GOP HOUSE UNABLE TO AGREE ON NEW MUSLIM RESTRICTIONS

by R J Shulman

WASHINGTON – (PTSD News Service) – GOP lawmakers in the House held a debate today on a new bill, The They Hate Us For Our Freedom Act, that purports to protect America from terrorists by requiring special identification for Muslims.  However, Republicans could not agree on specific measures to best achieve this goal.

One proposal that failed to get a majority was to require all Muslims to carry a photo ID and show it whenever anyone asked, but lost support because it was feared that the card might be used for voting or purchasing firearms. “I think they should have to wear a star and crescent pin,” said Pete Sessions of Texas. Tom Cole, R-Okla. disagreed saying, “that’s giving support for their religion. They should have to wear special government issued crosses to both show who they are and that they are living in a Christian country.”

Trey Gowdy, R-Tex. said, “I think they should wear a big star for all to see and the star should be yellow because they are all cowards.” But Renee Ellmers, R- N.C. said that pins and stars might be hard to see from a distance and suggested that Muslims be required to wear muslin.

The idea for the bill has broad support from the Republicans with some Democrats supporting the idea.  However, Representative Jim McGovern of Massachusetts said, “the bill is aimed at fueling fear rather than protecting the American people.”

“I know we have some minor disagreements,” said Speaker Paul Ryan, “but we can all agree that history has taught us that we need to find a final solution to the problem of terrorism.  After all,” Ryan said, “this is the land of the free.”