- United States
- Conn.
- Letter
Senator John Kennedy used a Senate hearing on hate crimes to spew hate. It is that simple. There are not enough words to describe his grotesque behavior towards Maya Berry, who came to testify on the issue of hate crimes. A few come to mind: loathsome, craven, insincere, bigoted, racist and others I can't say in good conscience. She came to testify on a real issue and this man saw it nothing more as a political opportunity to smear someone based only on the fact she is Arab American. That's it. You could not write a more textbook case of racism when Senator Kennedy and other likeminded individuals like Senators Cruz and Graham think the same. Senators who rightfully worry about antisemitism have a complete double standard when they themselves engage in Islamophobia for cheap political points. Nobody can take anything they say regarding crimes seriously when they engage in hate crimes themselves. They all owe Ms. Berry an apology for accusing her of being a terrorist sympathizer based solely on her identity. Senator Kennedy in particular should be censored for such blatant hatred and smearing the reputation of a witness. If anybody in Congress wonders why it has such a low approval rating this is why. Instead of addressing issues in a real way it's all about optics and theater. If people like Senator Kennedy can't do the job then resign and let someone who takes things seriously step in. What a shameful display from elected officials who represent the worst of America and how far we have fallen. I suggest you have a talk with your colleague about his behavior. He should think for himself and not the donors who bribe him and tell him what to believe. Anybody whose values can be bought and sold like Senator Kennedy has no place in Congress.