Rep. Virgil Goode (R-VA) is under fire for a virulently anti-Muslim letter sent to constituents earlier this month. In the letter, Goode says, “I fear that in the next century we will have many more Muslims in the United States” if we do not adopt “strict immigration policies.” He references the election of Muslim Rep.-elect Keith Ellison (D-MN), and warns “American citizens” to “wake up” or “there will likely be many more Muslims elected to office.”
Last night, the Council on American-Islamic Relations said the letter “sends a message of intolerance” and called on Goode to apologize.
In an interview today with ThinkProgress, Goode’s press secretary Linwood Duncan declared that Goode has “no intention of apologizing.” Duncan repeatedly refused to answer more detailed questions, saying only that Goode’s letter “speaks for itself.” Asked whether Goode had ever targeted Muslim-Americans in his previous statements, Duncan said, “I’ve worked here for 10 years, and I’m not aware of this topic being addressed in the past.” You can call and ask for an apology HERE.