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Home Page > News > Bloomberg criticizes Rep. Peter King’s decision to grill Muslims

Bloomberg criticizes Rep. Peter King’s decision to grill Muslims

MOLLY MULDOON,

IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Published Wednesday, December 22, 2010, 4:55 AM

Updated Thursday, December 23, 2010, 7:45 AM

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Congressman Peter King

Republican Rep. Peter King’s proposal to hold national hearings regarding the "radicalization" of American Muslims has met with strong criticism. The Long Island congressman is new head of the Homeland Security committee in the house.

His recent comments were dismissed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg as New York Islamic groups described his plans as a return to McCarthyism.

Originally King had mentioned the issue in an interview with the New York Times.

"When I meet with law enforcement, they are constantly telling me how little cooperation they get from Muslim leaders," King told the newspaper. "It is controversial. But to me, it is something that has to be discussed."

In response to his comments, the New York Mayor said: “I don’t happen to agree with him that it’s necessary or appropriate.”

Following up on his remarks, King wrote an editorial published in last Friday’s Newsday where he discussed the issue: “I will do all I can to break down the wall of political correctness and drive the public debate on Islamic radicalization.

"[There are] outstanding Muslims who contribute so much to the future of our country."

"I will drive the public debate on Islamic radicalization. These hearings will be a step in that direction. It's what democracy is all about," he added.

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seanomelbourne | Dec 25, 2010, 01:44 AM EST

I do not live in America although I have been there. I have spent Xmas in Libya and like the U.S. nice friendly people.

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borefield | Dec 24, 2010, 09:48 PM EST

seanomelbourne, I wish you would stay in the lovely muslim countries when you go there. America would be a better place without you. Have a very Merry Christmas.

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seanomelbourne | Dec 24, 2010, 08:02 PM EST

Boorfield if you travel to the middle east you will find Xmas is celebrated in a number of Muslim countries(including places like Syria and Libya).You sit there on your divan pontificating about subjects you are ignorant of.I have never come across a Muslim who objected to wishing one a merry Christmas. I have only witnessed bigots like you. happy Christmas,Hanukkah,Eide or any greeting you like. I have been to a number of Muslim countries.

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borefield | Dec 24, 2010, 05:16 PM EST

I have always supported Peter King. What a great American example he is of fairness, law and order. Of course a few years back if he suggested to grill the "IRA" Mayor Bloomberg would probably be in full agreement, not that I was ever an IRA supporter, terrorists from whatever country should be dealt with severely. What is it with Muslims that the entire nation, especially politians are terrified of. They are killing Americans every day somewhere, they are dictating how we should live, we can't say "Merry Christmas" we might offend them we need permission to recite The Pledge Allegiance. Where the "H---L are we living, who are we electing to political office. Wake up people, we are being destroyed right before our eyes, please before it's too late. Grill the "H---L out of them, if they don't co-operate return them to the Middle East, let them kill one and other. I am sick to death of political correctness.

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TheOldPerfessor | Dec 24, 2010, 02:29 PM EST

Anybody else remember George Bush holding hands with and kissing the Saudi Prince after 9-11? Now they can get political capital out of hate, so you just know the Republicans will deliver. Too bad Bush doesn't have the intestinal fortitude to go up and remind people about all of that religious tolerance he was preaching a few short years ago. Too ironic that the party founded by a man of extraordinary honesty has turned into the party of Fox News,

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kaydog1 | Dec 24, 2010, 02:02 PM EST

I believe Mayor Michael Bloomberg's kneejerk support of all things Muslim has less to do with any appreciation he might have of Muslim "values" and everything to do with his love of money. Simply put, Mr Bloomberg is selling out the interests of his constituents in favor of gaining points with the Muslim world. The reason for this is quite simple - Bloomberg LLC, his family financial reporting company which has made him rich while neglecting to forcast (publicly, at least) the major economic meltdown of the last several years, has announced plans to pursue business expansion into Dubai and other areas in the Mideast, Such expansion will be a lot easier if Mayor Bloomberg, the public face of Bloomberg Financial LLC, and his political machine, can be seen as pliable and obedient servants to Islam. Hence the sellout of his constituents in favor of the interests of Islamofascist Terrorists. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE MONEY!

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seanomelbourne | Dec 24, 2010, 04:01 AM EST

Bronxjames and jeryoneill typical middle of the road bigoted fascist.Most Muslims in the U.S.A. are U.S. citizens.Who are you going to pick on next you morons.

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seanomelbourne | Dec 24, 2010, 03:56 AM EST

Australians would only go to war if they were hanging out of Americas coattails.Does the jas in Dublinjas mean jacka-ss

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Sybil Meindl | Dec 23, 2010, 11:20 PM EST

All I can say is THANK YOU BRONXJAMES & JERRYONEILL. You both are right on. I am glad to see that there are people like you who are thinking rationally. I agree with you two 100%.

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jerryoneill | Dec 23, 2010, 10:28 PM EST

I think we should wait until they blow up the Holland Tunnel, Statue of Liberty, the U.N.*Maybe not such a bad idea) and then have a committee discuss if their is any real danger from our fine Muslim friends. BOOM

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jerryoneill | Dec 23, 2010, 12:28 AM EST

If you want to write controversial articles to stimulate intelligent conversation, you should probably start with th correct photo, that is, unless you wanted the NFL's take on world politics.

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Dublinjas | Dec 22, 2010, 11:25 PM EST

Well said Peter King...Grill the bastards..every country they go to they try to kill the locals...look at Australia this week...they were ready to attack there...Only brainless stupid countries like Ireland allow these Rats in without Question.

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JimmieM | Dec 22, 2010, 08:47 PM EST

The drift I am getting from the "leadership" is that all the muslims are like so nice...and the threat they are concerned with is the radicalized tea party people who though they don't fly planes into buildings...they do seem to be some sort of threat to "leadership" who is not amused with an informed voting block?

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seamusmoore | Dec 22, 2010, 08:27 PM EST

Quixotic: "understanding of those in Europe", how about blinders of those in Europe who in the name of tolerance are unwilling to be critical of intolerant behavior . Bruce Bawer, a gay rights activist and author of a book critical of Christian fundamentalism, moved to Europe in 2000 because he perceived it to be more tolerant. After his partner was targeted (as gay) and attacked by Muslim youths in Oslo, he quickly revised his opinion relative to the US and Europe's attitudes toward Muslim fundamentalism. Bawer wrote an excellent account of this ("While Europe Slept"), which you might want to read. The editor of the Washington (DC) Blade was also gay bashed in 2006 in the most tolerant of European cities, Amsterdam. I am not exactly a big gay rights advocate but I am certain that the most fundamental of all civil rights is the right to walk in public without being beaten, stabbed, shot or blown up.

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joeboy1 | Dec 22, 2010, 07:09 PM EST

hey seanomelbourne those teaparty folks sure look like there going to be strapping those suicide vest,s on next to save America they differently need to be investigated before it,s to late!!!

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