Michigan Senate Candidate Promotes Controversial Book on Violence

Abdulrahman Mohamed El-Sayed has been using his podcast to highlight a book that appears to downplay violence associated with leftist movements. In several discussions, more insights into El-Sayed’s far-left views have emerged, particularly connected to the book Let’s Get Radicalized Now, authored by Kelly Hayes and Mariame Kaba. He has mentioned this book at least ten times on his podcast, presenting it as a resource aimed at activists and organizers navigating turbulent times.

Within the book, the authors make an effort to blur the lines distinguishing between justified and unjustified protests. They assert that violent demonstrators, especially those who engage in property damage, aren’t necessarily “bad” individuals. They note, “The fetishization of the distinction between violence and non-violence can lead to… rhetoric about ‘good’ and ‘bad’ demonstrators,” suggesting that “peaceful” protesters become celebrated, while those deemed “violent” are often dismissed as unworthy. They contend that the former group remains obedient to what the state deems acceptable.

This viewpoint allows supporters to sympathize with the cause of protests without concern for those deemed “bad” protesters, with the authors citing George Floyd as an example. They remarked, “For example, while many supported the protests following the racist killing of George Floyd, far fewer defended those arrested for vandalism and pushed through a biased justice system,” subsequently showing support for efforts to defund the police.

They argue, “Organizers aiming to defund the police and shift resources toward essential services are being unfairly blamed for rising crime, despite any evidence linking defunding to increased violence.” The book also characterizes the U.S. government as the primary “purveyor of violence,” urging it to manage its borders and tackle issues like welfare fraud.

The authors claim, “From wars to police actions to incarceration, the U.S. government is responsible for countless deaths, and the violence stemming from insurgency is minor in comparison,” arguing that “mass death is necessary to maintain global capitalism.” El-Sayed’s promotion of this book on September 19, 2023, suggests he aligns with these notions.

He noted that support for his podcast comes from the Margaret Casey Foundation, which emphasizes themes of mutual aid, a central subject in both his discussions and the book Radicalize Yourself Now: Organizing a Mutual Care Revolution.

El-Sayed has faced scrutiny for not outright condemning left-wing influencer Hasan Piker, who controversially stated that “America deserved 9/11.” El-Sayed suggested that Piker’s remarks should be examined within a broader context.

Following his recent general election victory, Republican opponent Mike Rogers criticized El-Sayed, claiming he supports releasing dangerous criminals and has connections to the Muslim Brotherhood. Rogers also accused him of proposing significant tax increases that would add financial strain to struggling families.

Rogers remarked, “El-Sayed lacks a clear vision for the future, relying on ideological zeal that may compromise community safety and financial stability.” Meanwhile, Senator Tom Cotton labeled the rise of candidates like El-Sayed as a blend of socialism, communism, and Islamism, describing it as an unsettling trend in American politics.

He noted, “This reflects a growing radical ideology, illustrated in Michigan’s recent nomination of El-Sayed, who expresses intentions to abolish ICE and enforce hefty taxes on hardworking Americans.”