[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 125 (Monday, September 24, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1707]
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

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 14, 2001

  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution 
condemning bigotry and violence against Arab and Muslim-Americans. I 
also thank Congressman Bonior for bringing this issue to the full 
attention of the House, because the incidents seem to be multiplying.
  Americans are sharing many emotions. We are angry at our own 
vulnerability. We grieve for ourselves and the tremendous pain that 
thousands continue to endure. We watch, feeling helpless and unable to 
help those in need. Our reactions are frantic but, similar. They are 
similar because we are Americans.
  We are a nation founded on the ideals of freedom, liberty and 
compassion; a true democracy. Our citizenry shares the ability to 
accept and to desire to be accepted, for whom we choose to be, and what 
we choose to believe. We shall never cease to condemn the practice of 
intolerance, bigotry and discrimination.
  This week we have shared a tragedy that must bring ALL Americans 
together. To faction ourselves now is a breakdown of our solidarity, 
which must be absolute. Racism and hate are characteristics of 
terrorists, not of individuals who treasure freedom.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in encouraging unity with our fellow 
Arab and Muslim Americans and all Americans, who share our commitment 
to freedom and democracy. Unity, not hatred, will provide our nation 
with clarity needed to prevail.
  As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, ``Through our scientific genius, 
we have made of this world a neighborhood; now, through our moral and 
spiritual development we must make of it a brotherhood [and sisterhood] 
. . . we must all live together; we must all be concerned about each 
other.''
  I hope all Americans can be concerned about each other at this 
pivotal time in our history.




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