notion that it’s acceptable for someone like Fine to still be in Congress.
“How is this man allowed to be in Congress?” – Mehdi Hasan
Hasan slammed the Democratic leadership for their failure to raise this alarm. He explained why Fine’s op ed is a much bigger danger than the one-off attacks from random trolls.
“Where the fuck are you @RepJeffries and Dem leaders in Congress? How is this ok? This is worse than anything random trolls like Nick Fuentes say. This is insanely racist and dangerous stuff.” – Mehdi Hasan
While these conversations are taking place, the need to further challenge Islamophobia in all levels of politics is urgent and essential. Democrats argue that allowing this type of rhetoric to go unchallenged will only embolden those who spread hate.