Khizr Khan is Back in the News

This article first appeared in Eagle Rising.


Khizr Khan,the Pakistani-born the Muslim gentlemen, whose son was killed fighting on behalf of the United States and who spoke at the Democratic National convention and blasted Donald Trump, is once again back in the news. He canceled a scheduled speech in Toronto earlier this month saying that he had been "informed" that his ability to travel was under review.  That, however, is very questionable and has not been confirmed. Then he changed his story. He amended that to say that he didn't want to get involved in hassles and being profiled (as a Muslim)

Let me be clear. The Khans' son, Humayun Khan,  is a hero who gave his life for his country in Iraq. I have sympathy for any family that loses a son in war for our country. That includes the Khans. However, it was not President Trump who sent their son into harm's way.

In addition, Mr Khan, while he has the same right to speak as any other American citizen, is becoming a bit tiresome. I don't know what he had planned to say in Canada, but if he planned to criticize our president or our country on foreign soil (while he still has that right too) I would find it highly objectionable.

If Mr Khan has a passport, which I am sure he does, he has the right to fly anywhere he wants including out of the country. If our government is standing in the way, he needs to provide proof of that. Apparently, he can't so he amended his story. There is a big difference between anticipating hassles and having someone in the government tell you you may not be able to get on that plane.

Khizr Khan is a political and immigration activist (also his right). He has chosen to enter the political issues arena and therefore is fair game for criticism. No doubt he and his supporters will cry foul when he is attacked. Sorry, but he can't have it both ways.