Editorial: Bachmann is off-track with her allegations

U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann is facing justifiable criticism concerning her recent accusations of the Muslim Brotherhood infiltration of the federal government.

The firestorm of criticism of Bachmann was significant, including Sen. John McCain denouncing her allegations as "specious and degrading" and House Speaker John Boehner stating her allegations were "dangerous."

Bachmann, who never found a microphone she didn't like and is a political grandstanding master, appears to have crossed the line that is making her fellow Republicans uncomfortable.

McCain was even more specific this week pointing out Bachmann in her allegations failed to provide "one instance of an action, decision or a public position the (federal employee) has taken while at the State Department that would lend credence to the charge that (the woman staffer) is promoting anti-American activities within our government."

Bachmann ex-campaign manager Ed Rollins called her statements simply "outrageous and false" and concluded that "she sometimes has difficulty with her facts."

Basically, Bachmann was shouting "anti-American" and pointing her finger at a fellow American without disclosing any proof.

She is following the same style former Sen. Joe McCarthy did during the 1950s when he tried to drum out communists in America and falsely accused many.

If she has proof of Muslim extremists doing wrongdoing in the federal government she should turn to the proper authorities, such as the FBI, instead of using unproven allegations as a publicity opportunity.

Bachmann's conduct was unbecoming of a member of Congress as well of a Minnesotan. Her shrill cry of "anti-American" is not benefiting her own respectability.