[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 119 (Friday, July 21, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S10487]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  HEARING ON THE GOOD OLD BOYS ROUNDUP

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, as an American citizen, public official, 
and former prosecutor, I am appalled at the news accounts I have seen 
of State, local, and Federal law enforcement officers getting together 
to wallow in racism. There is no room for racism in law enforcement. 
Law enforcement officers, in particular, have to be held to the highest 
standards of conduct. People have to know that they will be treated 
fairly by those who act on behalf of the Government and wield its 
power.
  As we proceed with the Judiciary Committee hearing, I expect that we 
will hear a chorus of condemnation. I expect that we will hear each 
agency join in that refrain, explain that it is investigating the 
situation and that it will be taking appropriate action based on the 
facts. We should all act based on the facts. I look forward to the 
prompt completion of ongoing investigations and to our following up, 
when the facts are known.
  It is tragic that racism is still a fact of life. It is most 
disconcerting if racism taints law enforcement actions. That is wholly 
unacceptable. I note that the reports of the activities at the recent 
Good Old Boys Roundup in Tennessee do not go that far, however--I have 
yet to hear any allegation that the official duties of the State, 
local, and Federal law enforcement agents who chose to attend the 
gathering were affected. That should be our first concern.
  Next, we should be concerned whether Federal law enforcement 
resources were devoted to organizing or supporting these gatherings. 
The American people need to know that their tax dollars are not being 
diverted to such activities.
  Further, we have to be concerned that our culture, and the culture in 
which these various law enforcement officers live and work, still abide 
these gatherings and displays.
  As we consider whether additional steps, policies, regulations, or 
laws are needed to root out the evils of racism, we must be mindful 
that we not create political litmus tests or become thought police. We 
need to be sensitive to the limits of law and preserve some place for 
private lives and private thoughts.
  We must also be careful to avoid being exploited by those with 
ulterior motives who oppose valid law enforcement. Our actions and 
those of the executive branch must be based on facts, not third-had 
news accounts.
  Finally, we must not allow this shameful incident to taint the vast 
majority of fine and dedicated men and women who risk so much to 
protect us and the rule of law every day.


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