opinion
Calls are mounting for Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) to face expulsion after she posted a controversial video in which she claims her loyalty is to her homeland of Somalia and that the US government will “follow orders” and “do whatever you want.” I tell them to do it.”
The controversial comments appeared in a video clip posted on YouTube and circulated on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The video was captioned by an external source and these translations have not been verified.
“The United States government will only do what the Somalis in the United States ask it to do,” Omar says, according to the video. “They will do what we want and nothing else.”
She adds: “They must follow our orders, and this is how we will protect Somalia's interests.” “We Somalis must have confidence in ourselves because we own the decision in the United States.”
age Denies translation Her words ring true, even though she makes little effort to deny the underlying message being delivered out loud.
Shocking video of @IlhanMN Saying that it makes the US government take orders from Somalia:
“The United States government will only do what the Somalis in the United States tell it to do. They will do what we want and nothing else. They must obey our orders, and that is how we maintain interest… pic.twitter.com/qIgIbufHTK
– Paul A. Chipola 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) January 28, 2024
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Omar faces calls for expulsion
In addition to seeming to indicate that the US government will conduct its foreign policy based on Somalia's needs, Omar's comments indicate that her loyalties are not properly aligned as a member of Congress.
“We are an organized community, brothers and sisters, people of the same blood, people who know they are Somali first, Muslim second, who protect each other, help each other, and help other Muslims as well,” she said. He said.
The video, as reported by The Policy Insider, has some clarity and bias issues. Omar, who admits she has difficulty speaking Somali, had her speech translated by Somaliland sources, who are highly critical of her. The language itself lends itself to difficult translation, so the words should be taken with a pinch of salt.
But that doesn't stop voices on the right side of the aisle from suggesting Omar should be expelled from Congress.
Representative Mike Collins (R-GA), speaking on the TV show “Just the News, No Noise,” indicated that he would support Omar's expulsion. Even then, he noted that his opinions were based on video translation.
“I wouldn't have understood a word she was saying that she had to speak in English,” he said, referring to George Santos (R-N.Y.). “It will be her.”
“[T]Collins added: “I tell people that we will force the American government to do what Somalia wants, and what is in Somalia's interest.” “You know, my advice to her is if she wants to be part of that government, she goes back to Somalia and gets involved in whatever form of government they have. But when you're here, and you're in the United States of America, especially when you're represented in Congress, that's America.” Firstly.
RELATED: Fact Check: Ilhan Omar Claims She Never Compares Israel and US to the Taliban
Should she be fired? Or do we need more information
A large number of right-leaning critics on social media agree with Collins and believe Omar should face eviction. Matt Walsh asserts that she should not only be expelled, but deported.
“Omar declares in no uncertain terms that she is working to protect Somali interests in Congress, as opposed to American interests,” Walsh wrote.
“It should go without saying, but if this translation is even somewhat accurate, it is clear that Ilhan Omar should be expelled from Congress and immediately deported, if not imprisoned for treason,” he asserts. “We are a complete joke of a country if we allow people like this to serve in public office.”
Political commentator Liz Wheeler also pointed out that Santos was fired simply for lying on his résumé.
“Ilhan Omar says she is Somali first, Muslim second, and has never said she is American, and threatens to make the United States bow to Somali interests,” Wheeler wrote. “Kick her out, you cowards.”
Various other sources about X seem to agree with this.
Aside from this video, there are several reasons why Omar might meet the criteria for expulsion — from her dismissal of 9/11 as trivial, to her likening the United States to the Taliban, to a slew of anti-Semitic statements.
If she were a Republican, Democrats would have voted for her long ago. Will the GOP give them a taste of their own medicine?
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