DIVIDED WE FALL: WHY RESPECTFUL DISSENT IS CRUCIAL IN RE-UNITING AMERICA

by MPAC

(Washington, DC - 4/2/09)—This week, the Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested nine members of the “Hutaree” militia group on charges of conspiring to murder a police officer and plant explosives at the site of the officer’s funeral with the intent of killing additional law enforcement officials. Aside from the troubling details of this case, is the larger issue that the group was attempting to instigate and inspire other militia groups to form violent resistance against the United States government.

The case in Michigan is a clear warning that cannot be ignored. Hate speech and intimidation are tactics that initiate a dangerous dehumanization process that we can not afford to experience firsthand. This dangerous slippery-slope allows some, in their minds, to justify the use of violence against the government and their fellow citizens. Alarming statements have become so commonly used by political commentators, radio hosts, and icons that they are now regular staples in national discourse. Glenn Beck and others have engaged in a labeling campaign to call those they disagree with “Communists,” “fascists,” and “Nazis.” Defending her recent appalling statement “don’t retreat, just reload,” Sarah Palin said she was not trying to incite violent rhetoric, but attempting to mobilize her base. Then she went so far as to call on people to target specific politicians and labeled their districts with gun crosshairs. Palin and her colleagues are overlooking the greater consequence of their word-choice. Indeed, their language has the ability to stir strong emotions that can inspire action. However, action coupled with violent rhetoric can easily spiral out of control.

Recently, protesters shouted racial slurs at Rep. John Lewis (D-GA), a man who was a student activist who engaged in non-violent resistance during the Civil Rights movement. Other protesters spat on Rep. Emmanuel Cleaver (D-MO). Not too long ago, commentators like Glenn Beck called for universal “respect for the office,” even if people did not like the decisions being made by the official. Ironically, the same people are silent now while members of the government are being treated with appalling disrespect.

Associate Professor of Politics and African American Studies at Princeton University, Melissa Harris-Lacewell, cautions Americans of a vicious new Jim-Crow Terrorism. Dr. Harris-Lacewell draws strong parallels to the post American civil war era when African Americans “held office and organized as laborers and farmers. It was a fragile political equality made possible only by the determined and powerful presence of the federal government. Then in 1877, the federal government abdicated its responsibilities to new black citizens and withdrew from the South. When it did so, it allowed local governments and racial terrorist organizations like the KKK to have the monopoly on violence, force and coercion in the South for nearly 100 years.”

Allowing hostilities to go unchallenged will lead to a lose-lose situation for all Americans. It is time to reclaim dissent and diversity as our strength instead of our weakness. Honest, frank and direct discourse are pillars of our American democracy. Civil disagreement is what separates us from dictatorships and oppressive regimes.

On the subject of civil discourse, we have a responsibility and an obligation to reach out to those we disagree with in ways that are better so that even the staunchest of enemies may become a dearest friend (Quran 41:34).

Regardless of whether we fall to the right, left or center, we must come together with all of our diversity and be part of the United States of America. During her ‘reload’ speech, Palin addressed the crowd as those who work hard and stand up for what is right. “In you lies our potential for greatness,” she said. “In you lies the more perfect union that we are destined to become.” Even those who are today espousing violent rhetoric are reportedly motivated by their commitment towards America. Strange as it may sound, common ground exists. It is up to each individual to take initiative to improve the union and make it stronger by pushing back against hate and intolerance.

Founded in 1988, MPAC is an American institution which informs and shapes public opinion and policy institutions. MPAC is also committed to developing leaders with the purpose of enhancing the political and civic participation of Muslim Americans.

SEE ALSO:

Hate rhetoric is escalating into violence, (many references and resources) Sheila Musaji http://www.theamericanmuslim.org/tam.php/features/articles/hate_rhetoric_is_escalating_into_violence/0018003