[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 46 (Wednesday, March 23, 2016)]
[House]
[Page H1571]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
{time} 1130
REJECT DISCRIMINATION AND UPHOLD OUR VALUES
(Mr. TAKANO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I stood with my colleagues on the
House floor in a moment of silence as we mourned for the victims in
Brussels.
Today, as I watched leading politicians propose discriminatory
policies targeting the Muslim community, I cannot be silent. Seventy
years ago, my parents and grandparents were held prisoner during World
War II without trial and without a reason, other than their Japanese
heritage. In that moment, no one was willing to speak up for them. We
cannot ignore the lessons of history.
The Muslim community is the most frequent victim of terrorism and our
greatest ally in ridding the world of extremism. Responding to Brussels
by advocating for patrols of Muslim neighborhoods, or suggesting that
we torture our enemies, is not only counterproductive, it violates the
moral code that separates us from our enemies.
It is my duty, and it is every American's duty to reject
discrimination and uphold our values.
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