[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 65 (Friday, May 10, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E765-E766]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CONDEMNING THE KKK AND EVERYTHING FOR WHICH IT STANDS

                                 ______


                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 9, 1996

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, the U.S. Constitution establishes the 
fundamental rights we enjoy as Americans. It embodies what is good and 
right in America. The first amendment to our Constitution provides for 
the right to peacefully assemble, and it enshrines free speech as being 
a basic tenet upon which the democracy of our great Nation rests.
  As history has taught us, the Constitution, which represents so much 
of what is good in our country, also protects those who promote evil. I 
am sad to say that the Ku Klux Klan [KKK], which embraces bigotry, 
hatred, and intolerance, will exercise its first amendment rights and 
rally in Portage, IN this Saturday, May 11. I join the overwhelming 
majority of Portage residents--and others in Northwest

[[Page E766]]

Indiana--in condemning the KKK and everythIng for which it stands.
  The Ku Klux Klan is reviled around the world for its association with 
terror and violence. Through violence and intimidation, the KKK has 
historically punished opposing persons or groups, traditionally persons 
of color and religious minorities. Since its inception, the KKK has 
engaged in despicable acts of violence and hate, characterized by 
lynchings in the rural South, cross burnings, and other forms of hate 
crime. There is no place in our diverse society for this divisiveness. 
We must do everything within our power to stop the KKK and other 
perpetrators of hate crime.
  In repudiation of the KKK, a wide variety of people and organizations 
in Indiana's First Congressional District will convene a prodiversity 
counter-rally to show America that the KKK's attempt to spread hatred 
in our community will not prevail. This Saturday, while the KKK 
exercises its right to assemble, an immense group of civic, business, 
religious, and student leaders will gather at Woodland Park in Portage, 
IN, to emphasize their message of unity and brotherhood.
  The prodiversity rally is the brainchild of Eric Mason and Michael 
Krueger, two Portage High School seniors. As a result of their 
commitment to embrace and commemorate ethnic, racial, and religious 
diversity, the prodiversity rally, has grown into an enormous 
celebration. Participants at the prodiversity rally will include: 
Portage Mayor Sammie Maletta; a keynote speech by Jack Parton, director 
of the United Steelworkers of America [USWA] district 7; and the 
Reverend David Kehert, Dean of the chapel at Valparaiso University.
  Several other organizations have passed resolutions or offered 
support for the prodiversity rally and its laudable ideals. Jack 
Parton, director of the USWA, district 7, has urged all steelworkers to 
attend the rally, while USWA Local 1014, United Steel Group's Gary 
Works, and an association of retired steelworkers, have also expressed 
their support for the counterrally. Alice Bush, spokesperson for the 
Healthcare Workers of America, district 1199, stated that her 
organization and Whispering Pines Health Care Center in Valparaiso, IN, 
are donating medical supplies for a first-aid tent at Woodland Park. 
This fine labor group serves all of Northwest Indiana. In addition, the 
Calumet project, a Hammond--based coalition of religious, labor, and 
community groups covering all of Northwest Indiana, has offered its 
support at the prodiversity rally.
  Meanwhile, 29 pastors representing all faiths and almost all Portage 
churches, have united under the Pastors United for Racial Equality 
[P.U.R.E.] banner. P.U.R.E. has approved a resolution stating that, 
even though the KKK often uses Christian symbolism, it unequivocally 
and wholeheartedly condemns the ideals of the KKK and those of any such 
proclaimers of hate in our society. In addition, there will be a 
candlelight vigil to counter the KKK rally, sponsored by the Valparaiso 
Ministerial Association. The ministerial association is encouraging 
church members and others to make pledges to charitable causes which 
benefit minority groups or combat racism and bigotry.
  Businesses are rallying together to oppose the KKK rally. In an 
effort to keep residents away from the KKK rally and promote security, 
Portage city officials have asked that Portage businesses near the site 
band together and close on Saturday afternoon. In support of this plea, 
many businesses have agreed to close early.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the founders of the prodiversity 
rally, Eric Mason and Michael Krueger, for having the wisdom to bring 
the community of Northwest Indiana together to promote peace and 
harmony. May the actions of these distinguished young men, the 
participants in the prodiversity rally, as well as all of the 
organizations and community leaders who have pulled together to condemn 
the white supremacists' message--and, instead, promote diversity--be 
emulated by other towns and cities. The prodiversity rally is a 
powerful example of how to overcome hatred and pull together to promote 
unity. I join these dignified members of Indiana's First Congressional 
District in their commitment to ethnic, racial, and religious 
diversity. These ideals are truly what continues to make America the 
greatest country in the world.

                          ____________________