[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 25, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S1547]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            SCHINDLER'S LIST

  Mr. D'AMATO. Mr. President, I hold in my hand a press statement sent 
to my office and I believe to all of the Senate and House offices from 
a Congressman from Oklahoma, Congressman Tom Coburn, regarding the 
showing of ``Schindler's List,'' this past Sunday. I have to tell you, 
we had to call the office to assert whether or not this was a joke. We 
thought it was a prank. The Congressman in his press release goes on to 
raise concerns on behalf of the family caucus, and says that the airing 
and demonstration of the television program that depicted sex and 
violence was inappropriate. He complains about the nudity of the 
program.
  I cannot believe, and I am shocked and appalled, that any Member of 
Congress would put out a statement of this kind that shows those who 
were imprisoned and being sent to their death--it seems to me that 
anyone who would make a statement condemning ``Schindler's List'' is 
totally out of touch with the importance of this historic film, 
depicting the monstrous deeds that took place and the heroism that was 
also displayed.
  To equate the nudity of the Holocaust victims in a concentration camp 
with any sexual connotation is outrageous and offensive. I am shocked 
and appalled that any Member of Congress would make these kinds of 
statements. I am particularly embarrassed that they were made by a 
Member of my own party.
  I understand that the Congressman is planning to make a clarification 
of his statement. While I await them, I think that everyone should seek 
that clarification. Certainly, this should not be a view expressed by 
anyone in public office who is right-thinking.
  Again, I thought this press release was a prank at first, and it was 
only when I called that we verified it was not the case. The 
Congressman should respond quickly and clarify exactly what he meant by 
this statement.
  I yield the floor.

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