Democracy in a world ruled by oil

Self-centered bordering on narcissistic. That’s how I would describe the U.S.’s reaction to the democratic revolution that has swept across the Middle East and North Africa in recent months.

Average people in this oil-rich region have marched and fought since late January to shed the bonds of dictatorship, and all we’re worried about, it seems, is whether gasoline prices will shoot up because of the “instability” that comes with a revolution.

Do we care that tens of thousands of people are putting their livelihoods and lives on the line in search of the freedoms that we enjoy –– and too often take for granted –– in the U.S.?

At a time when Muslims across the Middle East and North Africa are standing up for the democratic ideals that we hold dear, U.S. Rep. Peter King, a Republican from Seaford who is chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, is planning a series of congressional hearings to explore what he calls “the radicalization” of American Muslims and their alleged role in “homegrown terrorism.” At press time, the hearings were set to begin March 10.

Is King kidding? Now? At this critical moment in history? Really?

A coalition of 100 interfaith groups, led by entertainment producer Russell Simmons, rallied in Times Square on Sunday to oppose the hearings, saying they are an attempt to “demonize” Muslims.

If King were to go through with the hearings, what signal would he send to pro-democratic forces in the Middle East and North Africa, all led by Muslims?

The hawkish congressman would telegraph a terrible message: Despite the earnest efforts of peaceful, law-abiding Muslims to bring democracy to a region ruled by oil-baron despots who torture and kill their own people, the U.S. still believes that Muslims, even American Muslims, are terrorists. King is wrong.