To the editor:

Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) recently posted on social media that “Muslims don’t belong in American society.” Similarly, in February, Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) wrote on X: “If they force us to choose, the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one.” House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has declined to condemn these comments, asserting, “I’ve spoken to those members and all members, as I always do, about our tone and our message and what we say.”

Furthermore, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) evaded the issue, stating, “People who refuse to assimilate and follow a radical ideology that seeks to commit violence and terrorist acts have no business being in this country.” Anti-Arab and anti-Muslim racism receives little pushback in our country. Imagine the furor if the word “Jews” was substituted for “Muslims” in these statements.

Bigotry against any faith community undermines the principles our nation claims to uphold. History shows where such dehumanization leads. Both citizens and elected leaders must insist that dignity and equality belong to all Americans, without exception.

Terry Hansen

Grafton