NEWS: CNN to Muslim Congressman: Prove You're Not a Terrorist

POLITICS: CNN to Muslim Congressman: Prove You're Not a Terrorist

Congressman-elect Keith Ellison (D-MN) hasn't had the easiest road to public office. Being the very first muslim member of Congress in US history, he's had the privelige of enduring a hatchet job from Newsweek, as well as having to endure the oft cited vitriol of professional internet troll and conservative David Horowitz. But defying the odds, he won Minnesota's fifth district by a massive margin (beating out the next highest ranking candidate by over 30% of the vote) and is now set to change history. But he'll have to get over a few more stumbling blocks along the way, including some absolutely outrageous comments from CNN talk show host Glenn Beck, who decided to ask him to "prove he's not working with our enemies."

The man just got elected to Congress for Christ's sake, and he's already being questioned by conservative media hosts about his patriotism? It's hard to tell whether Beck is incredibly malicious or just woefully ignorant. There are currently several million Muslims (the exact number is hard to pin down) currently living in the United States, and well over a billion worldwide. Does that mean that they're all "our enemies" (including the ones currently living in the US?) That every single one should be subject to the ridiculous suspicions of people like Beck? This man is a piece of filth, he's a good indication of how racism and bias are still happily residing in the US, they've just managed to go far enough beneath the surface that it can take a little jostling before they're in plain view.

Oh really, legionnaire? Well you sound like a Commie bastard!--Oops, I mean a Muslim! Wait no, I mean terrorist... Yeah... yeah there we go.

Leave it to Republicans to act like a bunch of racist assholes. Imagine that.

Our So Called Liberal Media at work again. Rep. Ellison showed more reserve than most of us would've in that same situation. I think the proper answer to that racist piece of shit would've been along the lines of "fuck you Glenn."

Wow Glenn really did it again.He's probably the worst choice for a talk show on headline news but they went with him anyways.He gets terrible ratings and is probably just trying to get some kinda media attention to his uninteresting show.

Yeah, I'm still trying to figure out his appeal. He's almost as boring as me, and he really seems like an intellectual lightweight.

That is some of the most irresponsible questioning and one of the most completely stupid fucking arseholes I have ever seen on TV. Thats the sort of self serving, sensationalist, shite that causes people to hate the american news networks.

I'm English, so Beck would have asked me "So, do you intend to raise the tax on tea now you're in office?"

No wonder America is fucked. Too many rednecks in high places!!!

He brought up a point which many conservative voters feel is worthwhile. And controversy in media sells.

Of course, he really didn't ask a question. He made a request, one which is impossible to satisfy; and it's this part that makes the whole scenario rather silly. But what it did is bring a sentiment that many Americans hold into the spotlight with Ellison having the opportunity to respond.

I think it's sad that anyone would feel this is a worthwhile concern. But the fact is people do, and it should be addressed for this reason. If it continues to be an issue after being addressed, then I'll start to get upset.

This goes way farther then political parties. This is disgusting. I know not many people watch his show, (this being the first time I've heard about his comments) but how could CNN's bosses let this through. This is completely irresponsible of not only Beck but everyone above him. I've always thought of CNN to be the 'liberal news source' lined up against FNC.

+1 plus infinity to Mr. Ellison for keeping his cool. I wouldn't have held it against him if he beat the shit out of Beck.

I guess though, this is something that (unfortunately) he's going to have to deal with this. It makes me sick.

But surely we must always work to better ourselves as a society. A person in the media, an educated man whom we all hope should know better, should be demonstrating why such concerns are racist and stupid rather than pandering to the ignorance which spawns them.

oh for fucks sake

Wow, nothing sounds quite as racist as, "I know 'racial group'. I like 'racial group', but"

couldn't have said it better, myself...

i'm sure some of glenn beck's best friends are muslims.

So, is he a terrorist or not?

damnit i was gonna say that

Great choice of words *sarcasm*. What an ASS. I'm surprised this was on CNN, not FOX.

Glen Beck is a tool of the liberal media, it's beyond obvious. Why else would a succesful news network let the stupidest conservative that ever opened his mouth host a show?

I'm about as flag-waving, yippie for america as you'll find around here and that thought would never have occurred to me. Beck is a dipshit. I really can't imagine he's THAT assinine and has lived this long without his face getting all fucked up. I think he's just trolling for ratings with whatever he can think of.

That is so offensive it's comical.

SRSLY

making 5 appologies for the offensive things youre going to say doesnt, ya know, make what youre going to say less offensive.

or, as another internet commenter said,
"talk show host asks condi rice if she likes watermelon"

Took the words right out of my mouth.

Don't worry. Soon John Stuart will ruin Beck's career like he did that other dick.

and i'm the queen of england.

oh, Beck made that request because Ellison is muslim. well, that is utterly ridiculous, moronic, offensive, and more...

when I first heard the quote, I did not think much of it, however, because I ask everyone a question like that when I meet them.
you know, go to a party, "Hi, I'm John" "Sir, prove to me you are not working with my enemies".
"You're cute, my name is Susan" "Madam, prove to me that you are in no way affiliated with any of my nemeses".
"Dude, you're creeping people out. I am going to have to ask you to leave." "I knew that you were working with my adversaries all along, and I challenge you to disprove that assertion".

I mean, come on, you gotta figure out where people stand.

that being said, though, this Beck guy is a dick.

Prepare to be stunned at the sight of the usual goose-steppers barking with delight. "Stupidest conservative(s)" indeed.