Sheriff Baca, GOP official expected to square off at hearing on radical Muslims

Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca is expected to take another strong stance on behalf of Muslim Americans on Thursday at a highly anticipated congressional hearing in Washington.

The hearing, which has the stated goal of examining "the extent of the radicalization of American Muslims," has been denounced by some critics as stoking anti-Muslim sentiment and unfairly singling out the religious group.

Baca, the only law enforcement official slated to speak, is expected to testify that Muslim Americans in Los Angeles County regularly cooperate with his deputies.

If the past is any indication, the back and forth between the sheriff and Rep. Peter T. King (R-N.Y.), who called the hearing, could get contentious.

During a hearing last year, Baca cut off a congressman who asked the sheriff why he attended fundraisers for a Muslim American group that engaged in "radical" speech.

Baca defended the group, calling the line of questioning from then-Rep. Mark Souder (R-Ind.) "un-American." "If he thinks I'm afraid of what he said, I will go to 10 fundraisers because he said it," Baca said later, before labeling Souder an “amateur intelligence officer."

Other speakers Thursday are expected to include Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), who is Muslim, and the relatives of two Muslim Americans youths who were radicalized.

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-- Robert Faturechi in Washington

Photos (top): Rep. Peter King. Credit: Associated Press

(bottom): Sheriff Lee Baca. Credit: Los Angeles Times

Comments

[JJ]

I caution Mr. Baca to be wise in what he says. He does not represent the feelings of Angelenos about Muslims. Mr. Baca only cares about fundraising, and if he can raise money by pretending to respect the Muslim community of LA, then he will. Mr. Baca did the same thing with Chinese and Taiwanese fundraising several years ago when he was tryiing to get elected/re-elected. He caters to ethnic groups.
But this will be at his peril and the peril of Angelenos. The Muslim community cares no more for Los Angeles than they do for Deerborn or Buffalo.
I am warning the Sheriff not to overstep his position in this regard. Its best he just keep his mouth shut and let Mr. King set the tone.

[Kamran]

Wow, didn't chief Beck say hands off the illegal immigrant community because there are potential witnesses to serious crimes among them? What happened to our law enforcement arm in the United States, Kamala Harris, Chief Beck, Lee Baca, they're politicians not law enforcement officers. You can't pick and choose which laws you will enforce when the laws are on the books. Being passive on the law, is whats creating this vacuum in the first place.

[william wedesweiler]

Baca is attacking our congress right to hold hearings on delicate matters. As a embedded political figure which history shows has a lifetime job. Don't we need to perhaps replace this person with someone willing to work with congress. Remember we have elections for sheriff.

[LB Man]

This is just 21st century McCarthyism. Look at the most devastating case of homegrown terror in our nations history, the Oklahoma City Bombing. I'm pretty sure Timothy McVeigh wasn't a radicalized muslim.

[cooler heads]

Everyone wants to get to the truth about Islam and the threat of radicalism. Let us not forget 911! However, with CAIR giving contributions to Baca and all the scandals that go on with the sheriff's department can anyone trust what Baca says? I know, we need to go to persons of trust and a history of honesty. Let's ask Paris Hilton or Mel Gibson

[dangermouse]

What?!? Why would they listen to radical Muslims? Or is this some clever trick to come in and then arrest them?

[onceafan]

And I will vote in 10 elections to get rid of this amateur politician who thinks he is a sheriff!

[Cloud]

Why are people assuming that, just because some congressman accuses a Muslim group of engaging in "radical" speech, (a) that is in fact true, and (b) that radical equates to terrorist (or is an arrestable offense). Does not compute. I'm no fan of Baca, but he is taking the correct position on this. Clearly his approach of engaging respectfully with Muslim groups has been effective, since he says they have been cooperating with his department. This knee-jerk Islamophobia is very troubling, as was the video of protesters hurling anti-Muslim epithets at people peacefully attending a fundraiser in Orange County, or tea party activists hurling small crosses at a Muslim man trying to pray in Washington DC.

[steve rodriguez]

Wait till Sheriff Baca finds home grown Islamic terrorist in his own backyard, then he'll change his tune! Yeah like that couldn't happen!

[Donald Pennington]

You dummies keep re-electing him. He's your fault.

[Ben Levine]

Bacca has always been an odd duck, but what the hell is he doing supporting CAIR? It's a hate group. Concern about radical Muslims is not tantamount to hatred of all Muslims. You little cliche-ridden hypocrites.

It's the Same as the left proclaiming you're a racist if you disagree with President Obama. Once you do that, you lose. When the Islamic terrorists slit your throat or cut your head off it will be too late. I fought these vultures in hand to hand combat as well as gun play. If you come from where I've been you would wise up quickly!

[Joe]

This is just 21st century McCarthyism. Look at the most devastating case of homegrown terror in our nations history, the Oklahoma City Bombing. I'm pretty sure Timothy McVeigh wasn't a radicalized muslim.

ANOTHER USEFUL FOOL!

[Chase]

Take a moment - reflect upon the past two years and consider that "Dr.(Phd)BACA, might have an ulterior motive for higher office...It seems to me that not long ago he was being considered for some "lofty" position within the Oboma Admistration (which he obviously failed to secure), but, may feeling support the "American Muslims" in L.A. County will re-kindle his chances to rub shoulders with his Liberal contemporaries in Washington yet? Say it ain't soooooooo!! "The Prodigal Son"