Particularly when faced with poor poll numbers, politicians will say and do anything to get elected. The aftermath of the recent attacks in France is an excellent case study in this. Instead of discourse on attacks across the globe, from Beirut (this writer’s hometown) to Paris and what they mean, Republican politicians have turned these tragedies into an opportunity to buttress anti-refugee, and in some cases anti-Islam, résumés.
Millions of refugees are escaping from ISIS in Syria. Should we, to quote Ted Cruz, “welcome refugees, the tired huddled masses,” as we have for centuries? Some, such as Ted Cruz, would argue, “Anyone with an ounce of common sense would say ‘no.’” Nope, that’s not a typo. Senator Cruz said both of these statements just a few months apart, the latter coming just this week. Apparently, the Harvard Law graduate developed a keen sense (or at least an ounce of it) in the last few months.
Donald Trump and Ben Carson took this one step further. Dr. Carson created an analogy in which refugees were rabid dogs. In fairness, Dr. Carson changed his analogy to one with bad apples. Frankly, the last thing a Syrian refugee is thinking of at this point is whether bruised produce or diseased animals represent their struggle better. Mr. Trump wants a database to register and track Muslims in this country. What’s next? Making Muslims wear yellow crescents and stars? The attacks gave a stagnating Trump campaign an opportunity to re-energize and grow with the same hate that made it relevant.
I expect this from these two bigots; neither will ever be president. Jeb Bush, however, a former governor and part of a political dynasty, showed just how desperate he is for votes by entering this scramble. Bush suggested the United States, if it accept any refugees, take in only Syrian Christians. Apparently it is easy to screen for religion. Maybe we can ask refugees their favorite color too. Purple is a non-violent one, I’ve heard. But if they say "red"…
This response by politicians is exactly what ISIS wants. Every anti-Islam soundbite from a Ben Carson or a Donald Trump is recruiting material. The fact that we are even discussing some of the things for which Republicans have called is sad and shows just how far ISIS’ actions can infiltrate the political process. France’s Front National (think Donald Trump but with seats in parliament), already the country’s third-strongest political party, will surely exploit voter fear and insecurity ahead of regional elections next month. (There may be an Arena, or L’Arena, ahead of that election.)
ISIS can only win by forcing the United States to turn its back on values and norms like religious freedom and equality; to make us afraid to go to restaurants, or concerts at the Bataclan, or soccer games at Stade de France; to make us discriminate against swaths of people not for any rational reason, but for whether their holy day is Sunday or not. Suffice to say they may be succeeding, thanks in no small part to our politicians.
More from The Tufts Daily