Keith Ellison is a class act.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20041613-503544.html?tag=cbsContent

At the McCarthy Hearing revival:

"Ellison, who argues that the hearings unjustly target the Muslim-American community for the acts of a few Islamic terrorists, closed his remarks with the story of 23-year-old Mohammed Salman Hamdani, a paramedic who died trying to save lives in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

"Mr. Hamdani bravely sacrificed his life to try and help others on 9/11. After the tragedy some people tried to smear his character solely because of his Islamic faith," Ellison said, his voice breaking. "Some people spread false rumors and speculated that he was in league with the attackers only because he was Muslim. It was only when his remains were identified that these lies were fully exposed.""

I'm not from Minnesota, but I've been very impressed at what a class act Keith Ellison is, in the face of all the ugliness directed towards him based on nothing more than the religion to which he ascribes.

I do know that one of the Congressman from my state--Allen West, arguably the most viscious, ugly, and despicable members of Congress, whose pre-Congressional career includes being forced to resign from the Army for what amounts to torture--once attempted to attack Ellison (who he had never interacted with previously) by describing him as the "antithesis to the principles on which this country was established."

Ellison's response?

"I was surprised to hear of Congressman West's comments because he has never expressed these sentiments to me directly. Contrary to the views expressed by Congressman West, I work to represent the highest ideals of our great nation - ideals like freedom of worship and respect for all faiths, equal protection under the law as well as a civil and open public discourse.

I call on Americans of all colors, cultures and faiths to turn to each other, not on each other, especially in the renewed spirit of finding a more respectful and productive public dialogue.

Americans across the country want their public servants to reject the toxic and corrosive chatter that yields more heat than light. I hope to have a productive and respectful dialogue with all of my colleagues, including Allen West."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/25/keith-ellison-allen-west-response_n_813706.html

Keith Ellison is more of a patriotic American than Allen West or Peter King could ever dream to be.

I had been homebound for years and it was before the real internet was available and I had no idea who he was.

He was very genuine and asked who I was and why I was there. People gravitated towards him and he spoke carefully and sincerely. There was something special about him and I thank him for his service representing the people and wish him well.

I have to say I didn't know much about him until the Allen West brouhaha, but from what I've seen, he does seem very genuine.