Mayor apologises after calling President Barack Obama 'a Muslim who has destroyed the fabric of democracy'
Bruce Hagen has not ended his criticism of the US president
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Your support makes all the difference.They were a poor choice of words, claimed Bruce Hagen, used “in a moment of anger”.
“I apologise to the Muslim community for being insensitive,” he added. “I ask that you accept my apologies as we go forward.”
This was the apology offered this week by the mayor of the northern Wisconsin city of Superior after he sparked outcry by posting a message on Facebook in which he claimed President Barack Obama was a Muslim who has “destroyed the fabric of democracy”.
The comments of Mr Hagen sparked a fierce debate within his small community and beyond, both about the rights afforded by the US Constitution to free speech, and of the suitability of some comments at a time many Muslims feel they are facing increased discrimination and scrutiny. Such anxieties have increased in the aftermath of comments by such high-profile figures as Republican frontrunner Donald Trump, who said the US should shut its doors to Muslim refugees and migrants.
His remarks led to protests by Muslims and other members of the city, with many calling for his resignation. Such was the furore sparked by his comments about Mr Obama, who is Christian, that he cut short a Christmas holiday and returned to meet with leaders of the Muslim community.
Mr Hagen did not respond to calls from The Independent. But in a letter published on Friday by the local newspaper, the Superior Telegram, the mayor apologised for any remarks which had offended members of the city.
“The Muslim communities across the world do not embrace what is occurring by these terrorists, and I was wrong to include them in my comment,” he said.
“I ask that you accept my apologies and as we go forward - together - to make Superior a better community, I pledge to you that I will continue to be mindful and respectful of all our citizens.”
Yet the mayor did draw down on his criticism of the US president.
“My fear is we are a nation of all walks of life, religious beliefs, differing political persuasions and hard-working citizens that are standing by watching this country being denigrated by all of Washington DC,” he said.
“My comment was intended to shed light on the resistance of President Obama, and lack of leadership qualities to stand up for America against the world’s enemies.”
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