[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 86 (Thursday, June 19, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5953-S5954]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         TREND TOWARD RACIAL, ETHNIC, AND RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today to talk about a disturbing 
trend in this country, a trend that to me was highlighted by a recent 
incident in South Carolina.
  This incident took place several weeks ago. I was aware of it at the 
time it occurred. It has been something that has been troubling to me 
since then, and I felt it was appropriate and important that we spread 
on the Record of this Senate this particular incident, which occurred 
while the State Board of Education of the State of South Carolina was 
discussing whether it could display the Ten Commandments on the walls 
of public schools.
  During this discussion, a member of this board provided a suggestion 
for groups which might oppose the placing of the Ten Commandments upon 
school walls. A direct quote: ``Screw the Buddhists and kill the 
Muslims.''

  Mr. President, I find it contemptible that such an arcane, bigoted 
statement would come from someone who is tasked with the responsibility 
of educating our children, a member of the board of education.
  I find it even more shocking that not only would someone think this, 
but that they would go so far as to articulate it at a meeting of a 
board of education. Can we imagine what would have been the reaction to 
such a comment had it been directed toward Christians or Jews, Mexican-
Americans, African-Americans? I find this individual's behavior 
reprehensible, and while I find his behavior reprehensible, the larger 
issue is an increasing trend in this country toward racial, religious, 
and ethnic intolerance.
  The Founders of this country fled persecution and intolerance in 
Europe and came to this country to be free from persecution, mostly 
religious persecution. Our country was founded on the principle of 
equality, and our Constitution, Mr. President--this document--which 
consists of just a few pages ensures freedom of religion and freedom 
from persecution.
  In this country, we are very fortunate to have the freedoms that we 
have guaranteed by our Constitution. These freedoms make us the envy of 
the world and are the strength of our Nation.
  I, however, think that, even though we have many protected rights in 
our Constitution, we have to speak out against individuals and 
especially people who are on a board of education who say, ``Screw the 
Buddhists and kill the Muslims.''
  Because of the liberties we have in our country, this great country 
of the United States of America, immigrants from all over the world 
desire to come here and start a new life, just as our ancestors did. As 
a result, we are becoming a much more diverse Nation, increasingly 
diverse. The diversity within our Nation requires greater tolerance, 
patience, and a deeper level of understanding.
  Mr. President, I am a member of a religion where, in the last 
century, significant persecution took place. People were killed as a 
result of their belief in the religion that I now profess. I feel that 
we all must speak out against religious intolerance. People who speak 
out about screwing the Buddhists and killing the Muslims--you know, Mr. 
President, in our country, sad as it might be, there are people who 
would follow the leadership of a person like this and proceed to do 
just that.
  The remarks made by this school board member reflect a deep-seated 
racial and religious intolerance and ignorance that we should not allow 
to go unnoticed. This racial ignorance and lack of understanding are 
catalysts to intense racial intolerance.
  I am concerned about the steady erosion of racial and religious 
tolerance in our society, and intolerance. Intolerance is often the 
basis for much of the crime committed in America, and it is the very 
essence of hate crimes. Hate crimes are those crimes committed against 
an individual or a group because of their convictions or their 
ethnicity.

[[Page S5954]]

  In 1995, the last records we have, the Justice Department cataloged 
nearly 8,000 hate crimes. Those are the only ones reported; many were 
unreported. This number is growing at an alarming rate. Hate crime is 
an affront to our basic commitment to religious liberty and racial 
tolerance, and it poses a challenge to our entire Nation and our future 
as a common community.
  The remarks made by this school board member are disturbing. They are 
indicative of an increasing racial and religious intolerance and serve 
only to incite maliciousness against Muslims, Buddhists, and non-
Christians in general. This school board member's comments are 
illustrative of the need in this country for increased understanding 
and patience. It is also, Mr. President, I believe, a call for us to 
speak out against this intolerance. It is this understanding and 
patience that we need to have which provides the foundation for a more 
tolerant America. Tolerance and understanding are crucial for us to 
continue fostering quality, dignity, and peace within America.
  Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum. I withhold for my 
friend from Wyoming.
  Mr. THOMAS addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Wyoming.
  Mr. THOMAS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to speak for 10 
minutes.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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