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'Radicalization' hearings under way
| | | | By: Chad Groening Contributor: Scott Allswang
 A Christian attorney and terrorism expert says today's long-anticipated congressional hearings on the "radicalization" of American Muslims represents an important step forward in safeguarding the American homeland against the rising tide of homegrown Islamic terrorism.
Today's hearings on Capitol Hill have been at the center of public controversy almost since they were first announced several weeks ago. Protests -- both pro and con -- have drawn media attention, particularly in New York, home state of the host lawmaker. The American Center for Law & Justice (ACLJ) says the House hearing, led by Congressman Peter King (R-New York), represents a sound strategy to address what most Americans understand -- there is a growing threat to America's national security and its way of life.
King began the hearings this morning by saying the inquiry does not warrant the "rage and hysteria" it has prompted. Muslim leaders, however, say the inquiry is overbroad and paints all Muslims as terrorists or potential terrorists. The top Democrat on the committee, Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, says he believes the hearings could be used to inspire terrorist propaganda. According to Associated Press, King is receiving increased police security.
Jordan Sekulow, director of international operations with the ACLJ, says the hearings will  give Republicans the chance to ask the tough questions.
"The administration can take one line, but because Republicans have taken back the House of Representatives and control these committees now, they get to set the hearing schedule," he points out. "They get to decide what's going to be discussed. And because of that, regardless of what the administration does, members of Congress can conduct hearings so that we can get the clear facts on cases."
The ACLJ attorney urges congressional members to be resolute in avoiding the politically correct dance they are sure to encounter.
"We have to stop kidding ourselves," states Sekulow. "The only religious group right now in the world engaged in international, coordinated efforts to kill civilians is Islam -- and if it is something that Muslims think they can take care of, then show up at the hearings and talk about what you're doing."
Sekulow says only about 37 percent of Americans have a favorable view of Islam right now because radical groups like the Council on American-Islamic Relations have been allowed to speak for all Muslims.
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