These are the moments when not only the veil of political ignorance is lifted, but the very foundation of Republican identity begins to shake. On June 6, 2025, such a moment occurred – and it was so unmistakable, so revealing, that in all its absurdity it almost bordered on the tragicomic. Republican Congresswoman Mary Miller from Illinois – no stranger to criticism for radical statements – posted an angry comment on X (formerly Twitter) about the prayer of a "Muslim" that had been delivered that morning in the House of Representatives. She wrote, word for word: "It’s deeply troubling that a Muslim was allowed to lead prayer in the House of Representatives this morning."
Only – the man she so indignantly condemned was not a Muslim. He was a Sikh. Yes, he wore a turban – but that's where the similarity ends. Anyone even vaguely familiar with the diversity of religious traditions knows the difference between the centuries-old, peace-oriented Sikh religion from the Punjab and Islam. Mary Miller apparently didn’t. Or didn’t want to.
The response came quickly. Representatives of the Sikh community expressed outrage, religious leaders were shocked – and even some Republicans distanced themselves behind closed doors. Because what Miller revealed here was more than an individual blunder. It was a reflection of that ideological shallowness that does not see religious minorities as part of a shared Republican idea, but as a threat to its own, ever more narrowly defined notion of "America First."
What’s more, Mary Miller is no stranger to extremist rhetoric. Back in 2021, she quoted Adolf Hitler in a speech in Illinois – using the infamous line: "Hitler was right about one thing: whoever has the youth has the future." The outrage was great, the apology half-hearted. And so her latest comment fits into a pattern – one marked by ignorance, religious chauvinism, and a rhetoric aimed at maximum confrontation – even at the expense of truth and dignity.
The Sikh, whose name Miller did not even manage to spell correctly, had used his brief speech before Congress to pray for peace, unity, and compassion. It was a moment of reflection – an act of spiritual dignity. And precisely this moment became the target of a comment that says everything about the state of those political forces who invoke Christianity, national pride, and moral superiority – and yet do not even know the difference between a Sikh and a Muslim.
What remains is a picture of America out of balance. A country in which people who pray for diversity are scorned by those who fear it. A country where a member of Congress turns religious ignorance into a moral indictment – once again proving that it is not education or truth, but the volume of prejudice that sets the tone. Mary Miller has since deleted her post. What remains is the memory – of a revealing, sad episode in the battle for America's soul. And perhaps a quiet thank you to a Sikh who, through his presence, taught more about respect than an entire legislative term of Mary Miller ever could.
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