AhlulBayt News Agency - US Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson has denounced the anti-Muslim rhetoric by Republican presidential candidates, saying such “inflammatory” comments are harmful to US homeland security.
“I believe that inflammatory comments about patrolling and securing Muslim neighborhoods or barring Muslims from entering this country, having an immigration policy based on religion, is counterproductive to our homeland security and national security interests,” Johnson said on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” program Tuesday.
Johnson was responding to a question about White House hopeful Senator Ted Cruz of Texas who has called for stricter patrols and surveillance in Muslim neighborhoods. Republican frontrunner Donald Trump also created a firestorm last year by proposing a “total and complete shutdown” of Muslims entering the United States.
“I think that, in this phase, it is critical that we build bridges to American-Muslim communities, not vilify them, not drive them into the shadows and encourage them to work with us,” Johnson said.
He praised American Muslims as “very patriotic people” who “want to be part of the fabric of our nation.”
“We spend a lot of time working with Muslim communities… to help them help us in our homeland security efforts,” Johnson added.
Hundreds of protesters gathered in front of a campaign venue in Wisconsin on Tuesday afternoon to denounce Trump and his divisive policies. They held placards reading slogans such as “no hate in our state”, “Trump is racist and fascist,” and “dump Trump.”
“We want to stand up against Trump and let people know that we don't stand for what he believes in,” a protester told local media.
“I just don't want there ever to be a message of hate. I feel the way to build up a country is to make sure people are happy, they are healthy, educated,” another protester said.
A protester was reportedly pepper-sprayed during the event. A video posted on Facebook by the Janesville Community Page appears to show a woman attempting to push someone before being pepper-sprayed.
Trump’s campaign has been marked by controversy, including disparaging remarks about women, Mexican immigrants and Muslims.
The billionaire businessman’s hateful rhetoric has caused disruption of his campaign rallies nationwide.
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source : Real Clear
Wednesday
30 March 2016
7:02:26 AM
744011
"I think that, in this phase, it is critical that we build bridges to American-Muslim communities, not vilify them, not drive them into the shadows, and encourage them to work with us," Johnson said Tuesday morning.