[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 94 (Wednesday, July 13, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1484]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


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         TOLERANCE AND ACCEPTANCE FOR PEOPLE OF OTHER CULTURES

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                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 13, 2005

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to condemn in the strongest terms 
possible an ugly and xenophobic comment that recently came to my 
attention. Yesterday, a staff member who works for another Member of 
Congress responded to an e-mail inquiry regarding the upcoming visit of 
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with what can only be described as 
an insulting and bigoted attempt at humor. His comments were deeply 
offensive to Indians, Indian Americans, and countless others like me 
who do not tolerate such bigotry.
  On one of my visits to India a few years ago I was able to meet with 
government officials, including Prime Minister Singh, then a member of 
the Rajya Sabha, India's Upper House of Parliament. I was deeply 
impressed by his intellect, thoughtfulness, and the success of his 
economic program, and I am proud to welcome him as he addresses a Joint 
Session of Congress this week. It is my hope that all Americans will 
listen to his words. We have much to learn from him regarding tolerance 
and acceptance of people of other cultures.

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