[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 80 (Wednesday, June 22, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 22, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
       MAJORITY ATTACKS ON AMERICANS BECAUSE OF RELIGIOUS VALUES

  (Mr. MICHEL asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute, and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. MICHEL. Mr. Speaker, it is clear that the Democratic Party is 
making a concerted attack against American citizens who wish to bring 
religiously derived values into the political arena.
  All of the scare tactics of classic demagoguery are being used. The 
attackers seek to demonize the victims by labeling them ``the religious 
right.'' We are told that they want to secretly impose their views, et 
cetera.
  But the truth is that these Americans are openly participating in our 
political process. They have had successes, and, oh, yes, they have had 
failures. What is wrong with that?
  Why should they be subject to attack on their religious beliefs for 
exercising their constitutional rights? And who will be the next 
religious group to be victimized by such an attack? Will it be my small 
denomination, or yours? And I am reminded of when I was listed as one 
Member of this body with a religious affiliation with the Apostolic 
Christian Church.
  But if the majority disagrees with the views of these folks, then 
openly debate them. But do not tell us there is something sinister 
going on when millions of Americans openly enter the political arena, 
tell us what is on their minds and seek to bring about change in a 
democratic fashion.
  If they continue to be stereotyped and demonized by Democratic Party 
leaders just because of their religious views, then I must say that 
this gentleman here is appalled.
  Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge Democratic Party leaders to stop these 
attacks. They are not in the tradition of the great party of Al Smith 
and John F. Kennedy and clearly do not represent the views of millions 
of Members of the Democratic Party.

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