[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 34 (Wednesday, March 23, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 23, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                         A FREE SPEECH QUESTION

                                 ______


                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 23, 1994

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I want to clarify any misunderstandings about 
my position and beliefs because of the recent vote in Congress on a 
resolution to condemn Khalid Abdul Muhammad's deplorable speech at Kean 
College in New Jersey. I found Mr. Muhammad's speech completely 
offensive. His remarks were obviously racist, antisemitic, bigoted, and 
represented an obscene and ugly attack on decency.
  I have dedicated my entire life to fighting bigotry, racism, 
discrimination, and antisemitism. During my public service career, I 
have fought against all forms of prejudice and injustice. As a human 
being and as an individual Member of Congress, I condemn bigotry and 
hatred on all levels. My public record on Muhammad's speech is clear. I 
have stated both in my comments to the press as well as my public 
statements that I found Mr. Muhammad's remarks to be contrary to the 
principles upon which our country was founded.
  Despite my strong opposition to Mr. Muhammad's reprehensible remarks, 
I felt a resolution condemning the Kean College speech would make the 
Congress into an official ratings board. Mr. Muhammad is not an elected 
official, associated with Government, or even a prominent individual--
he is a private citizen. At the time of the vote I felt we would be 
crossing a constitutional line if we were to vote official, 
congressional disapproval of that specific speech. Since we officially 
condemned that speech, how can we not condemn others? Never before has 
Congress condemned the words of one person. I believe that no right is 
more basic, and no freedom more greatly protected than free speech, no 
matter how abhorrent. I have sworn to uphold this right, even when the 
exercise of one's constitutional rights offends me deeply.
  If the job of Congress is to condemn irresponsible speeches in 
America, then we have taken on a monumental task. Let us spend our time 
attacking the causes of all bigotry in America and not attacking words 
of hatted in the House of Representatives.

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