In a move that sends a clear message about the progressive left’s view of American values, Michigan Democrat Senate hopeful Abdul El-Sayed recently declared that believing in hard work as a path out of poverty is nothing short of a "cult." This astonishing claim, made at a controversial Islamic convention, provides a stark illustration of how far some in the Democrat party have drifted from the foundational principles that built this nation.
El-Sayed, who is vying for a U.S. Senate seat, chose the Islamic Society of North America’s 63rd Annual Convention in Detroit as his platform. The event itself has drawn scrutiny, featuring a lineup that, according to reports, included figures described as "never done wells," "Israel haters," and "Iran apologists." One panelist, Tariq Masood, was reportedly removed after allegations surfaced that he forced his 13-year-old niece into marriage. Truly, a "lovely" crowd for a prospective U.S. Senator to associate with, as if the company one keeps isn't a telling indicator of character.
During a Saturday panel titled "Cultivating God Awareness in a Turmoiled America"—a title that inherently frames America as the problem—El-Sayed launched into a pontification that would surely raise the eyebrows of any hardworking American. He asserted, "We've got this culture in our society, that we've allowed to fester, where, we think that when people... when people don't have means, it's because they have failed. Poverty is not a failure, that when people live in persistent poverty, it is a failure on our society and not on those people."
Conspicuously absent from El-Sayed's grand pronouncement was any mention of personal responsibility. For the progressive left, it seems, individual agency takes a back seat to broad societal blame, excusing personal choices while condemning the very system that offers opportunity. But he didn't stop there.
"And we should be driving that conversation and have the courage to have that conversation against this 'Cult of Hard Work,' like everyone's got bootstraps to pull up," El-Sayed continued, to an "Amen, brother" from moderator Azhar Azeez and applause from the audience. Because, of course, the concept of self-reliance and earning one's way is now, apparently, a dangerous ideology.
This rhetoric is a direct affront to the bedrock values of millions of Americans, particularly in the Midwest, where diligence, perseverance, and the belief that effort yields reward are deeply ingrained. It is a scientific premise as much as a societal one: hard work, combined with good choices, reliably leads to a better life, if not untold riches. To dismiss this as a "cult" is not only insulting but profoundly ignorant of what makes America exceptional.
El-Sayed, who often touts his "Doctor" title, conveniently overlooks the fact that he has not completed a residency, passed board exams, or practiced medicine on actual patients. In other words, he hasn't exactly done the "hard work" required to fully earn the professional standing he often invokes. It's a classic case of "do as I say, not as I do," neatly packaged in collectivist rhetoric.
As Vice President JD Vance rightly asserted, El-Sayed consistently spouts "collectivist claptrap" and plays the fool, insulting the very people he purports to represent. From his past gaffes on football and Mackinac Island to this latest denigration of American work ethic, El-Sayed seems intent on alienating the working families of Michigan whose votes he seeks.
The progressive dismissal of "hard work" as a societal ill is not just political posturing; it is a direct attack on the spirit of individual enterprise and accountability that defines our nation. Americans understand that while systemic issues exist, personal effort remains a cornerstone of success and a virtue to be celebrated, not demonized. It’s a concept that the America First movement champions, recognizing that a strong nation is built on the backs of hardworking citizens who believe in themselves and the opportunities their country affords.
