Rep. King On Tough Talk On Muslims: Deal With It

Long Island Congressman Makes No Apologies For Comments Saying Some Mosques Hinder Law Enforcement

By KATHRYN BROWN
CBS 2 HD News 
November 12, 2009 

SEAFORD, N.Y. (CBS) ― He's known for unabashedly expressing his opinion -- even if it's hardly politically correct.

But now, Long Island Congressman Peter King is under fire for some controversial comments he made about the Muslim community.

And he flat out said the reaction doesn't bother him a bit.

Some Nassau County Muslins are lashing out over what they call King's disparaging remarks.

"It is not politically correct and I don't care," Rep. King said.

The congressman is making no apologies for his opinions.

"Clearly what I said was there are too many mosques in America which do not cooperate with law enforcement and that was something I said two years ago. I stood by it then and I stand by it now," King told CBS 2 HD.

But it's those comments he so freely makes that are angering some Muslim groups on Long Island.

At the Islamic Center of Long Island members fear a backlash against law-abiding Muslims.

"It's ridiculous and it's … some of those statements he's made are totally outrageous," said Westbury resident Seemi Ahmed.

The Nassau County Commission on Human Rights -- which includes three Muslim members -- is so furious it issued a resolution this week denouncing King's comments.

Board chair Rodney Brown said the decision reflects the feelings of the larger Muslim community, and was unanimously approved by the board.

"We want to meet with him. We want him to pledge not to make these kinds of divisive remarks again," Brown said.

King doesn't call the remarks divisive; he calls them honest.

He said he will not meet with the commission, and points to incidents like the recent terrorist scare in Queens and the shooting at Fort Hood as evidence that Muslim leaders are acting against police and encouraging their congregations to do the same.

"Unfortunately, too many people in public life and government are scared of offending any type of privileged group," King said.

"I have no problem at all saying what they are doing is wrong."

Brown said if King doesn't meet their demands -- the commission will take further action, though he's not sure yet what that might be.

Congressman King said he regularly meets with members of the Muslim community whom he trusts.

For video click here.