Muslim Peace Coalition-USA condemned the Incendiary Remarks of TV Host Bill O’Reilly that were made during his appearance on the View. “Such statements are irresponsible, inflammatory and demonising”, stated Imam Khalid Griggs, the co-chair of Muslim Peace Coalition. He went on to say, “Ohio State University has published a report documenting that FOX News is contributing to rumours about the Park 51 community centre in lower Manhattan. These rumours and the opportunities given to Isamophobes on FOX is contributing to the climate of hatred against Muslims and promoting the demonisation of Muslims”.
“History bears witness that whenever a community was demonised this led to mass persecution, even genocide of that community. The genocide of Native-Americans, the enslavement of Africans, the genocide of Jews and Gypsies by Nazis, the ethnic cleansings in Bosnia and pogrom in Gujarat, India; all testify to the dangers of demonisation”, said Dr. Shaik Ubaid, a spokesperson for the coalition.
Dr. Ubaid commended Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Bahar for walking off the stage to protest Mr. Bill O’Reilly’s bigoted remarks. He reminded Mr. O’Reilly that many Muslims were killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks. “American Muslims built this nation with their slave labour and even today are contributing to its progress, prosperity and security. Those Americans who are attacking their fellow Muslim citizens are playing into the hands of the terrorists who would love to see America repress its Muslim citizens”, said Dr. Ubaid. He hoped that Mr. O Reilly will repudiate his own irresponsible, offensive and incendiary remarks and invite Muslim representatives on his show to talk about the growing attacks on Muslims and mosques in the US.