[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 123 (Thursday, September 20, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1680]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   CONDEMNING BIGOTRY AND VIOLENCE AGAINST ARAB-AMERICANS, AMERICAN 
                 MUSLIMS, AND AMERICANS FROM SOUTH ASIA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE ROGERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 20, 2001

  Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, today, I speak in support of 
House Concurrent Resolution 227, condemning bigotry and violence 
against Arab-Americans, American Muslims, and Americans from South Asia 
in the wake of the terrorist attacks in New York City, New York, and 
Washington, D.C., on September 11, 2001.
  Our nation suffered a horrendous tragedy on September 11, 2001. There 
is no question that those responsible for this heinous act must be 
brought to justice. However, we must not further compound the tragedy 
by turning against each other in our time of grief and anger. 
Unfortunately, in the aftermath of the recent attack, there have been 
reports of violence against Americans of Arab and South Asian descent. 
This is nothing short of divisive, and is unacceptable, unconscionable, 
and un-American.
  The Arab-American, South Asian-American, and American Muslim 
communities are an integral part of the United States. The state of 
Michigan itself has one of the largest Middle Eastern communities 
outside of the Middle East. Like all Americans, members of these 
communities are outraged by the recent attacks upon our nation. As law 
abiding and patriotic citizens of our nation they do not deserve our 
rancor, but the dignity afforded to every American.
  Indeed, in the wake of the recent terrorists attacks, the rights and 
liberties of all Americans must continue to be respected and upheld. We 
must relentlessly pursue those guilty of this cowardly act, and refrain 
from lashing out against the innocent. I fully support the language of 
H. Con. Res. 227, which stresses that throughout our search for the 
perpetrators of the terrorists acts of September 11, 2001, our nation 
will continue to adhere to the civil rights and civil liberties that 
has made the United States the land of the free.

                          ____________________