Virgil Goode, Islamophobe?
In a letter ostensibly intended as a response to concerns raised by some of his constituents regarding Minnesota Rep. Keith Ellison’s use of the Qur’an during his swearing in ceremony, Virginia Rep. Virgil Goode clearly expressed prejudicial sentiments towards Muslims. As an American Muslim of Scots-Irish descent and member of Mr. Goode’s constituency, my initial reaction was deeply personal. I was outraged that I was being made to feel unwelcome in my own home by “my” representative’s myopic and prejudicial views.
After this initial blush of indignation and disgust, however, I realized that the significance Mr. Goode’s views as expressed in his letter and on Fox News, extends well beyond a “personal” attack on me. As one of this great nation’s highest elected officials, Mr. Goode has exemplified some of the lowest characteristics of human behavior: prejudice and intolerance. This affects EVERYONE!
Mr. Goode has been fond of claiming that he is speaking on behalf of his constituency. If you reside in Virginia’s 5th District, and if you disagree with Mr. Goode, please “Write Your Representative” and let him know that he does NOT speak on your behalf.
Technorati Tags: Virgil Goode, Virginia, Islam, Islamophobia, Muslims, prejudice, intolerance
January 2nd, 2007 at 12:15 pm
Saw this, too, and had a similar reaction. Although not directly included in his statement, I felt personally affected as well – on behalf of everyone living in this district. I called his office the day I read the article to complain, and also used the “Write your representative” link to do the same.
January 3rd, 2007 at 11:17 am
Thanks, Steve. Good on ya!
January 3rd, 2007 at 9:38 pm
Here‘s another way to represent.
January 3rd, 2007 at 9:38 pm
Here‘s another way to represent.