[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 20 (Tuesday, February 29, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    CRIME OF HATE AGAINST THE 9TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 29, 2000

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, today, the district office of the people 
of Illinois' 9th Congressional District was vandalized with an anti-
Semitic obscenity. While I am pleased to say that we, as a community, 
are prepared to stand tall in the path of any and all acts of hate and 
words of bigotry, today's action is a sad reminder that there are those 
among us that fear diversity and refuse to view it as the sign of 
strength and tradition that it is.
  Acts of hate directed against Jews, Catholics, Protestants, Muslims 
or any other group or person in this country are unacceptable and will 
not be tolerated. I am proud to represent one of the most ethnically 
diverse districts in America. The diversity and tolerance in our 
district is symbolic of what our nation should be. We will not be 
silent whenever hatred shows its ugly face.
  I wish to commend the brave officers of the Niles Police Department, 
Chief Sheehan, and FBI officials for their prompt response and effort 
on behalf of the people of the 9th Congressional District. This crime 
of hate is a cowardly act that will not go unpunished. There are those 
who view the 9th Congressional District, because of its diversity, as a 
prime location to spread their hateful venom. I am confident that the 
rich tradition and values of the people of the 9th Congressional 
District will always prevail.

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