In the 1950's, at the height of the Red Scare, people would be asked "Are you now or have you ever been a member of the Communist Party?" Now, we have the Green Scare where even presidential candidates are asked, "Are you now or have you ever been a Muslim?"
Barack Obama has been asked this question multiple times throughout the campaign (you can see 60 Minutes asking him this question in the video below). For the record, he isn't. He's a good Christian (as opposed to a bad Muslim, I suppose). But what if he was Muslim? Well, that would automatically disqualify him, wouldn't it? The sad thing is that there's no question that it would.
Americans might vote for a woman or a black candidate, but a Muslim is out of the question. Not even close. In fact, it's now considered a smear to call a candidate a Muslim. I don't know if people know this, but Muslim-Americans are just as American as Christian-Americans. I know that seems ridiculous, come on, they're Muslim! But no, if you check the constitution, amazingly enough, all Americans are in fact supposed to be equal.
So, why am I so animated by this? Wait a minute, am I now or have I ever been a Muslim?!
I better answer those charges before you take my opinion on this seriously. What if I'm a closet Muslim trying to infiltrate the United States? You know there are real Muslims who are trying to undermine this country. We have to be careful. They're a threat to our way of life. Just like those communists were ... oh yeah.
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The Green Scare
Posted Mar 8th 2008 2:00PM by Cenk Uygur
Filed under: Young Turks, Barack Obama, Islam, Video
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Reader Comments ( Page 4 of 4)
46. I would just like to say that America the so called 'land of the free' is a country filled with hate and misdirected anger. I cant believe how many Americans think they are better than others? What America your shit don't stink? I get so upset when I read these comments, people just hate to hate. The fact that some of these lost souls believe Muslims are dirty and that the Koran says genocide is okay is so upsetting to me. No religion is better than the other. Only satanist are full of hate. I am a muslim and i was taught to love everyone. So take your stupid STEREOTYPES and shove it American. You wasps make a stereotype for anything different than you. Americans are hateful towards blacks, jews, gays, and now muslims too. Grow up!!! BE OPEN MINDED!!! STOP THE HATE!
cem at 5:23PM on Mar 10th 2008
47. Muslim or not...He does not have ANY foreign anything! SNL did it right with the 3:00 pm phone call! Who will he ask for advice - his minister Mr. White is it? Who admires Fahrekahn(sp)?
All I know is "You say Obama, We say No Bama"
houston, texas
arelwin at 6:21PM on Mar 10th 2008
48. arelwin (#45) - Obama is a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, a good source of experience, and has lived outside of the US during some of his formative years. Clinton and McCain are both members of the Armed Services Committee, possibly a good source of experience.
Why would you think he would consult with a spiritual adviser under those circumstances? Why would you link your thoughts on Obama's foreign relations experience with an award presented by a spiritual adviser? You may have committed a logical fallacy.
alan at 5:44PM on Mar 10th 2008
49. We have had 6 yrs of propaganda, not from Bush..but from the left, distorting facts & ignoring the threat to our nation for personal & political purposes..not to the benefit of our nation!! >>>>
I think a majority of Americans would disagree. Propaganda, and a distortion of facts seem to be George W Bush's MO. His adminstration and the republican party have used and hyped "the threat" to retain power. Of course, the threat is out there. Too bad, Bush and Co attacked the wrong enemy and seriously damaged our military in the process.
factcheck at 6:19PM on Mar 10th 2008
50. i am voicing that anyone that is a strong member of their church; and the minister at that church has stated many times that he is a believer in what fahrehahn adheres to, has to be somewhat a racist himself. and as you say a spiritual leader is in the foremost thoughts of most of the members of the church and you look up to admire that person.....if you don't...why would you listen to their sermons?
arelwin at 6:31PM on Mar 10th 2008
51. arelwin (#49) - No, you are just looking for a reason to hate a man. If you tried at all, you could make similar accusations against any politician and most people. Whitewater? Keating 5? UFOs? Pardons?
alan at 7:58PM on Mar 10th 2008
52. Clinton was a secret Republican. What we need is a Union/Leftist government that worries about the middle class and poor instead of the rich.
Let's start by uping the top tax bracket to 50% and applying social security taxes to all income except the firt $15,000.
Bill Couture
Bill Couture at 10:33PM on Mar 10th 2008
53. Bill Couture [#52] - Way off topic, but a good thought. I might not raise the top bracket so high right now and would move to eliminate those deductions which cannot be cleanly traced to public policy.
alan at 9:52AM on Mar 11th 2008
54. Yes, it is off topic but it is certainly provocative. The only populist who tried was John Edwards.
Captain Negative at 1:50PM on Mar 11th 2008