Congressman Andy Ogles vs. Reality: Islam Is Deeply Rooted in America
As a disabled U.S. military veteran and a Muslim, I speak from personal experience when I say that Muslim Americans have been serving this country and shaping its history for centuries.
Islam has always been part of America—and always will be.
Congressman Andy Ogles, your recent statement that “Muslims do not belong in America” isn’t just wrong—it’s dangerous. It ignores the truth about our nation’s history, the contributions of millions of Americans, and the values we claim to uphold.
Islam’s Deep Roots in America
Your claim that Muslims are “foreign” to America is flat-out false. Muslims were here long before the United States existed. Between 10% and 30% of enslaved Africans were Muslim, many from West African regions with thriving Islamic scholarship (Diouf, 2000).
“Islamic culture, faith, and knowledge were part of the African heritage brought to the Americas.” —Sylviane Diouf
Pull-quote:
“This is not a minor footnote—these communities helped build early America, enduring brutal slavery and inhumane treatment by those who forcibly brought them to the U.S., attempted to impose Christianity, and sought to erase their culture and identity. And now, you want to erase their history while calling yourself a Christian. Is this what your Christian conservatism stands for?”
Muslims also fought in the Revolutionary War. Figures like Bampett Muhamed, Yusuf ben Ali, and Joseph Saba were patriots.
“Muslims contributed to the fight for independence, alongside other American revolutionaries.” —Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
History doesn’t care about your politics, Congressman—it happened.
Muslim Americans in the Military: A Legacy of Service
As someone who has served and sacrificed for this country, I know firsthand the courage it takes to defend our nation. Muslim Americans have long served in the U.S. military—from World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan, countless service members have risked and given their lives for America. Figures like Captain Humayun Khan and Corporal Kareem Rashad Sultan Khan exemplify this courage and patriotism.
Pull-quote:
“These sacrifices were real, and your dismissive rhetoric is a slap in the face to their memory. When you dehumanize an entire group of people based on religion, you insult those who have fought for this very nation. Wake up, Congressman—this country is built on the backs of diverse peoples, and that includes Muslim Americans.”
Muslim Americans in Civic Life
Muslims are active in all aspects of society—from public service to business to education. Organizations like CAIR advocate for civil rights. Leaders such as Mayor Ras Baraka of Newark exemplify the vital role Muslim Americans play in civic life.
Pull-quote:
“Suggesting that they ‘don’t belong’ erases a critical part of America’s social, cultural, and civic fabric.”
As a Muslim and veteran, I have witnessed firsthand the dedication and patriotism of fellow Muslim Americans in our communities. Their contributions are real, tangible, and foundational to this nation.
Islamophobia: A Political Poison
Your words feed Islamophobia. Personal attacks based on religion, like mocking Muslim leaders such as New York’s Zohran Mamdani, perpetuate harmful stereotypes and create division.
“Discrimination and fear-mongering against any group weakens our democracy and our national character.” —Former Congressman Keith Ellison
This is not leadership—it’s fear-mongering, and it has no place in our politics.
Anti-Immigration and Minority Stances
Congressman Ogles has consistently supported policies that oppose immigration reform and have disproportionately affected communities of color. From advocating for stricter immigration enforcement to opposing protections for minority communities, these positions contribute to the marginalization of Americans who are already vulnerable.
Pull-quote:
“When leaders take a stance against immigrants and communities of color while promoting exclusionary policies, it signals that certain groups are less ‘welcome’ than others. This undermines the very principles of equality and opportunity that America claims to uphold.”
Your Leadership Is a Disgrace
Let’s be clear: your words and actions are not just offensive—they are politically reckless.
Pull-quote:
“History shows your rhetoric divides, excludes, and diminishes the contributions of Americans who built this country.”
Track Record Highlights:
- Super Bowl Halftime Show Criticism: You’ve tried to ban performances at the Super Bowl, calling them “pure smut.” Who are you to decide what millions of Americans should watch?
- Campaign Finance Scrutiny: Your campaign has been investigated for financial practices. Transparency and accountability matter.
- Claims About Your Background: Reports indicate you have exaggerated credentials. That’s not ambition—that’s a credibility concern.
Add to that your strong support for Israel. While supporting an ally is legal, some policies, particularly in Gaza, have drawn international criticism. This alignment raises questions about how your positions may affect the rights of Muslim Americans and others who oppose certain policies.
The Root of Your Bigotry
It’s clear your rhetoric targets Muslims to exploit fear and exclusion. You promote a narrow, exclusionary vision of America while appealing to certain religious constituencies and dismissing others.
Pull-quote:
“Real conservatism values freedom—freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of conscience. Your rhetoric is anything but conservative—it’s divisive and destructive.”
Accountability: Silence Is Complicity
Some members of the Republican Party, including Speaker Mike Johnson, have remained largely silent in response to discriminatory rhetoric. Silence in the face of exclusion or marginalization is not neutral—it is complicity.
Pull-quote:
“This silence, combined with anti-immigration and anti-minorities stances, will have consequences in the next elections.”
Voters have the ultimate power to hold leaders accountable. If ethical standards, transparency, and respect for all communities are not upheld, these failures will be reflected at the ballot box, as citizens demand leadership that represents the nation’s values of diversity, fairness, and inclusion.
Leadership and Political Alignments
Congressman Ogles has received contributions from pro-Israel political action committees, including the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) PAC and the United Democracy Project (FEC). These contributions are publicly reported and provide context for understanding some of his policy positions. Receiving support from PACs is legal, but voters deserve transparency.
Recommendations for Accountability and Reform
Given the seriousness of these statements and public record, mechanisms of accountability should be strengthened to ensure public officials uphold ethical and legal standards.
- Congressional Ethics Review:
- Examine rhetoric and actions that may undermine civil rights, contribute to discrimination, or spread misinformation.
- Elected officials must maintain public trust and uphold American values.
- Transparency in Campaign Contributions:
- Public disclosure of PAC contributions should be clear and regularly updated to allow voters to understand potential influences.
- Monitoring Harmful Rhetoric:
- Systems should track and respond to statements that marginalize communities.
- This is about accountability, not censorship of beliefs.
- Education and Public Awareness:
- Promote accurate historical education about Muslim Americans, immigrants, and communities of color.
- Encourage initiatives to counter Islamophobia, xenophobia, and racial discrimination.
- Consequences for Violations:
- Ethical violations should result in public reprimands, hearings, or sanctions where appropriate.
- Political parties must address complicity; silence in the face of discrimination is not acceptable.
Pull-quote:
“Accountability is not optional—elected officials must uphold ethics, respect diversity, and ensure their words do not harm the communities they serve.”
The Core Issue
Fear-based rhetoric against Muslims, immigrants, and communities of color is incompatible with American values. True conservatism defends freedom of religion, speech, and conscience. Dividing Americans along religious or racial lines is not conservative—it’s destructive.
“Muslims in America have long been part of the social, economic, and political fabric of the nation, contributing in ways often overlooked.” —Edward Curtis IV
A Call for Recognition and Respect
Muslim Americans are here to stay, and their contributions are undeniable. Erasing them from America’s story is morally and historically wrong. America is diverse, and Muslims are just as American as anyone else.
Pull-quote:
“Instead of fear and misinformation, public officials should foster understanding and dialogue. America deserves leaders who unite, not divide.”
References
- Curtis IV, Edward E. (2011). Muslims in America: A Short History. Oxford University Press.
- Diouf, Sylviane A. (2000). Servants of Allah: African Muslims Enslaved in the Americas. NYU Press.
- U.S. House of Representatives Resolution 276 (2019). Recognizing the contributions of Muslims to America. Congress.gov.
- U.S. Congressional Record (2016). Recognizing the Military Service of Muslim Americans.
- Federal Election Commission. AIPAC PAC Contributions. Link
- Federal Election Commission. United Democracy Project Contributions. Link
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