That intrepid defender of homeland security, Rep. Charles Schumer, has compared the owners of the Dubai port management company to skinheads. And his comments have riled up the Arab American Institute. This is from an AAI release:

Schumer, New York’s senior senator, was the first to criticize the DP World deal and has been its most vocal opponent. On March 20th, the New York Observer reported that when confronted by journalists who suggested that his opposition to the deal was a result of anti-Arab bias, Senator Schumer responded by saying:

“Let’s say skinheads had bought a company to take over our port,” he said. “I think the outcry would have been the same.”

Senator Schumer’s disgraceful comparison of Arab businessmen to skinheads is deplorable. As Chairman of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), a committee that provides support to Democratic Senators running for election, Schumer’s irresponsible statement is especially troubling.

“Senator Schumer’s brazen remark runs contrary to the Democratic Party’s principles of inclusion and diversity,” said AAI Executive Director Nidal Ibrahim. “The Senator owes Arab Americans an apology. Democrats need to recognize that Schumer may do more harm than good if he continues as Chairman of the DSCC.”