Congress Should Censure Representative Steve King

Congressman Steve King's (R-IA) comments regarding the "joy" that a Barack Obama presidency would bring to "radical Islamists" are despicable, but they do not stand alone in two important respects. On the one hand, they echo outrageous comments that have become commonplace among right-wing commentators and radio talk show hosts. More disturbingly, they reflect a pattern of bizarre comments made by Congressman King on too many instances in the past.

King once dismissed the shameful horrors of Abu Ghraib as mere "hazing;" he advocated treating "illegals" like "livestock;" and even once denounced efforts to give revolutionary war hero General Pulaski posthumous citizenship as being akin to "amnesty."

Some have called for King to apologize, and others have called for Senator McCain to repudiate his views. These should be done, but they are not enough. This situation should be seen as being beyond partisanship and politics.

King is not merely some quack with a loose and tasteless mouth, venting his venom on a radio show, he is the Ranking Member of House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security and International Law. His words matter.

If a member of parliament in a foreign country were to have made equally despicable and bigoted comments, we would be right to demand that action be taken against that individual. King must be held accountable by his colleagues for his remarks, which send a dangerous message to the world. He should be formally censured by the Congress, so as to make it clear that remarks such as these are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

Comments

[stillcool]

A rabid mongrel, foaming at the mouth, baring its teeth and going for the jugular has no place in a Government that represents human beings.

[research]

No it's much more important to censure Moveon.org for General Betray us.

[desmirl]

King should resign. He is a disgrace. Failing that, one can only hope that the people in his congressional district will be wise enough not to re-elect him.

[TexasDem0]

Absolutely correct, Congress should censure Rep. King, but the GOP loyalists will block any effort to do so.

[SamSedaei - Huffpost Blogger]

Thank you, James. I completely agree with you. Censure resolution is most appropriate in this circumstance. When representatives make comments that denigrate the office they are occupying, they deserve to be called out.

[ButterflyWeed]

It sounds as though Congressman King is asking for psychiatric attention and a full medical work-up to rule out clogged cerebral arteries too. How can progress on critical issues be made on any committees he serves when he brings this kind of lunacy to his office?

[danceswithyids]

This guy should be completely shunned by anyone in Washington with any blood left pumping through their veins. Censure and force him to step down from any leadership committees. If Iowans consider themselves Americans they will let their voting speak out against such bigotry.

[Jeffomil]

Absolutely!m Just think of the "visual" of a dangerously bigoted nut-case like Smith in our government! What will the neighbors think? Censure, censure CENSURE him!

[DickTater]

I think Rep King needs to be investigated. Where does all his intimate knowledge of the jihadists and radical muslims come from. Does he get memos? Emails? Does he attend AlQ meetings?

[Robert5181]

Erich Fromm in Escape From Freedom argues that the leader reflects the values of the people he/she represents. By understanding the leader, we understand the followers. So, if Rep. King reflects the values of the people of Iowa, then why have we allowed this state to play such a pivotal part in the process of selecting a new president?

[tompoe]

I live in north-central Iowa. I received a letter from my mayor, Jim Erbs, indicating the city will not support an initiative to bring broadband, and a 21st century education, for our children. I received a similar letter from my governor, Chester Culver, stating not only the state will not support such initiative, but cautioning me not to move forward with anything "illegal". The nation has been hoodwinked, and these three elected officials are laughing all the way to the bank. God bless America!

[JAJ2007]

I wrote to my House rep (Van Hollen - MD) asking that he propose a motion to censure King.

Perhaps if everyone on Huffpost wrote to their reps similarly, then we might get somewhere.

[TexasDem0]

Our Texas GOP Congressional representatives and senators represent the fringe of the fringe. Expecting one of them to make an honest critical statement about BushCo, the GOP, or any of its members is sheer fantasy.

[jdm58]

Ain't THAT the truth! You should just read some of the replies I've received from them regarding ANY issue that sways the slightest from GOP trenches. They are unbelieveable, and I sure hope we can oust them in November !

[BusGreg]

Censure would be nothing more than a slap on the hand. It is US the voters who need to realize that the only way to "Over throw" the current regime is to re-elct NO-ONE. It is time to clean house, both of them, of unwanted biggots and fearmongers. Every 4 years we are voting for or sometimes against a presidential candidate. Not nearly enough time is devoted to the bi-ennial elections for Congress. That is were we need to start and replacing the 'dis' honorable Congressman with maybe a Libertarian or Green Party member or independant, rather than re-electing him or simply voting against him by supporting the Democratic contender for the same spot. Both "establihment" parties have failed this country and continuing to search for the lesser of two evils between the Republicrats is insane. Insanity being defined as repeatedly performing the same task and expecting a different outcome. We as a Nation have for too long elected either R or D to Congress and if we truly want change we need to change the make up of both Houses. Rep King deserves to be one of the first to be shown the door.

[roald]

Well said. Difficult to do.

[jdm58]

Agreed. Silence is akin to passive agreement.

[ApolloSpeaks]

OBAMA, THE MULLAHS AND LYNDON BAINES BUSH

When Congressman King said that Obama's election would have the Islamists dancing in the streets it was an understatement.

The mad murdering mullahs, for example, want US forces out of Iraq and the region. Obama has pledged a date certain of 12-31-2009 for doing just that without getting anything in return from Tehran. From now till Election Day the mullahs will be burning up the heavens praying for an Obama victory. From their viewpoint Obama will be the best thing that happened to them since Lyndon Baines Bush.

[livesimply]

You belie your name. Apollo was the god of light, truth, and music and poetry. Why should we get something from Tehran for getting out of Iraq? Take your fear somewhere else, please.

[standforpeace]

Remember when George Bush told us if we stopped shopping, we let the terrorists win? Well if we let fear mongers dictate what party or candidate we give our support to, we will have handed our democracy over without a whimper. No to all of those who suggest that the only way to fight terrorism is with a one party state controlled by the Republicans!

[robXdion]

Agreed.

He is not a talk radio host shooting off at the mouth. He is an elected government official racially slandering another government official. But again, Nancy Pelosi will be that wet noodle and cower from confronting this idiot.