Radicalizing Muslims: Dangerous Pattern Revealed

The hearing chaired by Rep. Peter King (R-NY) who heads up the House Committee on Homeland Security accomplished what it set out to do:  put a spotlight on a troubling and dangerous trend where terrorists are radicalizing American Muslims for one purpose - to threaten our national security.

In addressing the Committee, Rep. King made it very clear that this homegrown threat is coming from radicalized Muslims, no where else:

"This Committee cannot live in denial which is what some would have us do when they suggest that this hearing dilute its focus by investigating threats unrelated to Al Qaeda. The Department of Homeland Security and this committee were formed in response to the al Qaeda attacks of 9/11. There is no equivalency of threat between al Qaeda and neo-Nazis, environmental extremists or other isolated madmen. Only al Qaeda and its Islamist affiliates in this country are part of an international threat to our nation. Indeed by the Justice Departments own record not one terror related case in the last two years involved neo-Nazis, environmental extremists, militias or anti-war groups." 

Rep. King's entire remarks are posted here.  

What is clear is that the hearing provided a vital service in the ongoing war against terrorism by shining a spotlight on this emerging threat and focusing on the dangerous pattern of terrorists radicalizing American Muslims.

The hearing provided a fair forum to engage this critical issue and it's our hope that this hearing marks the beginning of a concerted effort to root out homegrown terrorism where radicalized Muslims view our nation as the enemy and target Americans on U.S. soil. 

No matter what the ACLU or other groups opposing this hearing have to say, the fact is that this examination is not about discrimination - it's about a desire and dedication to defend our homeland against radicalized Muslims.

We're delighted so many of you understand the importance of this Congressional hearing.  Nearly 15,000 signed on to our letter of support for Rep. King's hearing. 

As you also know, we provided Congressional leaders with our analysis concerning this topic - underscoring the fact that this hearing was necessary.  Our analysis is posted here.

Today's hearing is supposed to represent the first of several that will take place on Capitol Hill.  We will keep you posted on this critical issue.