US COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS ANNOUNCES COMPLAINT LINE TO PROTECT RIGHTS OF ARAB, ISLAMIC COMMUNITY

U.S. Commision on Civil Rights ^

[RCW2001]

U.S. COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS ANNOUNCES
COMPLAINT LINE
TO PROTECT RIGHTS OF ARAB, ISLAMIC COMMUNITIES;
URGES TOLERANCE IN THE FACE OF TRAGEDY

September 14, 2001

WASHINGTON, D.C.-The United States Commission on Civil Rights has received complaints from Arab and Muslim Americans who are being targeted in the wake of Tuesday's attacks. In order to address these troubling incidents, the Commission voted at its meeting today to direct its National Complaint Line (1-800-552-6843) and its State Advisory Committees to solicit and catalogue discrimination complaints from Arab and Muslim Americans. It is further directing its State Advisory Committees to organize forums on the issue of tolerance in light of the terrorist attacks.

"Many of our nation's leaders have already risen to the occasion by urging Americans to resist the temptation to hold entire communities responsible for the acts of individuals. President George W. Bush, Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, Secretary of State Colin Powell, Attorney General John Ashcroft, and the United States Senate, among others, have condemned the isolation and targeting of Arab and Muslim Americans within our communities," noted Commission Chairperson Mary Frances Berry. "Arab and Muslim persons are important and valuable members of American society. Just as we celebrate the diversity of so many of our people, we should also embrace the contribution their differences make to our rich national fabric."

Dr. Berry stressed, "Our nation is slowly emerging from beneath the pall of hatred cast over our country by the tragic terrorist attacks. But as the search for those merciless individuals who perpetrated the horrendous acts continues, we must be mindful that we as a nation do not unfairly single out any religious or ethnic communities. All Americans, regardless of race, creed, or culture, were deeply affected by the unprecedented atrocities inflicted on that which our nation holds most dear."

The Commission noted that America's founding principles were freedom, liberty, and tolerance. Few occasions in our nation's history will test our continuing embrace of those values more than this week's attack on America. However, we must view this time as an opportunity to show the world that even in periods of great turmoil, America holds to its fundamental principles as strongly as ever. We will not allow the terrorists' actions to force us to curtail the freedoms of any Americans. If we allow the terrorists to make us intolerant, they have won.

"As our nation pursues the criminals who committed these acts, we must not allow our desire to find those responsible lead us to irresponsible and un-American behavior. We must not compromise any person's civil rights or civil liberties. No one should be a target simply because they are, or appear to be, a member of a particular ethnic or religious community," Chairperson Berry stressed.

Obviously, there is no more important goal than finding and bringing to justice those responsible for the horrific terrorists acts. But we must be cognizant that in this, we maintain the just and reasonable freedoms that make American life exceptional and exemplary.

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Page #tragcmpl September 17, 2001

[TennesseeProfessor]

I know personally a very sweet Turkish woman who is now terrified to leave her apartment after night for fear that someone will recognize her as a Muslim.

Yes, we should utterly annihilate terrorists. But that Arab running the local shop is at least as appallled by the bombings as you are, and in a lot more danger.

[zerosix]

Precisely what everyone needs to divert attention away from the barbarians who perpetrated the most heinous act in human history! Let local law enforcement handle local crimes be they assaults, threats and even murder.

The U. S. Commission on Civil Rights is looking out for everyone's rights except non-minority America. Put an end to rhem now!

[Conservative til I die]

A crowd of Jews caused Christ's death 2000 years ago. Let's go kill all the Jews right? That's the idea I'm drawing from your post.

[Conservative til I die]

But bro, they aren't white and they don't worship Christ or Yahweh! Isn't it becoming crystal clear yet what's at work here in some people's hearts?!?

[Conservative til I die]

I do my part by telling the scumbags here to get the hellout of my Republican Party and my religion (Catholicism/Christianity) immediately, because you bigots are an absolute disgrace to the party, to your religion, and to your country.

Go join Pat Buchanan and David Duke guys.

[Conservative til I die]

Hey Cletus, grab your flyswatter, the 12-pack of Ol' Milwaukee, your lawn chair, and go lay out in front of your trailer, far from FR.

[AGAviator]

Isn't it becoming crystal clear yet what's at work here in some people's hearts?!?

"Those who hate the devil, are doing his work."

[timestax]

So what's the complaint line Number? Does it begin with a recording? I'd like to hear what it says.

[Conservative til I die]

Back into your slimehole!

[Conservative til I die]

Conservative till i die? Huh? What a joke. You are criticizing Pat Buchanan? Pat Buchanan is not a bigot or a racist.

I think he is. And judging by the slackjawed yokels that support him like flies on a turd, he represents their beliefs. Remember, brown immigrants from the south = bad, white immigrants from the north = good.

QUOTE ME 1 LINE where he was racist. IT IS you PUNY-MINDED MULTICULTURALISTS

I don't think people should be stalked and killed for their religious beliefs = I'm a multiculturalist. Interesting.

who HATE ANY mention of the great successes of European-Americans in building much of this country.

Huh? I don't think I've ever actually mentioned white Americans' contributions in either a positive or negative light. Hell, who even brought up white Americans except for you?

White European Americans are called RACIST PIGS if they act at all proud of their heritage.

Guess that makes me a racist pig then, since I have no qualms about talking about the great heritage of European-Americans. Of course, I'm for the most part a greaseball Italian-American, so I don't know if I even qualify as white in your book.

Let me tell you this : Buchanan was the only one who stood up in the last few years in a big way to the OUT OF CONTROL IMMIGRATION IN OUR COUNTRY - (security lapses, etc).. HAD YOU LISTENED TO HIS WISDOM - we would NOT HAVE 10,000 freaking MUSLIM TERRORISTS FANATICS IN THIS country

Huh? I thought Pat was only on a pogrom against "Messcans." Wassup wit dat?right now. So shut up and leave - you are a joke.

[Constitutional_Republican]

I think I read that his family returned to the Middle East on the day before the attack.

[Woodkirk]

Why don't you start by eliminating the hate emanating from the Koran, Hadith, and mosques throughout the Muslim world and you can start on the West Bank.

[RCW2001]

National Complaint Line (1-800-552-6843)

[timestax]

You sound like the snitch in grade school that couldn't wait for the teacher to come back from her break so you could squeal on everybody.

I have not seen posts that says anything like you said.

Robinson ought to ban you for life for your racists statements!

I don't think a freeper would harm anybody unless they invaded their house.

In conclusion, you are one sick puppy.

[timestax]

bttt

[timestax]

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