WASHINGTON (CNN) – House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers is blasting charges by a group of Republican lawmakers that a Muslim activist group has planted interns on Capitol Hill in an effort to alter national security legislation.
"It shouldn't need to be said in 2009, and after the historic election of our first African-American president, but let me remind all my colleagues that patriotic Americans of all races, religions, and beliefs have the right - and the responsibility - to participate in our political process, including by volunteering to work in Congressional offices," Conyers, a Michigan Democrat, said in a Thursday statement. "Numerous Muslim-American interns have served the House ably and they deserve our appreciation and respect, not attacks on their character or patriotism."
GOP Reps. Sue Myrick of North Carolina, Paul Broun of Georgia and John Shadegg and Trent Franks of Arizona had held a press conference Wednesday highlighting an undercover investigation undertaken by conservative Chris Gaubatz, who spent several months posing as an intern at the Council on American-Islamic Relations. A book about that operation written by his father, David Gaubatz, and co-author Paul Sperry features a foreword previously penned by Myrick. That book, published by an imprint attached to conservative Web publication World Net Daily, was scheduled for release on Thursday.
In an excerpt of the foreword published by the Raleigh News & Observer, Myrick says the authors had documented evidence Muslim agents are in the country and "carrying out their subversive plan."
"America is asleep to the danger that confronts us," writes the congresswoman. "Since the 1960s there has been a concerted effort on the part of radical Islamists to infiltrate our major institutions. Front groups of terror now operate openly in our country, comprising a network of support for jihadists. …We Americans must wake up before it is too late!"
–CNN Associate Producer Martina Stewart contributed to this report.
From CNN Politics
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Republicans at the best (worst) exhibiting their racist views on the nation. In the Republican's world view: Mexican's, asians, blacks, muslims and any other non-conservative so-called Christians are potential terrorists. God Bless America.
Thanks for the 'historic' reminder, but I simply do not trust Muslims in the White House, even interns! Conyers is a racist himself!!!
Don't forget the anti American activities of Karl Rove.
i know it's the kook fringe of the republican party (though that is getting less fringy all the time), but when mainstream republicans dont speak out against this kind of nonsense, it is tacit support of these bufoons
GOP, the party for bigots. If you don't want to be associated with a party that pushes bigotry folks, I'm sorry a lot of good republicans are going to desert the GOP.
We need to find a happy medium where we can be alert and prepared without being paranoid.
Threats exist......for example who would of thought that a nuclear scientist involved in the "Big Bang Theory"...a particle accelerator attempting to recreate sub atomic conditions would be involved with terrorism.
But it appears that is exactly the case....that is why the French have charge a 32 year old nuclear scientist .
So danger is around us and we can't pretend it doesn't exist, so let's not put our head in the sand and let's deal with this. Let's find a way to be alert without attacking someone that might be innocent.
Here we go again... wacko republican conspiracy theories and fear mongering.
Can you say "McCarthyism"?
Joseph McCarthy anyone? Seriously does anyone want anymore proof that Republicans are racists or at least the very least accepting of racists>
What seems to be the problem? Obama has muslem interns as does the dems. Why is this muslim Conyers arguing about it? The dems are afraid of the truth.
Do these nuts ever just give it a rest????
Gee, if they've been working since the 1960s, "operate openly" and are such a huge threat, then why didn't Bush & Company do something about it?
My guess is that the number of individuals who truly need monitoring are – and very closely. Hence the recent arrest of the Colorado man suspected of plotting a terror strike in New York.
Oops! I left out an adjective:
Gee, if they've been working since the 1960s, "operate openly" and are such a huge threat, then why didn't Bush & Company do something about it?
My guess is that it's a fairly small number of individuals who truly need monitoring – and they are monitored very closely. Hence the recent arrest of the Colorado man suspected of plotting a terror strike in New York.
Wow! We didn't learn anything from McCarthyism, did we?
Yes, an intern is going to subvert the government.
If an intern can subvert the government, then the government doesn't deserve to stand. Oh, wait, the GOP already let an intern bring down the government in the 90s. Now wonder they are so afraid of them.
Timothy McVeigh was a christian and a terrorist, Militia members are terrorists. Klansman speak of preserving our christianity and wear the cross.
Does that mean that we should keep all christians out of government jobs???
Have republicans totally embraced the stupid or what? They should be ashamed for what they've done to our country and what they are still trying to do.
Ah yes the "Sky is Falling" routine!
I agree there are agents in this country trying to influence politics, cause disruption and hate, as well as trying to cause casualties. Pick a country, China, Moscow, Iran, North Korea, Afghanistan, they all want to bring down the United States. Even our some of our allies have agents in the U.S., Israel, South Korea and I'm sure there are more.
It doesn't mean that everyone of the Muslim Faith is out to get us!
Remember the sleeper Communist agents?... They were out to get us too!
What do these Republicans have against Muslims?
This reminds me of the Nazi Party.. its a slippery slope and if good people don't speak up like Rep Conyers, sooner or later there will be another Holocaust and it will be the Muslims turn.
This shows that GOP hasnt learnt anything from pervious failed scare tactics. Congresswoman and likes are hammering the last nails in GOP Coffin. Muslims are as American as any person of other religion.
Fun fact: the majority of muslims in America are not Arab. They are African Americans and members of the nation of Islam. Fun fact: most Arabs in America are not muslim. They are Christians. They are in America partly because they fled here to be able to practice Christianity.
Ah, nothing like racism and xenophobia to raise funds for one's campaign. Then next year, once they have the money and time to gather votes, watch all these same people pander to all those very same minorities they offended before. It never fails!
Live & let Live.
This ridiculous charge that some how this mysterious "Muslim Lobby" has infeltrated in the capital hill or other "Major institutations" is not just ridiculous but counter productive.
Dont remember the last time these sam "Patriotic" republicans raised concern over a well know lobby which happens to be the second largest lobby in US and has influence over not just our major govermental insititutations but also the presidency thats right, im talking about AIPAC which stands for American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
Whats next, our President is actually a Socialist Mutant who is pretending to be human and is here to take our US. Pathetic!!!!
Wow, some republicans have completely lost their mind.
Is this the same subversive plan that groups like the moral majority carried out in the late '70's and early '80's? Once again, the Republican party proves itself forerunners in hate based politics.
Who cares what this old MICHIGAN DUMocRAT thinks?
He should worry about JOBS and the ECONOMY in his ruined "union controlled" state.
PS:
I will never buy another GM product or a FORD due to how the unions got all my tax dollars in bailouts.
Buy Toyota / Lexus / Honda / BMW.....
Last time I checked, any individual or organization, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, political views, and yes, creed, has a right to seek to influence policy in this country in any legal way they desire. And, last time I checked, it was legal to be a Congressional intern.
All this amounts to is blatant pandering to racists, bigots, and xenophobes. Throw the uneducated simpletons some red meat, whip up their fears, and turn them loose.
I'm no political expert, so pardon me for offering unsolicited advice, but you moderate Republicans out there had better do something about the lunatic fringe of your party. If you don't cut them loose, they're going to drag the entire GOP over a cliff.
You know, these fear-mongering propaganda are in no way different from nazi Germany's propaganda against Jews. It also singles out a religion, equates it with hineous crimes, and tells people to shun, distrust, or even fight against the supposed enemy within. We are not far from returning to rounding up fellow Americans and throwing them in internment camps.
Have terrorists attacked us who were muslim? Yes. But so have Christians. Don't forget that the number one act of home-grown terrorism in America was carried out by Timothy McVeigh, a natural-born citizen, military veteran, republican, and member of the NRA. The perfect idol for conservatives!
lets see, the gop have lost the black vote, the hispanic voted, the gay vote, the sane vote, the catholic vote. now, they can add the muslim/islamic vote.
don't you love how they are expanding their base?
So what. Why is it such an uproar to have a Muslim friend, co worker, spouse....get over it folks.
Pretty odious that in this day and age persons of a particular minority religion are blanketly treated as suspect, dangerous and radical.
All one has to do is consider the outrage should the equivalent statements be made about Catholics or Jews or Episcopalians.
Look out! There's one behind you! THEY ARE EVERYWHERE!
This kind of fearmongering is straight out of the McCarthy "Red Scare" of the 1950s, where many Republicans apparently still live.
On a positive note, there is nothing wrong with the authors of this book that the latest in anti-paranoid psychiatric meds couldn't fix.
The GOP have showed the world one to many times how racist they are against any body that is not white or have the same views are they have. The GOP racist ways are going to hurt them more then they can imagage.
GOPers are SCUM
The Christian Taliban Strikes Again. So much for respecting the Constitution. Seperartion between church and state doesn't matter to the GOP.
Fifty-three House Republicans on Thursday urged President Obama to fire his "safe schools czar," citing their concerns that Kevin Jennings wants to promote a "homosexual agenda" and that as a schoolteacher years ago he did not report that a young student told him he was romantically involved with an older man.
REPUBLICANS ARE FULL OF HATE AND ARE BAD FOR THIS COUNTRY.
REPUBICANS=TALIBANS.
At last it is coming out , Some have tried an media would not let it hit the press. ( we can not write that )
Starting many years ago , from the south side , into Indiana. rumors have been going on . Wright.
This might be one of the more bigoted things I've come across in a while. I would have thought religious persecution was past us, but it seems like the GOP isn't beyond hatred.
Why is this even an issue? Just because you're Muslim now you are not allowed to participate in your own democracy?! Shall we look at other motivating factors of why this is an issue to these folks of small minds and racist leanings? Yes, racist. Because if it wasn't it wouldn't be an issue. If you think that those interns are there to promote the opposite of American values(tm) then you personally have some serious issues.
Sounds much like the communist scare of the 40's and 50's. Myrick is another no-nothing right-winger.
American interns have served the House ably and they deserve our appreciation and respect, not attacks on their character or patriotism."
GOP the party of hate!
soon but not now America will be consumed by a false religion..islam, and china will have to defend the world.
This is one more reason why the Republican party is imploding and becoming more and more seen as the party of nutcases! I am a registered Republican, but find myself embarassed by the actions of these people and others like them who continue to try to divide people along racial and socioeconomic lines. We as Americans deserve better than this and I hope their constituencies have the guts to vote them out of office for such offensive accusations. These people do not represent my beliefs or interests or those of my friends and associates as the party moves more and more to the right. I wish a moderate Republican would have the guts to stand up to the leadership (Steele and Boehner) and the media loud mouths (we all know who they are) and tell them to shut up once and for all.
Fear Mongering.
This is so pathetic, yet again the Republicans are using fear to appeal to their base, i.e ignorant white bigots. I was a Marine officer and served with men and women of all races and religions, including Muslims, in the Middle East. It is deeply insulting to me for elected officials to be taking this attitude. In the words of Samuel Johnson "Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel" or perhaps more aptly Ambrose Bierce, who quipped "With all due respect, it is the first".
It's amazing how much crap Republicans throw out to de-rail any progress. Republicans will and do anything, to insure healthcare reform doesn't get front and center stage.
Republicns are looking foolish.
They are probabaly Obama's muslim brothers since Obama is trying his hardest to give us another 9/11 by making this country UNSAFE.
Remember OBAMA LIES.
It's downright offensive and simply absurd. I can't believe this happens in your country..
Let them talk trash. We will see them in 2012. Since when does your religion have anything to do with your job?
This gal is a nut job. I, being of Jewish desent, had better be careful, because people like these folks will soon be after us to move out of the country. I guess the GOP has nothing better to offer then this garbage.
I'm assuming if "the authors had documented evidence Muslim agents are in the country and "carrying out their subversive plan." that they've shared this "evidence" with the proper authorities? Another example of Republicans trying to instill fear in people.
I wouldn't expect John Conyers or obama to do anything but join in with the Muslims and protect them. After all, they are cut from the same cloth.
Cowardly GOP scaredy-cats see danger lurking in every shadow! Good grief! Can you imagine going through life so terrorized by fear? It must be a pitifully sad existence.
So what? Are all Christians terrorists because of Timothy McVeigh? Fear and ignorance.
Rep. Myrick should be made aware that American is in far greater danger from people who use a person's religious beliefs as a foundation for passing judgment than from all the Muslims serving in our government. Perhaps this congresswoman needs to spend some quality time reading the United States Constitution and less time publishing religious hatred.
Mr. Gaubatz (and his father as well) should be ashamed if he has no greater contribution to make than to 'pose' as an intern. Why doesn't he actually volunteer to serve as an intern for the purpose of improving the legislative process? No, all he has to offer is to plant himself in a position where he can call people that are different from him 'subversives' and make a bunch of money on a book. Shame on you, sir. America deserves better.
I AM SHOCK!
Republican Party and their right-wing supporters are CRAZY!
I wonder if Ms. Myrick is one of the tea-partying wing-nuts who believe that our President is a "Muslim infiltrator"?
BTW righties, have you read the news today? The Dow closed at over 10,000. I thought this wasn't supposed to happen with Barack Obama as President?
Where does the Republican party find such people??? Why would anyone vote for someone with a Macarthyite attitude? This beyond sickening!!
Wow, seriously? Instead of contacting the FBI, CIA and/ or the DHS to investigate these suspicions an untrained "operative" conservative Chris Gaubatz "spent several months posing as an intern at the Council on American-Islamic Relations" then a book is to be published about it findings? And we are supposed to consider this to be a reliable, credible and incriminating book? Puuullleeaassee !!! All U.S. citizens need to be vigilant, but not paranoid and conducting unprofessional, and possibly illegal investigations. If you have suspicions contact trained professionals. Thanks. BTW...What is the title?...'The Office' (like the TV show)
i agree, it's sad that it's even remotely an issue in 2009. we need to mend our country– there's no "real america". americans come in every shape and size and ethnicity and religion. why do the republicans feel the need to fearmonger and stir up things like this? they are NO more american than their liberal counterparts. they are NO more american or patriotic than those who disagree with them. we are ALL americans, from all different backgrounds. what happened to our "melting pot"?
Fundamantalist/Evangelical Christians, Islamic Extremists, what's the difference?~
As a Muslim American, who spent 11 years in the United States Navy (2, four year tours and a 3 year extension), I find the thinking and accusations by some conservative republicans downright scary and shameful. The suspicion that these people have for Muslims and anyone other than white christians is something that makes me sad for america – a country I love and have defended and will always defend till the day I die. WE DON'T NEED RACIST, OR BIGOTS IN OUR POLITICS – THIS TYPE OF STUFF NEEDS TO STOP NOW!!!! Thank you Senator Conyers for speaking up.
McCarthyism is back on Capitol Hill. Way to go Republicans. We knew you would be back at it in raw form sooner or later.
Disgusting. And very dangerous.
I am glad that our founding fathers were not afraid of their own shadows as many of todays politicians are.
There is no religion requirement to serve our Country and thank God for that.
Our Constitution starts with:
Preamble
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
Now, please move on and do your jobs as Representatives of the People.
The sky is falling, the sky is falling.........
I can't believe that these republicans can retain their office after making such uneducated, bigoted remarks. Unbelievable! Conners, you are too kind to them.
Has Al qaeda done something to the water? Whats the matter with people. I't's like McCarthyism. I used to watch the news stories about it and found it hard to believe people were on a witch hunt. I have never seen people more parinoid and eager to believe bulls..t. I just sold a store to a guy from India. Some people went crazy. Thought he was a muslim, an arab or someone we were at war with, Its unbelievable how ignorant people are. Scarred of anyone that dosen"t look like them and eager to believe the worst. Shame on the GOP.
Sorry but this sounds like McCarthyism and the communist infiltrators of our free society of the 1950's all over again. So, when are the public trials for being muslim? The only class of people the repugs won't bash is the inbread, home schooled, bible thumping, cross burning, gun toting hicks they call their base. This is getting beyond pathetic and into the twilight zone of stupid.
GOP = party of angry intolerant males, the small tent is shrinking folks.
Hahahaha! What a bunch of ignorant hicks. Have a nice day!
Conyers is wrong, they should be investigated and cleared before they are allowed to work in the Capitol. I believe that ALL employees should pass an investigation not just Muslims. I think it is in our best interest to check them out. Maybe those questioning this are wrong but what if they are right?? Do we need to take that chance???
Mr.conyers is absolutely correct ! Do not insult honorable Muslims.
What about the Baptist minister who-in the name of God- calls for the death of Pres.Obama,calling him the devil incarnate?
Wonderful people we have in the Devided States of America.......
Instead of blasting those GOP lawmakers, you should thank them, idiot. Because at the time you realize that those "muslim spies" are true, it will have been too late because all National Securities documents have been transferred to their countries.
Perhaps not only National Securities documents that they take, but also your pants, idiot.
Uh... Why does this sound like the ghost of Joe McCarthy?
Sounds like Mccarthyism to me. We have heard all of this before and we found out that this kind of paranoia is extremely destructive and doesn't make us any safer. This is another GOP scare tactic because they know that when people are scared their platform seems a little more sensible. Besides aren't their MUCH more important things for these congressmen to be spent their time on? Maybe a viable health care plan of their own, or helping garner international support for the cause in Afghanistan to relieve some of the pressure from US troops. How about sudgesting useful projects for the stimulous money so we can get the ball moveing a little faster on recovery...just a thought
The republican wing nits are disgusting.
Conyers is a dope.
And do we always have to preface everything by saying "and after the historic election of our first African-American president" yada, yada....
I thought Obama was suppose to be an American?
And if someone is compromising our security, I want to know about it!
Would Conyers be alarmed if these interns were white men since white men are evil?
cant believe those people ... let me tell you something congresswoman! .. muslims are not radical or bad people ... but if there is any !!! then be sure they became radical cuz of you and people like you .. i never seen america as blinded as ... stop making people stupid and make muslims as hangers to your failure ... you know what make GOPiers funny and sad at the same time !!?? it cost them nothing to be famous among conservatives ... you can only say something bad about muslims or obama .. and you are there .... thats how they see the cons base now ..
GOP I guess means, lies, and untruthfulness, anything to scare america into their beliefs
God help the republicans!
where's Joe McCarthy when you really need him?
I'm sorry, but this sounds so typical of the GOP in recent history. Stirring fear into society, so that you ultimately win their votes and "confidence/ trust"....is not the American way!!!
There are muslims toiling and spiling blood for our country and all these nuts can do is question our integrity. We are not the Borg who take orders from a guy in a cave/tent. There is no plot here. This is shades of Mccarthyism.
Disgusted!!
"America is asleep to the danger that confronts us," writes the congresswoman... What planet does this congresswoman come from? I guess Homeland Security, the FBI and CIA don't come to mind when you talk about confronting the dangers that America faces... Give me a break!!
"We Americans must wake up before it is too late!", yeah, we need to wake up to the radicalization af America by right wing fruitcakes, evangelical extremists and people that DON'T believe in what America stands for, republicans.
Its funny how some people can show their ignorance by opening their mouth. There is no place in America for illegals and Muslims. SO get the hades out if you want to work in the government of some country. We have enough idiots there now.
Once again the "If you ain't white your not right " republicans strike again. They are supposed to be the party of religion. When are you people who believe in the ways of the republican's see the true colors! Their racist ways are a total joke and totally unamerican.
I guess Conyers is defending the Obama administration which is clearly trying to destroy this country. Did the muslim interns write the bills Conyers just doesn't have time to read. My tax money is going to pay this idiot. He and his wife should be in jail for corruption and he is passing judgement on other honest people. Typical corrupt, hypocritical libatard.
Rationally I agree with Conyers, emotionally I hope that he is right. If one extremist gets access to our leadership it could be disasterous. I hope that those congresspeople know what they are doing. I can't imagine that Bin Laden or Ademajad would be having any Christian, Jewish or Hindu interns....I guess that what makes our country unique.
Didn't McCarthy point out those same Muslim spies 50 years ago. Oops, those were commie spies. Sorry Repubs.
Sorry..having lived in Saudi Arabia for a good number of years and seen first hand what Islam and Sharia law is all about and the objective of the Muslim world, I'd be very leary to trust any Muslims. Our leftist news agencies don't report it because they're so P.C. but Muslims around the world are murdering dozens of people everyday all in the name of Allah.
Wow, republicans are scared little girls, aren't they. LOL.
Them Repugs are getting too disgusting for words. I really hope some of them gets water-boarded. What is their agenda going after Muslims?
America was founded as a Christian Nation and the Real Americans are taking back our country!!! Were going to clean the terrorists and lyin africans out of the white house and congress!!!
Hey we heard this same tune during the cold war ... my goodness there were cells of Communism under every rock. Now it's Muslim citizens ?
I agree we have to keep our eyes continually focused in defense.
If the Rethuglicans had a tune to whistle they'd be blowing their brains out right now.
The commies are coming, The commies are coming !!
Coyners is speaking on behalf of a large Muslim population he has to cow tail to to get re-elected. Politicians will sell their soul and this country's security to get elected. I hope he and others like him can live with themselves when they pull another 9/11.
if it looks like a dog,smells like a dog,acts like a dog, it's usually a dog.
A new mcarthyist age is upon us. For shame!
I find religious bigotry repelling, whether it is aimed at Muslims, Jews, Catholics, Buddhists, or any other religious group. If "Muslim agents" are found to be in this country, "carrying out their subversive plan," they ought to be identified by their political affilliation, not their religion, and the alleged "subversive plan" needs to be exposed and opposed.. Condemning them because they are Muslims or Islamic, however, smacks of bigotry.
Really. What about the radical Christians? Oh, wait – that would be the conservative base.
Todd Palin and Texas governor Perry want to secede from the Union,... what are these GOP racists, going to do about it?
Sick, Sick, Sick!!! For your information Congresswoman, because the United States of America is a free country there have been all manner of "undesirables" that have either come here as immigrants or were born here who espouse all types of sickening and outrageous even dangerous views, but again, this is America and in this country as long as you are not breaking the law, you are free to think as you please, join whatever group or club that you please or volunteer for whatever government agency that you please, without being discriminated against. It is our law enforcement, intelligence and defense agencies' job to hunt down subversives, not that of second-rate wanna-be-a-detective conspiracy theorists trying to get some advertising for their book on the cheap......Next story.
Radical Islamists have been infiltrating since the 1960s!? Are they really, really bad at it? Or are these Republicans out of their minds? Which is more probable?
McCarthyism all over again. Why don't we just herd all the Muslims into camps while we're at it, and relive the Japanese hysteria of WWII?
Wow. I thought Sen. Joseph McCarthy was dead. I didn't know that he's apparently been resurrected in the body of GOP Rep Myrick. They're all around us, subverting American politics and destroying the very fabric of American society!!!
Why does the GOP think that Muslim = terrorist? Is creating division, hate and fear the only way that the GOP can pretend to stay relevant in today's global society? Ex-pres Bush already showed us how far we can get in the global economy by hating and fearing everyone, and taking unilateral positions on everything. Global loathing, and resistance to anything the US tries to do.
Disgusting racist pigs!. Thei are in both parties, But I see more Hipocrytes among republicans.
I think it is time for the GOP to get off the hate wagon. All they do is tell us who and what to be scared of. They sell fear. If they want my vote they need to began liking ALL Americans!
There you go again, GOP! fearmongering because you have nothing original to offer.
Jeez Louise...it's McCarthyism all over again.
When will the GOP get a new playbook that doesn't speak to our fears but instead to our hopes and optimism?