April, 15 2019, 12:00am EDT
More than 200 Progressive Leaders Sign Letter of Solidarity with Rep. Ilhan Omar
Letter calls on Congress to speak out against racist and bigoted Islamophobic attacks and stand with Rep. Omar
WASHINGTON
More than 200 progressive leaders published a letter today calling on Members of Congress to stand with Rep. Ilhan Omar in the face of racist, bigoted and Islamophobic attacks.
"The attacks against Rep. Omar are attacks on the values of our democracy," the letter states. "White supremacy, discrimination, bigotry, and hateful expressions against immigrants, refugees, people of color, and communities of faith are despicable and contrary to the values and aspirations of the United States. In the face of such attacks, we reiterate our commitment to love, pluralism, diversity, and freedom of expression, religion, and conscience."
The letter continues: "People can disagree on policy in good faith and critique one another for particular views, political appearances, and language. But what is happening now--on television, over Twitter, from the stages of political rallies--is incitement to violence and hate against an elected official already facing credible death threats, against a community already under attack around the world, and against humanity as a whole."
The full letter and list of signees can be viewed here: moveon.org/standwithilhan
The more than 200 leaders who signed the letter represent a broad spectrum of the progressive movement, including civil rights, labor, immigration, choice, environmental, faith-based organizations. Initiating signers include Randi Weingarten, President, American Federation of Teachers; Rashad Robinson, Executive Director, Color of Change; Yvette Simpson, Chief Executive, Democracy for America; Charles Chamberlain, Chair, Democracy for America; Sabeel Rahman, President, Demos; Leah Greenberg, Co-Executive Director, Indivisible; Anna Galland, Executive Director, MoveOn Civic Action; Ilya Sheyman, Executive Director, MoveOn Political Action; Ai-Jen Poo, Executive Director, National Domestic Workers Alliance; Mary Kay Henry, President, Service Employees International Union; Cristina Jimenez, Executive Director, United We Dream, and Maurice Mitchell, Executive Director, Working Families Party.
MoveOn is where millions mobilize for a better society--one where everyone can thrive. Whether it's supporting a candidate, passing legislation, or changing our culture, MoveOn members are committed to an inclusive and progressive future. We envision a world marked by equality, sustainability, justice, and love. And we mobilize together to achieve it.
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