Republican presidential contender Donald Trump had last year proposed "a total and complete" ban on foreign Muslims entering the US "until our country's representatives can figure out what the hell is going on."
Needless to say, his comments have generated a huge controversy although Trump continues to stand by his statement.
Recently, in the UK, Sadiq Khan, the son of Pakistani truck driver became the first Muslim Mayor of London.
Responding to this development, Trump said that he was "happy to see" Khan's election and hoped "he does a good job." He further suggested that Khan could be exempted from his proposed temporary ban on Muslims entering the US.
Sadiq Khan has not taken kindly to these comments and denounced Trump. He said, "This isn't just about me — it's about my friends, my family and everyone who comes from a background similar to mine, anywhere in the world. Donald Trump's ignorant view of Islam could make both our countries less safe — it risks alienating mainstream Muslims around the world and plays into the hands of the extremists.”
So far, so good. But Khan further added, “"I'll be backing the Democratic candidate — Hillary Clinton, who I suspect it will be — and I hope that she trounces him.”
It is this final statement that shows Sadiq Khan in a poor light. As a statesman, he could have refrained from openly taking sides in a Presidential election taking place in the country of an important ally.
His earlier comments against Trump are obvious and sensible but in hoping that Hillary trounces Trump, he has exhibited the same intolerance towards people with opposing view- points, something unbecoming of a statesman and something that he has accused Trump of. Freedom of expression is a double-edged sword.
In speaking his mind, Sadiq Khan may have created an impression for himself, but his arrogance is absolutely uncalled for.
