Canada PoliticsMP Rob Anders slammed for posing in front of Osama shooting target
Controversy seems to follow Conservative MP Rob Anders wherever he goes.
So, it should come as no surprise that this image has created some buzz on social media.
Rob Anders in crosshairs of Muslim group over shooting target #yyc http://t.co/DkA0GCgw8r pic.twitter.com/zdgFxtNKbS
— Calgary Herald (@calgaryherald) February 10, 2014
The picture shows the MP for Calgary West with a woman who the Calgary Herald describes as Conservative nomination candidate Melissa Mathieson. The two are obviously at a shooting range in front of a couple of targets — one of which appears to resemble 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden.
Innocent enough?
According to the Herald, at least one member of Calgary's Muslim community is not too pleased.
Souheil Merhi, chairman of the Muslim Council of Calgary, said the photo is offensive and promotes hatred, portraying Muslims as terrorists — “as people who should be shot or belittled.”
“As leaders, they should promote tolerance and show the real image of Canada, a peaceful place where people come to enjoy freedom of speech and religion, and not being judged because of somebody else’s actions,” Merhi said.
Some people even took to Twitter to express their dismay.
Rob Anders must resign or be removed as an MP. Good Canadians have had enough of his racism & homophobia. http://t.co/RAyPNXLKUJ — Dr. Kristopher Wells (@KristopherWells) February 10, 2014
Highly disturbing photo of Rob Anders & #cpc colleague with shooting target http://t.co/lKDiIcw401 #cdnpoli
— Jane Philpott (@janephilpott) February 10, 2014
Count the ways this is inappropriate MT Rob Anders poses with shooting target #yyc http://t.co/SdVNqrLjN4 pic.twitter.com/f8o5VH3fJg — Nicole (Nic) Rozier (@NRozier) February 10, 2014
Rob Anders is the Sarah Palin of Canada #cdnpoli #assclown
— Fabio Tortorelli (@FabioT_V1) February 10, 2014
For his part, Anders told the Herald that he doesn't remember seeing that specific target.
[ Related: Contest for Rob Anders' job triggers Tory infighting ]
But his reputation as an MP who seems to enjoy stirring controversy doesn't help him in this situation.
This, of course, is the MP who was forced to apologize for saying that current NDP leader Thomas Mulcair partly "helped to hasten Jack Layton's death." He's the MP who who allegedly fell asleep in a meeting with veterans and once described Nelson Mandela as a terrorist.
Thanks to his penchant for controversy, an non-partisan group of concerned citizens in Calgary West have even organized to un-seat him.
But politics aside, is posing for a picture with a gun in front of an Osama bin Laden target such a big deal?
What do you think?
Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below.
Are you a politics junkie?
Follow @politicalpoints on Twitter!
