Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has finally made time in her busy schedule to condemn pro-Hamas activists who called for the death of her country in her own state. Over a week after the demonstration in which the activists slammed the United States over its support of Israel, her office, at long last, released a statement expressing its disapproval of such rhetoric.
The governor’s team referred to the chants as “unacceptable” and indicated that the city of Dearborn, in which the chants were made, is “proud” of its diversity, or something.
More than a week after activists chanted “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” at a high-profile rally in Michigan, Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer condemned the rhetoric.
“This hateful rhetoric is unacceptable, and does not represent Michigan or Dearborn,” Whitmer’s office told Fox News Digital on Sunday. “The Dearborn community is full of hardworking, proud Americans. Our state is diverse and we are proud of it.”
A Whitmer spokesperson said the statement had previously been “prepared and provided to media upon request,” however, the text did not appear to have been printed in any outlets and was also notably absent from the governor’s social media accounts. Fox News Digital asked Whitmer’s office last week to weigh in on the chants but did not receive a comment at that time.
Michigan Senate Republicans, along with others, called Whitmer out for her conspicuous silence on the matter.
Gov. Whitmer may be celebrating the Day of No Silence today, but she’s been celebrating a whole WEEK of silence by refusing to condemn the ‘Death to America’ rally held in our state.
Gov. Whitmer may be celebrating the Day of No Silence today, but she’s been celebrating a whole WEEK of silence by refusing to condemn the “Death to America” rally held in our state. https://t.co/WphQdDZ4sl
— MI Senate Republicans (@MISenate) April 12, 2024
Even President Joe Biden knew better than to ignore chants calling for the death of America. In a comment to Fox News Digital shortly after the demonstration, the White House issued a statement condemning “these abhorrent and antisemitic remarks in the strongest terms.”
The president’s campaign also answered “No” when it was asked whether it was seeking the votes of the pro-Hamas crowd.
The demonstration took place on International Al-Quds Day, an annual event held on the last Friday of Ramadan. The event is aimed at showing support for the Palestinian people.
The chant was led by activist Tarek Bazzi, who said, “The death to Israel is the most logical chant heard across the world today” and that “Israel is an evil settler colonial state.” He even likened the Jewish state to ISIS:
At International Al-Quds Day Rally in Dearborn, Michigan Protesters Chant “Death to America!”; Speakers at the Rally: America Is One of the “Rottenest Countries” on Earth; Israel Is ISIS, Nazis, a Cancer pic.twitter.com/B6hMlaKfi5
— MEMRI (@MEMRIReports) April 7, 2024
The hesitancy among some on the far left to criticize those who call for genocide against the Jewish people or the death of America is vexing. It seems Democratic politicians are concerned about losing support if they offer criticism of this crowd.
However, those supporting Hamas are not exactly a significant portion of the population. Why would any politician be afraid of alienating those who want to see the destruction of the country – especially when there are so few of them? Do they actually believe that calling these people out would cost them elections?
It’s hard to say what their motivations are. But the notion that ignoring these people is a good idea is quite nonsensical.
