[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 124 (Friday, September 21, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Page S9614]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONDEMNING BIGOTRY AND VIOLENCE AGAINST ARAB, MUSLIM AND SOUTH ASIAN 
                               AMERICANS

  Mr. FEINGOLD. Madam President, I rise to join with my colleagues in 
support of H. Con. Res 227 condemning bigotry and violence against 
Arab, Muslim, and South Asian Americans.
  I am sincerely grateful for and proud of the tremendous response of 
the American people who have shown true courage and loyalty in the face 
of the horrific attacks on our country on September 11, 2001. No one 
should doubt the resolve of this Nation to meet the challenge before us 
in fighting terrorism. But as we continue to wrestle with deep and 
conflicting emotions of sadness, pain, anger, and fear, we must ensure 
that the spirit of America, that ability to transcend differences in 
race, religion, and ethnicity to achieve greatness, is not only 
preserved, but strengthened as a result of this tragedy.
  As history has shown, America has always triumphed when we are 
united. That is why it is so important in this chapter in our history, 
as we prepare to defend and preserve our Nation, that we stay united as 
one Nation. This should not be an occasion for irrational impulses of 
fear, hate or violence towards Arab-Americans, Muslim Americans, South 
Asian Americans, or any other person in this country. Such actions are 
wrong. The idea of ``America'' knows no racial, ethnic, or religious 
boundaries, and no American should have to live in fear as a result of 
this situation. I stand together with my colleagues, and with Americans 
of all backgrounds, in condemning such actions. We must renew our 
commitment to protect our fellow Americans and our Nation against those 
who want to divide us with hate.
  Unfortunately, there has been a rash of acts of hate during the last 
week, compounding the anxiety of Americans in communities throughout 
this Nation. I have been saddened to hear of incidents in my own State. 
Ashraf ``Mike'' Khaled, a Wisconsin resident of Jordanian descent and 
gas station owner, has been the victim of several incidents of hateful 
statements and threats of his safety by customers and passerby. He 
reminded us of why our country is so great and why these actions of 
hatred can be so damaging. He said, ``I love this country because I 
found my freedom here.''
  This is a critical moment for America. One in which we must all live 
by and honor our Pledge to live as ``One Nation, under God, 
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.''

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