[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 159 (Friday, November 16, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2120]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HATE CRIMES IN AMERICA

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                               speech of

                          HON. LYNN N. RIVERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 14, 2001

  Ms. RIVERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to out against hate crimes. 
Following the events of September 11, there has been a sharp increase 
in hate crimes against Muslim and Arab Americans across the country. 
Some reports indicate that as many as 400 incidents have occurred in 
the past two months, six of which have resulted in death. This 
exponential increase in bias based violence is deplorable.
  In my home state of Michigan, there have been numerous hate based 
incidents including assaults, vandalism, threats, harassment and 
discrimination. Michigan is home to thousands of Muslim and Arab 
Americans who have proven to be great assets to their respective 
communities and to the state. I am disheartened that any of my fellow 
Michigan citizens have been wrongly associated with the acts of a few 
criminals.
  Mr. Speaker, while we as a nation consider the possibility of further 
terrorist attacks, it is imperative that we not forget that fear and 
violence exists right in our local communities. We must not ignore the 
fact that citizens in our communities are being targeted because of 
their faith or appearance. Hate is not an American value.
  I recall President Harry S. Truman who said ``Intense feelings often 
obscure the truth.'' We cannot allow the horrible events of September 
11 to do so.

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