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Chris Matthews: Rep. Peter King’s ‘Show Trials’ Are ‘Grand Character Assassination’

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» 49 comments

Criticism continues of Republican Congressman Peter King‘s efforts to hold congressional hearings on the potential radicalization of Muslim Americans. First Jon Stewart noticed King’s past sympathies for a different type of terrorist organization and The New York Times dug deeper into King’s potentially hypocritcal background with the I.R.A. Now Chris Matthews is piling on too, calling King’s “show trials” of Muslim Americans “appalling.”

Matthews welcomed two guests who disagreed with King’s approach: Irish lobbyist Niall O’Dowd, who earlier suggested King was on “a strange journey from Irish radical to Muslim inquisitor,” and Jack O’Reilly, Mayor of Dearborn, Michigan, a city with a large Muslim population. O’Dowd argued all Muslims do not deserve to be demonized when only a small amount of extremists are the problem. He predicted that King was just screaming about Muslims in order to generate “easy headlines” and raise his own stature in Congress. O’Reilly worried that the outcome of these hearings has already been determined before any fact-finding began, and said King was “misinformed.”

Matthews summed up the critique by suggesting that King’s attempt to cast such a giant net encompassing all religious followers of Islam was a form of “grand character assassination.” King though has yet to back down, and nothing said here seems likely to change his mind.

Watch the clip from MSNBC below:

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  • Big Eddie

    It’s an investigation , Matthews . Into things like this .

    ” In February 2009, Hassan, who founded a TV network aimed at countering Muslim stereotypes, went to a police station in the Buffalo, New York, suburb of Orchard Park and told officers his wife was dead, police have said.

    Aasiya Hassan had been decapitated and the long knife used by her husband had left marks on his office’s tile floor, prosecutors said during opening statements. ”

    http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/03/09/new.york.beheading/index.html

  • BadGenome

    MSNBC once again does a great job of showing all sides of an issue. “King’s wrong.” “No, he’s wronger than that.” “No, he’s wrong and a character assassin!”

  • ImNotBlue

    How dare King look at Muslim-American culture, to determine what we might be able to deter future home grown terrorism!!! Doesn’t he know the best way to defend ourselves is to just pretend like there is no threat at all?! If we just decide it doesn’t exist, we don’t have to think about it… and then we can focus our attention on the people who really deserve it, people who vote Republican. They’re the real terrorists………………
    _ _ _ _ _ _

    You know, I was writing this to be ironic and sarcastic, but realized there are quite a few angry left-wingers who wouldn’t get the joke, and just agree with the above. Next time I try to use some sarcasm to make Matthews look (more) foolish, I must find a way to be more outlandish than reality.

  • Garth

    BadGenome said:
    MSNBC once again does a great job of showing all sides of an issue. “King’s wrong.” “No, he’s wronger than that.” “No, he’s wrong and a character assassin!”

    The only character assassination you’ve seen is the one to your asshole.

  • Obeezy

    Of course the left will defend anyone or group that hates America.. Even the wacky hi-jinks of Janet Nalapatano admits there is a problem.. Seems Eric Holder though does not. Thats why he wont be invited to these hearings..

  • BadGenome

    Garth said:
    The only character assassination you’ve seen is the one to your asshole.

    Ha, it’s true. Your mom is HUNG, dude.

  • Garth

    BadGenome said:
    Ha, it’s true. Your mom is HUNG, dude.

    And your asshole would know. Dude!!

  • notsofast

    Garth said:
    Garth says:
    March 9, 2011 at 7:15 pm Garth(Quote)

    The last time I saw a face like yours, I fed it a banana, son.

  • notsofast

    Chris, thank God you have no character.

  • Yoda002

    Big Eddie said:
    It’s an investigation , Matthews . Into things like this .

    ” In February 2009, Hassan, who founded a TV network aimed at countering Muslim stereotypes, went to a police station in the Buffalo, New York, suburb of Orchard Park and told officers his wife was dead, police have said.

    Aasiya Hassan had been decapitated and the long knife used by her husband had left marks on his office’s tile floor, prosecutors said during opening statements. ”

    http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/03/09/new.york.beheading/index.html

    But you don’t worry about serial killers, gangs the mob? You’re falling for the latest scare tactic.

  • Grammie

    ImNotBlue said:
    You know, I was writing this to be ironic and sarcastic, but realized there are quite a few angry left-wingers who wouldn’t get the joke, and just agree with the above. Next time I try to use some sarcasm to make Matthews look (more) foolish, I must find a way to be more outlandish than reality.

    .
    Say, like this:

    Snowspot said:
    Good luck living in a dream world. Without liberals you don’t have creative people, without creative people all you have is labor. Also, without liberals the world would go to shit because Republicans don’t care what happens to earth. The US would look like Russia or China now without liberals and there would probably still be slavery, no art, no television, book burnings, religious public schools, stoning of abortionists, beatings of women that are raped, people saying god planned rapes so abortion isn’t necessary, endangered animals killed for sport, children allowed to carry concealed weapons, no EPA to protect us, no paved roads, … no America.

    Sounds like a great country… except that’s not America, that’s a crazy fantasy for nihilists (The Tea Party).

    Take the liberal out of America and you essentially would get Sharia Law.

    .
    Straight from a loony lib who considers himself a paragon of liberality.

  • Garth

    notsofast said:
    The last time I saw a face like yours, I fed it a banana, son.

    What was the last thing you fed blow up doll Glenn Beck? LMAO!!

  • Mr.Papshmer

    The folks who’re complaining about this are afraid of what the outcome might be. There can be no other reason, and Matthews leads the pack. Total lack of honesty and integrity.

  • notsofast

    Garth said:
    Garth says:
    March 9, 2011 at 7:23 pm Garth(Quote)
    Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0

    Son, you really need to get new material. That wasn’t funny the 1000th time you used it.

    Mirrors don’t talk. Lucky for you they don’t laugh either.

  • Garth

    notsofast said:
    Son, you really need to get new material. That wasn’t funny the 1000th time you used it.

    Mirrors don’t talk. Lucky for you they don’t laugh either.

    I understand your mullet is the number one in meth sales in the trailer park. and badgenome’s mother is the number two buyer, right behind yours.

  • notsofast

    Garth said:
    Garth says:
    March 9, 2011 at 7:27 pm Garth(Quote

    What do apples and you have in common? They both look good hanging from trees.

  • Garth

    notsofast said:
    What do apples and you have in common? They both look good hanging from trees.

    “Leroy” – Listen, I know it’s Thursday night and that means a good old fashion cross burning in the trailer park. It’s the mullets turn to light the cross and your turn to bring the beer. Moron. LMAO!!

  • notsofast

    Garth said:
    “Leroy” – Listen, I know it’s Thursday night

    LOL

    Man, are you a dumb lib.It’s Wednesday, shitforbrains.

    How many times do I have to flush to get rid of you?

  • Garth

    notsofast said:
    LOL

    Man, are you a dumb lib.It’s Wednesday, shitforbrains.

    How many times do I have to flush to get rid of you?

    “Leroy” – It is Thursday night, right asshole?

  • notsofast

    Garth said:
    Garth says:
    March 9, 2011 at 7:35 pm Garth(Quote)

    I love it when you prove libs don’t even know what day of the week today is.

    I’m gonna get you a condom. That way you can have protection when you go fk yourself.

  • Jax_n_Jill

    WI Republicans separated the budget fix bill and just voted for the limited collective bargaining bill…WI-14 are heading back but it is to late…it passed 18 to 1

  • Garth

    notsofast said:
    I love it when you prove libs don’t even know what day of the week today is.

    I’m gonna get you a condom. That way you can have protection when you go fk yourself.

    Glenn Beck Blow up doll would like a condom. Congrats!!

  • Jax_n_Jill

    Lib Radio Host Ed Schultz Admits Using ‘Fake Callers’ Coached by Congressional Dems

    http://www.theblaze.com/stories/lib-radio-host-ed-schultz-admits-using-fake-callers-coached-by-congressional-dems/

  • Judge Mental

    Breaking news:
    Republican senators in Wisconsin passed legislation stripping public employees’ unions of collective bargaining rights.

    Who knew they had the cajones? Way to go, GOP!

  • Mr.Papshmer

    Ted, are you messed up on meth again? You’re not making any sense.

  • http://www.snowspot.net Snowspot

    While we’re at it, lets round up the Jews and the Blacks and investigate them too, black culture is having a profound effect on American culture, also Jewish people seem to be hated in the Middle East, we should get them on the stand as well.

    Next we should start rounding up children to see who they support, we should interrogate them and have them tell us what side their parents are on.

    I call for the indoctrination of all muslim youth, we must brainwash them to tell us if their parents are loyal to America. If they refuse, we will torture them.

    HEIL GOP!

  • just wow

    Garth said:
    Listen, I know it’s Thursday night

    Garth said:
    It is Thursday night, right asshole?

    Really !?!?!?!?

  • notsofast

    Snowspot said:
    , lets round up the Jews and the Blacks and investigate them too,

    Yep! When they start attacking America in planes, with bombs in backpacks and in their underwear and start murdering soldiers on our military bases, and trying to set off bombs in Time Square, let’s do that!

    What? Oh, they don’t do that; so why would an idiot lib suggest such a thing?

    Because to ever lib all people are all the “same.”

  • felixw

    Matthews accuses a Republican of “character assassination.”

    Pot…Kettle…Black…

  • notsofast

    Snowspot said:
    Next we should start rounding up children to see who they support,

    Should we indoctrinate them like BHO did with his “MMM,MMM,MMM Barack Obama” song?

  • illusive man

    I think Matthews is right, King is wasting his and everyone’s time and money cause rasicalized American muslims would never, EVER, hurt the people of this country……….right?
    Because everybody knows the Fort Hood shooter was a mormon and the New York Times Square bomber was a jedi……..right?

  • Garth

    notsofast said:
    Should we indoctrinate them like BHO did with his “MMM,MMM,MMM Barack Obama” song?

    “Leroy” – what do you mean?

  • notsofast

    Garth said:
    Garth says:
    March 9, 2011 at 7:59 pm Garth(Quote)

    Did the aliens forget to remove your anal probe, son?

    If I wanted a bitch, I would have bought a DOG!!

  • illusive man

    Snowspot said:
    While we’re at it, lets round up the Jews and the Blacks and investigate them too, black culture is having a profound effect on American culture, also Jewish people seem to be hated in the Middle East, we should get them on the stand as well. Next we should start rounding up children to see who they support, we should interrogate them and have them tell us what side their parents are on. I call for the indoctrination of all muslim youth, we must brainwash them to tell us if their parents are loyal to America. If they refuse, we will torture them. HEIL GOP!

    No person is this dumb naturally, You must be a inbred flipper baby

  • Garth

    notsofast said:
    Did the aliens forget to remove your anal probe, son?

    If I wanted a bitch, I would have bought a DOG!!

    I think what the aliens and most others have figured out “Leroy” is that you are a low class, moronic tea-bagging racist, obviously. Son. Hope that sinks in you idiot, perhaps you and the mullet can have a little pity party.

  • BadGenome

    Jax_n_Jill said:
    Lib Radio Host Ed Schultz Admits Using ‘Fake Callers’ Coached by Congressional Dems

    http://www.theblaze.com/stories/lib-radio-host-ed-schultz-admits-using-fake-callers-coached-by-congressional-dems/

    Can you blame him? Have you seen what real, actual callers do to him?

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7z_b3ES1f0

  • Garth

    BadGenome said:
    Can you blame him? Have you seen what real, actual callers do to him?

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7z_b3ES1f0

    LMAO! As opposed to assholes like you?

  • BadGenome

    Snowspot said:
    While we’re at it, lets round up the Jews and the Blacks and investigate them too, black culture is having a profound effect on American culture, also Jewish people seem to be hated in the Middle East, we should get them on the stand as well.

    Next we should start rounding up children to see who they support, we should interrogate them and have them tell us what side their parents are on.

    I call for the indoctrination of all muslim youth, we must brainwash them to tell us if their parents are loyal to America. If they refuse, we will torture them.

    HEIL GOP!

    Is this that liberal maturity you were going on about earlier, Wetspot?

  • Mr.Papshmer

    illusive man said:
    No person is this dumb naturally, You must be a inbred flipper baby

    Created in the lab by Quinn. :)

  • illusive man

    Mr.Papshmer said:
    Created in the lab by Quinn. :)

    My thoughts exactly good sir.

  • jo hoochie

    Snowspot said:
    While we’re at it, lets round up the Jews and the Blacks and investigate them too, black culture is having a profound effect on American culture, also Jewish people seem to be hated in the Middle East, we should get them on the stand as well. Next we should start rounding up children to see who they support, we should interrogate them and have them tell us what side their parents are on. I call for the indoctrination of all muslim youth, we must brainwash them to tell us if their parents are loyal to America. If they refuse, we will torture them. HEIL GOP!

    You should change your name to snowFLAKE. You are either very young or very stupid!

  • Religion of Peace

    How do you “assassinate the character” of a cold blooded murdering terrorist? Terrorists have character?

  • Religion of Peace

    Garth said:
    LMAO! As opposed to assholes like you?

    Shut up, bovine.

  • OxyCon

    “Obviously, I think I’m the best. But each one of the other people think they’re the best, too….I think I’m the best, generally….There’s no doubt about it, in fact, but other people have different views….’Hardball’ is absolutely nonpartisan.”

  • Pokerdude777

    If you disagree with mr. King calling for this investigation, then I callenge you to read this short article From a left leaning newspaper in Memphis, Tn.

    http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/mar/09/memphis-man-testify-islamic-radicals-programmed-hi/?partner=yahoo_feeds

    YES it would be horrifying for the american people to know the truth. It’s a simple investigation. If you have nothing to hide then there should be no trouble with this.

  • http://www.snowspot.net Snowspot

    BadGenome said:
    Is this that liberal maturity you were going on about earlier, Wetspot?

    You are someone who would have supported McCarthy, good luck with that, lol.

  • http://www.snowspot.net Snowspot

    I think

    BadGenome said:
    Is this that liberal maturity you were going on about earlier, Wetspot?

    You’re good at deflecting the issue of Republicans singling out Muslims and attacking liberals.

    Republicans attack all Muslims.

  • BadGenome

    Snowspot said:
    I think

    You’re good at deflecting the issue of Republicans singling out Muslims and attacking liberals.

    Republicans attack all Muslims.

    You know, for someone who is so concerned that conservatives will bring about shariah law if they get their way, you don’t seem all that concerned about shariah law.

  • CAconservative

    Snowspot:

    Persecution, or investigation? We have a Muslim terrorist problem, that is a fact and it’s on our soil. Pre-supposing that this nothing more than a Witch hunt is closed minded. Not facing this problem head-on is negligent. This problem needs to handled before it handles us. If it means a few religious toes are stepped on, so be it. These people have a choice. Live by, and under our culture, and it’s laws, or leave. We will not suffer at the hands of religious fanatics on our own soil.

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