Senator Foghorn Leghorn Spreads Hate During Hearing to Stop Hate in America

Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana takes a cue from Donald Trump and decides to incite hate against Muslims and Arabs during a hearing designed to combat Islamophobia and anti-semitism.

(Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/Reuters)

Dear Readers,

You must have noticed that I’ve been writing a lot about racism the past few weeks. I assure you that I would love to comment on more light-hearted and frivolous topics such as our new kitten, Lego sets, or the start of the football season. Unfortunately, we’re dealing with a desperate blitzkrieg of GOP fear-mongering, racism, and conspiracy theories during the death rattle of a flailing Trump campaign that is still reeling after a disastrous debate and depressed poll numbers. 

As such, we, the majority who want to live in the 21st century and not go back to 1864, have to continue to be vigilant and aware to protect our national security and marginalized communities. Unlike corporate media, I have never sanitized nor sanewashed Trump’s bigotry which remains the predominant feature of his perverse and corrupt political career. While our national focus should remain centered on the escalating terror threats in Springfield, Ohio and its Haitian community resulting from Trump and MAGA’s stochastic terrorism, allow me to briefly direct your attention to today’s Senate Committee Hearing which was titled, "A Threat to Justice Everywhere: Stemming the Tide of Hate Crimes in America." 

Since the beginning of this disastrous and failed Israel-Gaza war, there has been an uptick in anti-semitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab hate in America. Three Palestinian American college students wearing keffiyehs were shot last year and a 6-year-old Palestinian American boy was killed in a hate crime by his landlord. Jewish, Muslim and Arab communities have complained about increased hate towards their communities and are feeling more unsure and afraid ahead of the 2024 election. However, “both sides” arent’ equally blameworthy. Not even close. One political movement has helped normalize and mainstream extremist talking points and conspiracy theories that threaten both Jewish and Muslim communities. 

On cue, the Senate’s Foghorn Leghorn, John Kennedy of Louisiana, went all-in with racism and asked an Arab American leader if she supported Hamas. Maya Berry, the Executive Director of Arab American Institute, summoned the strength of all her ancestors and kept her dignity and composure during the inflammatory and reckless questioning by the privileged, Oxford educated Senator who code-switches to “sound MAGA” and pander to his MAGA base. Remember, this was a hearing on stemming the tide of hate - not increasing it. But what else should we expect from MAGA which has currently stayed silent as their cult leader continues to demonize Haitians? It’s like attending a hearing on stopping forest fires which is overseen by arsonists.

Unfettered by the loud groans from the audience, Senator Kennedy continued with his Islamophobia and asked Berry if she supported Hezbollah. Naturally, Berry said she doesn’t support either terror groups, but the only reason why the question was asked is because in 2024 it’s perfectly acceptable to be openly bigoted against Muslims and Arabs without any penalty or accountability. It’s a redux of 2001. It’s perpetual guilt by association in which every single Muslim-y sounding individual has to defend their lives and prove their moderation before a kangaroo court forever holding their loyalty and patriotism as suspect. 

Sen. Kennedy ended his belligerent questioning by admonishing Maya Berry and saying, “You should hide your head in a bag.” Just sit with that for a second and imagine if he said that to a leader of any other community. How would our establishment institutions and corporate media respond? Wouldn’t it at least be headline news for a day? But since it’s Arabs and Muslims, we all just shrug and move along. However, this hate comes for all of us, as witnessed by the attacks on Kamala Harris, Mexican immigrants, Haitians, women, and the LGBTQ+ community.

It’s the same playbook that helped Trump gain power in 2016 as he campaigned on a Muslim Ban and openly said, “I think Islam hates us.” It explains how one of the most unhinged and racist anti-Muslim bigots, Laura Loomer, is now flying on Trump’s private plane and has become an accepted member of the GOP even though she’s a 9-11 conspiracy nut who was attacked by Rep. Marjorie “Jewish Space Lasers” Taylor Greene of all people for being too racist.

At the very least, we, the majority, should be aware, outraged, and use our voices to speak out against the hate as we organize to defeat Trump and MAGA at the ballot box and beyond.