Muslim immigrant Khizr Khan addressing the Democratic convention in Philadelphia.
By Amy Gibson-O’Brien
Amy Gibson-O’Brien graduated from Pentucket Regional High school in 2007. She went on to study journalism at Suffolk University and is now a freelance writer.
Khizr Khan, Gold star father and lawyer, and Charles M. Blow, columnist for The New York Times, spoke to a crowd of more than 1,500 at the annual American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts Bill of Rights Dinner Monday, May 15.
Both spoke of the ever-growing threats to freedom of speech and civil liberties in America and how to challenge those threats.
Blow said President Donald Trump “represents an attack on the fundamental supports of our democracy” and that he is “a man who’s [a] logical extension of toxic masculinity and ambient misogyny, racism and anti-intellectualism…of wealth worship.”
Khan, the 2017 Roger Baldwin Honoree, cited the current administration and Russia as threats to American democracy. He spoke of the children, veterans and elderly he has met “…who are afraid that their rights are endangered.” Khan advises ACLU will take care of them but to also call their local representatives. “Never underestimate the power of your voice, the power of your action,” said Khan.
In 2004 Khan’s son, Capt. Humayun Khan, died in a bomb explosion while on tour in Iraq. Humayun was honored after his death with a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. This earned the Khan family the right to fly a gold star, rather than blue, on their service flag. This is Khan’s 111th speech since most notably speaking out against Trump’s immigration policies at the 2016 Democratic National Convention. Khan continues to hold up a pocket copy of the Constitution that he iconically offered to read aloud to Trump at the Democratic National Convention.
Matthew Segal, legal director for the ACLU of Massachusetts also spoke at the event citing their recent victories against the Muslim travel ban as well as the wrongful convictions of over 21,000 cases in Bridgeman v. District Attorney for Suffolk County.
The event was the largest dinner in the ACLU of Massachusetts 97-year history, according to Executive Director Carol Rose. Benefactors sought to raise one million dollars on that night alone to allow ACLU to continue to defend civil rights and liberties. “Resistance is an act of radical, even revolutionary patriotism…resistance is essential and possibly existential,” said Blow.
The guy is the perfect definition of a sleazy, hate filled liberal. How crass is it that he uses his own son’s death to push a political agenda? It doesn’t get any scummier than that.
“Resistance is an act of radical, even revolutionary patriotism…resistance is essential and possibly existential,” said Blow. Except against liberal presidents like Obama. Then you are considered a racist, bigot, and deplorable.
Excellent article. No family should have to endure what the Khan family has, especially one that has made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.
Many have made that sacrifice, when you join the military, that sacrifice is something you are prepared to make.
His son was no doubt a great soldier. He however, has parlayed the loss of a son for political purposes – I cannot respect that as a veteran.
As a patriotic veteran, what do you make of Mike Flynn’s decision to plead the fifth regarding his false claims to those issuing his security clearance; he told investigators that he had “not received any benefit from a foreign country.” In 2015 Flynn was paid $45,000.00 to speak at an event in Moscow. Only one of many falsehoods regarding his ties to Russia that can be proven through factual evidence. BTW, just last year POTUS slammed Clinton staffers for pleading the fifth. He said “If you’re not guilty of a crime, what do you need immunity for?” POTUS also said, “The mob takes the fifth amendment. If you’re innocent, why are you taking the fifth?”
I’m not trolling you. I’m just honestly interested in your take on these matters.
If General Flynn lied – he should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. However, producing documents only – without additional testimony can be difficult. Bias individuals can “determine” the “meaning” of a document without input from the person making the offering – a quasi-hearsay type issue.
Therefore – if Flynn can produce documents, AND be allowed to testify to what those documents mean or did mean – that is the way forward.
I believe at this point, based on what I have seen and heard – that members of the committee are simply looking for a scalp at this point and have no interest in the truth.
Nonetheless, Mr. Khan is still a liberal left wing lying shill – THAT will never change.
Thank you for asking for my opinion so kindly as well, I hope my explanation helps.
– apologies for the previous post grammatical errors – I wish there was a way to edit.
Khizr Khan is a proven liar and ran a law firm specializing in helping illegal immigrants stay in the US illegally. He’s also a long time supporter through his firm and personally – of Hillary Clinton is can far out match him in lying.
For this man to attack our President is a joke and I personally dismiss him and his opinions out of hand with no further comment needed.
True. Trump was right about this guy. He is a paid shill for the left. Everyone feels sorry for the loss of his son. But that does not mean he is right in whath3e spouts.