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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CAIR 'Grateful' Constitution Limits Michele Bachmann's McCarthyism
Muslim civil rights group challenges congresswoman's anti-Muslim fear mongering
(WASHINGTON, DC, 7/19/2012) -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today sent a letter to Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (R-MN) in response to her recent calls for investigations of American Muslims who are participating in the democratic process.
In the letter, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad wrote in part:
"We remain eternally grateful that, like Sen. Joseph McCarthy before you, your power is limited, enumerated and constrained by our nation's constitution."
Awad also wrote:
"Your letters challenging the loyalty of patriotic American Muslims based on discredited anti-Muslim conspiracy theories can only be described as devoid of a sense of decency. These are American citizens asking what they can do for their nation.
"Among those you accuse, Mrs. Huma Abedin helps the Secretary of State represent the best interests of our nation overseas. The Society of Former Special Agents last year honored Mohamed Elibiary for his 'extraordinary contributions to specific cases in support of the FBI's counterterrorism mission.' Dalia Mogahed was appointed to the president's Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships has advised the Department of Homeland Security. Imam Mohamed Magid enjoys widespread interfaith respect and has also advised the Department of Homeland Security.
"The honorable public service of these individuals deserves better treatment than political theatrics characterized by half-truths, overblown accusations and guilt by association."
The Washington-based Muslim civil rights organization's letter also condemned Bachmann's rhetorical attacks on the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) and Muslim Advocates.
SEE: CAIR Letter to Michele Bachmann
CAIR National Legislative Director Corey Saylor had previously told ABC News: "America wants a serious national security conversation. Michelle Bachmann is giving us a six degrees of separation drinking game."
Yesterday, Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) said of Bachmann's efforts to target Muslims, "These attacks have no logic, no basis, and no merit and they need to stop. They need to stop now."
SEE: McCain Defends Clinton Aide Against Bachmann Accusation
Similarly, Edward Rollins, who was Bachmann's campaign chief during her recent presidential run, said: "Having worked for Congressman Bachman's campaign for president, I am fully aware that she sometimes has difficulty with her facts, but this is downright vicious and reaches the late Senator Joe McCarthy level."
SEE: Bachmann's Former Campaign Chief -- Shame on You, Michele
When asked about the controversy, House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) said today, "From everything that I do know of [Abedin], she has a sterling character and I think accusations like this being thrown around are pretty dangerous."
SEE: Huma Abedin Attacks By Michele Bachmann Condemned By John Boehner, Marco Rubio
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Legislative Director Corey Saylor, 202-384-8857, E-Mail: csaylor@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, E-Mail: ihooper@cair.com; CAIR Communications Manager Amina Rubin, 202-488-8787, 202-341-4171, E-Mail: arubin@cair.com
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