

Perhaps the reason @IlhanMN has gotten pushback is because the way she defines “systems of oppression” encompasses, well, just about everything our society likes.
Don’t believe me? Well, follow me down memory lane... https://twitter.com/ilhanmn/status/1280679586980823042
First, the quote that resulted in so much blowback: @IlhanMN suggested that we tear down our political and economic systems.
But surely this must just be a complaint about excesses, right? Crony capitalism, that kinda thing?
But surely this must just be a complaint about excesses, right? Crony capitalism, that kinda thing?
Wrong! In a classic case of “when someone shows you who they are, believe them” it’s clear that what Omar is going for is capitalism.
Here @IlhanMN says that, among other things, we need to “dismantle” capitalism.
Again, her words. Not some esoteric interpretation.
Here @IlhanMN says that, among other things, we need to “dismantle” capitalism.
Again, her words. Not some esoteric interpretation.
And this isn’t some one-off, tough day kind of sentiment for her. She expresses these thoughts pretty frequently.
And it isn’t just capitalism that’s the problem, of course.
Color blind admissions - where schools don’t convey benefits to applicants based on their race - also must be torn down.
Count me as skeptical that this mentality won’t extend beyond colleges.
Color blind admissions - where schools don’t convey benefits to applicants based on their race - also must be torn down.
Count me as skeptical that this mentality won’t extend beyond colleges.
Our system of law and order also has to go, because it was “built to criminalize” people of color.
There are lots of genuine grievances w/ how law enforcement impacts people of color. But the notion that “the criminal justice system has been built to criminalize” PoC is absurd.
There are lots of genuine grievances w/ how law enforcement impacts people of color. But the notion that “the criminal justice system has been built to criminalize” PoC is absurd.
The refugee and asylum system that allowed her to escape war torn Somalia and not only create a new life for herself and her family in America but to seek one of the highest offices in the land is also “oppressive”
Credit where due though - she also criticizes Saudi Arabia. Would that she would apply the same standard to the rest of the Arab world as she does to Israel.
Employer provided healthcare, something the majority of Americans have, do, and will surely continue to support. That, too, is oppressive.
So, sure. If @IlhanMN would like to dismantle all of these “systems of oppression” it’s a free country and she’s welcome to try her hand at the democratic process.
But she shouldn’t be surprised when she faces resistance when she suggests upending the American existence.
But she shouldn’t be surprised when she faces resistance when she suggests upending the American existence.