First, I'm finally updating the Vigil with non-responses by Reps. Jo Ann Davis and Eric Cantor. Their silence on the key issue at hand - Virgil's xenophobic comments - prevail.(Note to Republicans and media: It's not a response to Virgil's controversy to utter facts and support about how people take their oath of office. What the Virginia GOP must do is respond to Virgil Goode's xenophobic comments about Muslims. Otherwise, the Virginia Republicans' silence amounts to support for his statements given their party affiliation and repeated endorsements of his political career.)
Also, some Virgil developments. As recently as last week, Virgil was still standing firm even in the face of rational arguments from people of faith. NCC's FaithfulAmerica reported on a meeting with Rep. Virgil Goode about his anti-Islamic remarks:
Mr. Goode listened as each member of the delegation spoke their minds and hearts. Their points were compelling, from stating how disparaging remarks from an elected official fuels anti-American propaganda abroad, to reminding the Congressman that his words and actions must extend beyond his personal religious views. At one point I was struck by the irony of the moment when I could hardly hear Dr. Syeed, a wise and seasoned man of peace, because of a hair-loss commercial blasting out of the television overhead.I also wondered if Congressman Goode could hear.
I soon got my answer. When we had finished, Congressman Goode leaned across his desk, thanked us for our remarks, and told us unequivocally that he stands by his earlier statement. "I didn't say anything that was untrue." ...
Congressman Goode then remarked that America is a nation where religious freedom abounds, "but if this nation had a majority of Muslims," he said, "I'm not sure it would be the case." Then gesturing to Dr. Syeed, he added, "Of course, if they were all more like you, I don't think there'd be a problem."
I held by breath. Privately I thought, "People used to say that about races of men and women...You're not like the rest of them. If more of them could be like you, we wouldn't have to worry. Why, you're a credit to your race."
So, as of now, Virgil is standing firm - even continuing his offensive xenophobic characterizations in front of a Muslim visiting his office. He might not fear a non-scary Muslim in his office, but he still fears an "infiltration" by violent extremists - and he doesn't mind telling that to his Muslim visitors.
However, a bit of good news: Virgil is taking the first positive step to cure his phobias by facing his fears and accepting an invitation to attend a Muslim prayer service. Let's hope this is the first step on the road to recovery.
In the meantime, the Vigil continues. Most Virginia Republicans remain completely silent.
If I recall correctly, when he had his emotional moment on Wolf Blitzer, Allen said that upon learning of his heritage he would be more committed than ever to fighting bigotry and intolerance.
Time to back up your words George.
Here's an excerpt:
Ku Klux Klan Rebounds With New Focus On Immigration, ADL ReportsNew York, NY, February 6, 2007 ? The Ku Klux Klan, which just a few years ago seemed static or even moribund compared to other white supremacist movements such as neo-Nazis, experienced "a surprising and troubling resurgence" during the past year due to the successful exploitation of hot-button issues including immigration, gay marriage and urban crime, according to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).
The League, which monitors the activities of racist hate groups and reports its findings to law enforcement and policymakers, has documented a noticeable spike in activity by Klan chapters across the country. The KKK believes that the U.S. is "drowning" in a tide of non-white immigration, controlled and orchestrated by Jews, and is vigorously trying to bring this message to Americans concerned or fearful about immigration.
"If any one single issue or trend can be credited with re-energizing the Klan, it is the debate over immigration in America," said Deborah M. Lauter, ADL Civil Rights Director. "Klan groups have witnessed a surprising and troubling resurgence by exploiting fears of an immigration explosion, and the debate over immigration has, in turn, helped to fuel an increase in Klan activity, with new groups sprouting in parts of the country that have not seen much activity."