Representatives of prominent conservative groups converged on the Heritage Foundation on Monday afternoon for the umpteenth in a series of gatherings to draw attention to the Benghazi controversy. But this one took an unexpected turn. What began as a session purportedly about “unanswered questions” surrounding the September 2012 attacks on U.S. facilities in Libya deteriorated into the ugly taunting of a woman in the room who wore an Islamic head covering.
There’s no question but that the deaths of four brave Americans in Benghazi, Libya on Sept. 11, 2012, were tragic. Like any tragedy involving the loss of American lives, it should be investigated with an eye toward determining what went wrong and how similar attacks might be prevented. It has been investigated, though what Republicans in Congress have conducted are less investigations than inquisitions. In their efforts to make the facts fit their agenda and prejudice, House Republicans have investigated and re-investigated the tragedy in Benghazi to the point where there’s nothing new to learn. It’s become a witch hunt, spawning independent hearings and forums masquerading as impartial attempts to find the truth. These “investigations are poorly-camouflaged efforts to embarrass President Obama and fan the flames of ignorance, outrage, and ugly, hate-driven racism.
While Conservatives conducting the witch hunt may have convinced themselves that they’re seeking the “truth” about what happened in Benghazi, Monday’s hearing demonstrated conclusively that this “search” has degenerated into a hatefest. Those who dare question them should be prepared to be buried in an avalanche of hatred and calumny. If you’re unfortunate enough to be wearing a Muslim head scarf, your legitimate questions will be met not with rational responses but with barely contained rage and hatred. After all, any REAL ‘Merican knows that a Muslim’s one and only passion is to destroy Our Way of Life © and force Sharia law upon good, God-fearing American patriots…right??
No rational person would believe that any Heritage Foundation proceeding could be conducted with fairness and impartiality, so perhaps Saba Ahmed should be questioned for her apparent naiveté. Or perhaps she just felt it her duty to illustrate the ridiculousness and one-sided nature of the kangaroo-court-style forum. Either way, she succeeded in getting the panelists to demonstrate their true colors…and the depth of their ignorance and hatred.
Ambassador Chris Stevens’ father requested early and often that his son’s death not be manipulated for political purposes…a request Conservatives roundly rejected. For them, Ambassador Stevens is merely another club with which they can bludgeon The Black Guy in the White House ©. It’s not about the truth; if it was, they’d also be investigated the numerous similar attacks that occurred under George W. Bush’s Reign of Error ©. Of course, Bush was White and Republican, and therefore not subject to such intense scrutiny.
After five-plus years of trying to create a scandal that could stick to Barack Obama- and failing miserably- Conservatives are desperate. If it takes dragging the tragic deaths of four brave Americans through the mud to achieve their goals, so be it.
Because REAL ‘Mericans want the truth!
