Punditry StaffCongress today provided the excuse and the reason for every Arab American and Muslim in America of voting age to stand up and be counted when it censured Rep. Rashida Tlaib. Not that Tlaib did not deserve the censure after quoting a phrase associated with those who wish physical harm upon Israelis. But the fact Congress did not also censure Representatives who dehumanized Palestinians and wished them violent death is telling for all the underrepresented and underprivileged marginalized voters in America. For sure, censuring Tlaib will energize Muslim and Arab American voters to come out swinging in key swing States during the 2024 elections.
Congress, in its flummoxed wisdom, treated Tlaib like the Israelis are treating Gaza and the Palestinians on the West Bank. This is not going to sit well with many Muslim American voters in many swing States, no matter their country of origin. Not only will her constituents send her back to the House, but we may see many more Palestinian Americans and Muslim Americans enter politics to stand up to Islamophobia the way Israelis stand up to antisemitism.
Bet on it like it’s GameStop.
There are lots of good Israelis and good Jewish-American citizens who deserve our respect.
HEY TLAIB, NOT A GOOD IDEA
It does not bode well for Tlaib to wear her heart on her sleeves all the time. Western values and high-strung emotions do not mix well. Indeed, her constituents need her voice, but not the mistakes she is making. And if we were to advise her, we would tell her to remain poised, calm, and collected in the face of the tragedy of Gaza. Not easy, but absolutely and definitely necessary.
The same advice goes to anyone whose previous homeland suffered untold tragedies as we saw happen to Ukraine.
If you have not guessed it yet, Congress is full of politicians who will do and say anything to help themselves. If censuring Tlaib gets them more voters and more money to back their campaigns, unto the slaughterhouse Tlaib will go. Regardless whether she deserved it or not.
Honor, my dear readers, has become the greatest victim of the industrial revolution and American lawless capitalism.
Therefore, it is not a good idea for Tlaib to speak when emotions are high. If she surrounded herself with level-headed people, let them construct her narrative during these difficult times for Gaza.
What is also not a good idea is to use the sentence “From the river to the sea”, which insinuates that Palestinians intend to throw the Jews into the sea. It’s a dangerous sentence, and we must understand the impact it has on the Jewish people.
No excuses here. There are lots of good Israelis and good Jewish-American citizens who deserve our respect. Arab American and Muslims must lend it to them with conviction to earn back their respect and kindliness.
Censuring Tlaib Will Energize Muslim Voters
Punditry Staff
