The ADL Waffles on Bachmann

We’ve all heard about it. Last week Representative Michelle Bachmann (R-Minn) sent a letter to national security agents warning about the increasing infiltration of the Muslim Brotherhood in the federal government. Bachmann singled out Hillary Clinton’s longtime aide Huma Abedin, accusing her family members (her late father, mother and brother) of being close to “Muslim Brotherhood operatives." 

And Senator John McCain (R-Ariz) stepped up. He took the Senate floor on Wednesday to defend his fellow public servant:

To say that the accusations made in both documents are not substantiated by the evidence they offer is to be overly polite and diplomatic about it. It is far better, and more accurate, to talk straight: These allegations about Huma, and the report from which they are drawn, are nothing less than an unwarranted and unfounded attack on an honorable citizen, a dedicated American, and a loyal public servant.

Four years ago, McCain chose a running mate who failed to distinguish between the peaceful practice of the Muslim religion and Islamic terrorists.  But he’s since repented.

It’s been a week since Bachmann’s letter was published.  The ADL has said nothing. Yet its mission–which it repeatedly hasn't upheld–is to fight "anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry." When asked about whether the organization would be responding to the events in a phone call this morning, an ADL media representative explained that the organization is “concerned” about what happened but was "not sure if we're planning on issuing a statement."

The ADL’s concern is commendable.  But its reluctance to issue a statement is not.

Two years ago, the film director Oliver Stone gave an interview to a British newspaper in which he mentioned "The Jewish domination of the media." The very next day, the ADL issued a press release in which its National Director, Abe Foxman, condemned Stone’s “anti-Semitic and conspiratorial views.”

Michelle Bachmann made a bigoted comment.  It’s time to respond, ADL.