CNN host to first-ever Muslim congressman: "Prove to me that you're not working with our enemies."

[Left Coast Lynn]

On the November 14 edition of his CNN Headline News program, Glenn Beck interviewed Rep.-elect Keith Ellison (D-MN), who became the first Muslim ever elected to Congress on November 7, and asked Ellison if he could "have five minutes here where we're just politically incorrect and I play the cards up on the table." After Ellison agreed, Beck said: "I have been nervous about this interview with you, because what I feel like saying is, 'Sir, prove to me that you are not working with our enemies.' " Beck added: "I'm not accusing you of being an enemy, but that's the way I feel, and I think a lot of Americans will feel that way."

VIDEO AT LINK

http://www.alternet.org/bloggers/lindsay/44387

[niyad]

1. glenn beck, PROVE to me that you aren't a lying, worthless POS, who IS working with those who would

destroy our country through hatred and lies and vicious innuendo.

[Muddy Waters Guitar]

23. LOL!

Glenn Beck would do a much greater service to society if he'd shut his mouth and get a job cleaning the latrines in the CNN headquarters bathrooms. Nobody else so consistently shoves his foot straight into his mouth.

[Drum]

2. Good God!

Liberal bias???

CNN better flush that turd Beck. :mad:

[OwnedByFerrets]

3. Does anyone know if CNN has responded to this outrage? nt

[Mythsaje]

4. Retort: "Prove to me you're not a flaming asshole."

Too late.

[LuckyLib]

5. That clearly deserved Ellison quietly taking off his mike, standing

up and announcing, "This isn't a news organization and I won't dignify your craziness with a response other than walking out."

[Auntie Bush]

8. If everyone dod that to those bias news organizations

there wouldn't be anyone left to interview.

[Skittles]

45. I agree

just outrageous

[Vorta]

6. Would it be reasonable for Anderson Cooper to ask Ellison..........

to denouce the racism, sexism, and homophobia of the Nation Of Islam?

Would we not expect a former member of the KKK to denounce the worst aspects and perceptions of that association?

edit- oops, I forgot anti-semitism and general obnoxiousness.

[rhiannon55]

16. Only if Cooper or Beck also asked a Christian congressman

to denounce the racism, sexism, and homophobia of the Christian Church.

[Vorta]

18. I disagree. Nation of Islam is not a religion, it's a denomination.

So it would be more like asking a congressman with a former association with a white supremicist Christian sect, aka Christian Identity Movement to denounce his association.

[Solon]

53. One that Ellison isn't a member of, NEXT! n/t

[Vorta]

54. He has a history with NOI and CAIR (as well as some other ethical problems)

[Solon]

55. Really, you need to find better sources than Pipes, Malkin, and Horowitz...

Yeah, I googled, apparently we Democrats elected "CAIR's Congress" who will do terrible things like gut the Patriot Act, and get rid of racial profiling in airports, oh the HORROR!

CAIR itself is affiliated with that terrorist organization known as the ACLU, the Hate filled NAACP, in addition to the religious extremist group the National Council of Churches. Let's not forget Amnesty International, infamous for its opposition against Human rights.

By the way, pretty much all the above is sarcasm, if you didn't see it, I suggest you get glasses.

As far as NOI, Ellison already stated that the ONLY time he affiliated with them was for the Million Man March, which, by the way, was a March organized by MANY groups, some good, some not so good.

I don't deny that CAIR is a controversial organization, but there seems to be misinformation on both sides of the aisle on this one. I won't judge Ellison because of it.

[Vorta]

57. Sarcasm?

CAIR itself is affiliated with that terrorist organization known as the ACLU, the Hate filled NAACP, in addition to the religious extremist group the National Council of Churches. Let's not forget Amnesty International, infamous for its opposition against Human rights.

By the way, pretty much all the above is sarcasm, if you didn't see it, I suggest you get glasses.

I wouldn't call it sarcasm. I would call it irrelevant. I don't care if CAIR takes cherry pies to old ladies in nursing homes, if they are connected to terrorism or supporting the attacks on Israel, a US congressman who glad hands them is going to be asked tough questions about it. The sad part would be if we had to rely on the likes of Beck and Malkin to do it.

[SlavesandBulldozers]

61. what about a terrorist associated with 603,000 deaths in Iraq

does he get the same scrutiny?

[The Magistrate]

71. You Will Have To Do Better Than This, Mr. Vorta

If you seriously mean to sustain this position.

C.A.I.R. spokes-persons often say things not to my own taste, but they fall within the bounds of reasonable discourse in a free society. There is no serious allegation of connections to "terrorism" on the part of that organization.

Rep. Ellison is a convert to Islam, with no connection whatever to the N.O.I. of Farrakhan, and that body is somewhat seperate, to put it mildly, from the main stream of Islamic life. Rep. Ellison is in no way required to jump through any hoops on the matter at the present day. It is quite appropriate, by now, for there to be some measure of representation for the country's Moslem population in the Congress: roughly a quarter of one percent of the House, which this gentleman amounts to, runs a bit below their proportion of the populace.

To treat as in any way legitimate the line pressed by Beck and Malkin will not do at all: their comments are simply politicized bigotry, and nothing more.

[Solon]

76. The Magistrate....

Supporting one of my arguments....

....can't breathe....

(faints)

THUD!












:hi:

[The Magistrate]

78. Buck Up, Sir: These Things Will Happen....

"Glass of water for Mr. Granger!"

[Solon]

79. LOL! n/t

[SlavesandBulldozers]

31. . . .

:popcorn:

[Hong Kong Cavalier]

41. Got any more?

:popcorn:

[driver8]

7. Jesus H. Kee-riste...what in the hell is going on in this world??

Hey Beck -- ever hear of "separation of church and state"?

You should read up on it, you fucking dickhead.

I would have taken my mic off and walked off that set...never to return until an apology was made publicly.

[Doctor_J]

9. Let's ask Lott

Prove to me that you don't STILL want to lynch blacks.

[Golden Raisin]

10. Makes ya proud to be an American.

Beck and all the other hate-filled, arrogant, rightwing media shock-monkeys are the lowest of the low --- and they have the gall to think THEY have the official patent & copyright on patriotism. CNN is well on its way to becoming a fetid, stinking sewer like Fox.

[frogcycle]

11. How in the Hell

this absolute jackass got a spot on national tv is beyond me. aside from the inanities he spews, his smirk is even more annoying that shrub's.

no question the network should apologize to the guest and fire the bum. but they couldn't give a lesser shit, as long as they sell ads.

[Marie26]

28. He reminds me quite a bit of Bush.

Which might help explain why he has a show. Bush supporters would probably be Glenn Beck supporters as well.

[John Gauger]

12. I don't understand what he is trying to say.

With that disclaimer - "I'm not really asking you this" - it just doesn't make any sense, what he said. Why even say it, unless that's really what he was trying to say? That's just so inane that it's crazy. It seems to me that he really did mean to ask that. I find that reprehensible, although I suppose I shouldn't have to denounce it - the statement kind of condemns itself as despicable. Nothing more really need be said.

[muntrv]

13. Beck, prove to me you're not a nazi.

[IndianaGreen]

14. Glenn Beck; what did you expect?

Beck is a rightwing radio jock.

[FrenchieCat]

15. Ain't this a bitch!

How messed up is that?

[Up2Late]

17. Hey Glenn Beck! Prove to America why you shouldn't be FIRED!!!

Why has he NOT been FIRED already?!?!

LOCK HIM UP! Send Beck to GITMO!

This JUST IN!!! This clip just made THE DAILY SHOW!!! JUST NOW!!!!

[HuffleClaw]

19. i see no reason why this guy shouldn't be fired on the spot

for such a blatantly discriminatory 'question'.

[fujiyama]

20. What an ass hole

If he wants to hint at subtle accusations of anti Americanism, and treasonous activity, he should make clear what he's alluding to.

Of course Beck is a fucking moron and has no evidence that an American born and raised, probably here for several generations, is "helping the enemy" or any of those things.

Ellison should ask Beck if he can prove that he's not affiliated with the KKK, Erik Rudolph, and McVeigh.

[Up2Late]

44. That's exactly what Jon Stewart said on The Daily Show!

As they say, "Great minds..."

[PretzelWarrior]

21. CNN should fire him. since when does Headline News have

that shrew Nancy Grace and now this schmuck? Wow. CNN is truly attempting to win the race to the bottome vs. Fox. Next, Geraldo will get his face bashed by a chair-wielding Hannity. All for ratings.

[rman]

22. Same question applies to Bush, Baker, Kissiniger

and a bunch of others. In fact the Bush family has a history of dealing with the enemy.

[Coaster City]

25. Should Captain Cod Piece denounce the Saudis?

Glenn must have missed the glaringly obvious. 15 of the 19 hijackers were Saudis and what does Captain Cod Piece Do? He goes holding hands through the flower garden with their leader! Can Beck prove that they didn't go to bed together too? What a shill!

[Vorta]

26. But that's the point. We have demanded explanation from politicians for their associations.

We jump all over politicians for meeting with, shaking hands with, hugging, and being photographed with the likes of Falwell, Robertson, and the Bob Jones crowd. We do ask about former associations with the CCC, KKK, Opus Dei, and a host of other organisations. Hell, we've tried to tank someone for belonging to a country club who in their right of free association choose to limit membership to members of their sex, ethnicity, or class.

So why should this man get a pass?

[SlavesandBulldozers]

33. i think I see where youre going with this

you equate association with a religion with association with hate-groups. Which is blantantly and willfully ignorant. A man or woman's religion and belief is his/her own - and has nothing to do with me whatsoever. That's a principle this nation was founded on.

So along a similar line of reasoning why should you get a pass.

Who did you vote for president in 04?

[Vorta]

42. I thought that I was pretty clear about that.

you equate association with a religion with association with hate-groups. Which is blatantly and willfully ignorant.

I did not equate NOI and CAIR with Islam. I do not equate Christian Identity and Army of God with Christianity.

A man or woman's religion and belief is his/her own - and has nothing to do with me whatsoever. That's a principle this nation was founded on.

So along a similar line of reasoning why should you get a pass.

I feel certain that were I to run for office, my previous associations and my supporters would be of interest to the public and the news.

Who did you vote for president in 04?

I reluctantly voted for Kerry in complete disappointment that he was the "best" the party could come up with. I still have the sticker on my car- wanna pic?

[Skittles]

47. man, I hate it when someone does a post-autopsy

:(

[SlavesandBulldozers]

60. yes you did

"I did not equate NOI and CAIR with Islam. I do not equate Christian Identity and Army of God with Christianity."
yes you did

[Hong Kong Cavalier]

69. Yes you did.

Right here: www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=2973290&mesg_id=2973312

[leesa]

24. What has become of America to allow this. Beck needs to be fired.

[Marie26]

27. Why does this man have a show?

He is a total idiot, uninformed, paranoid & proud of his prejudices. It was bad enough when he had his own little show on Headline News. But now, he's starting to appear on CNN, where is treated like a real journalist! Just beyond awful.

[Skittles]

48. he appeals to bush voters

hopeuflly CNN will rethink keeping Mr. Beck on now that bush voters have proven themselves to be beyond ignorant

[Marie26]

50. Yep.

I hope so too. He's a little late to the right-wing party, and is basically passe.

[Skittles]

52. he's not late, he's been pimping for the repukes for years on hate radio

he is truly a slimeball piece of garbage

[FraDon]

29. Glenn Beck, You're no patriot! (haiku)

Muslim Congressman,
first in our nation’s history,
on the Glenn Beck show.

Asked to prove he’s not
working for the enemy!
Prove a negative?!

This is an outrage!
The rank stereotyping.
This is more hate speech.

So cruel and callous,
prejudiced and bigoted,
inflammatory.

How would you feel
to be questioned as you did?
YOU prove that you’re not!

You're no patriot.
Your actions show otherwise.
Hang your head in shame.

[quiet.american]

30. Republicans outed Plame. Prove to me, Beck, that you're not the enemy. n/t

[smoogatz]

32. Let's see--Beck is a white, conservative Christian. Should he be asked

to prove that he doesn't support the actions of Timothy McVeigh? How about the still-not-apprehended anthrax killer?

[cascadiance]

34. Answer: Are you a Crhistian? Prove to me that you're not an abortion clinic bomber!

[Sweet Freedom]

35. Or that you don't molest teenage boys /nt

[daninthemoon]

36. I've emailed CNN about this. Have you?

[underpants]

39. Yes I have. Jon Stewart last night....

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=2740804&mesg_id=2740804

[AdvancedProgress]

37. Really?

"I'm not accusing you of being an enemy, but that's the way I feel, and I think a lot of Americans will feel that way."

Does Beck think that most Americans that voted for Ellison feel this way too?

...what an idiot.

:wtf:

[KingFlorez]

38. I'd like to ask him

"Glen, you're a white man like most serial killers, how can I be sure you won't go on a killing spree?"

[1932]

40. It's hard to believe that America was a haven for free expression of religion once

[alcibiades_mystery]

46. It was? When?

:shrug:

[1932]

63. When the Mayflower sailed.

[alcibiades_mystery]

64. Yeah, the Puritans were really known for tolerance...

:rofl:

You know who the pilgrims were? They were a bunch of fundies. That's why people hated them in England. A bunch of fundies took over the government.

[1932]

66. Whatever. But the point was that you came to the US to escape religious persecution.

[alcibiades_mystery]

68. I understand that that was the point

My point is that the US has never been that; the fact that the Puritans immediately set up a religious despotism more severe than even that they were fleeing really says it all, as does your casual dismissal of this obvious problem with your idea.

[1932]

73. OK. Forget about it. What you heard on CNN was par for the course.

America has a 250 year history of religious intolerance.

And it's sad that we've never lived up to our founding principles of tolerance for diversity of religious opinion. Of course, saying that in response to this story sort of lets CNN off the hook a little bit for merely reflecting the mood of the country, don't you think.

Actually, I'm not going to back off from my original statement. I've been to a lot of other countries, and I find that tolerance for different religions is actually much higher than in many European and Asian countries and I think part of the reason is that that's a founding principle of US government, even though we could do better.

[alcibiades_mystery]

74. You're acting surprised that a Muslim was questioned about his patriotism?

Thirty years ago, we wouldn't have this problem, because a Muslim would never have been elected in the first place, and the only time you saw a black Muslim on TV was when they had one on to beat up.

If anything, the very fact that this incident is causing controversy shows us that we are more tolerant today than at any time in this nation's history.

[1932]

75. I'm equating that with betraying the principles upon which the country is founded

regardless of whether, historically, this is a rule or an exception...

[alcibiades_mystery]

77. No, you said "America was a haven for free expression once"

That is a historical claim, not a statement of principle. Whatever you say now, that's what you said then.

[1932]

80. That was the myth, once. Enshrined in the Constituion.

[alcibiades_mystery]

81. Exactly

A myth.

[Jack Rabbit]

43. CNN: Prove to me you're not a buch of neoconservative whores

Then we'll talk whether any Muslim is a legitimate terror suspect.

[blondeatlast]

49. CNN is ENTIRELY responsible for this travesty. Don't tlet thet "opinions expressed

on this program" crap let them off.

They hired the creep knowing full well what his background was and even exploited his controversy.

[AZBlue]

51. OH! MY! GOD! (E-mail writing links below)

This deserves some immediate letters demanding the immediate firing of Beck.

E-mail form to complete for feedback specifically about anchors:
http://www.cnn.com/feedback/forms/form4a.html?1

E-mail form to complete for feedback about what you've seen on CNN:
http://www.cnn.com/feedback/forms/form6a.html?2

[TankLV]

56. This is so completely disgusting on SO many levels...

Jebus fucking christ in a basket...

[W.E.B. Du Bois]

58. I was just watching Glenn Beck talk with Netanyahu

and thinking what a tool he was to be listening to someone like that. However, I guess this really confirms it. Thanks for the story. I think it's really shocking.

[DemBones DemBones]

59. Oh. Glenn Beck. Well that explains it. I keep forgetting he's on CNN.

Destroys most of their credibility by his mere presence.

[BrokenBeyondRepair]

62. what a weasel..

[Anarcho-Socialist]

65. Pathetic n/t

[Major Hogwash]

67. We need to start a petition on-line to get Beck off of CNN and off of tv, period.

He has made no effort to benefit healing the rift between the Republicans, who just lost their ass in the elections, and the Democrats, who will try to save what's left of America.

We need to get Glenn Beck off of CNN.

CNN doesn't need to promote that type of bigotry.

[Eurobabe]

70. Glenn Beck is a moron for asking such a thing

What a bigoted jackass!

[Elidor]

72. It's a shame the guy didn't end the interview right there

Just take off the mic, get up and walk out. He tolerated it, and I find that amazing.