MUSLIMS LOVE PEACE AS MUCH AS ANYONE
Extension of Remarks
September 14, 2001
Mr. Speaker, almost 60 years ago during World War II, our nation imprisoned Japanese-Americans in internment camps simply because of their ethnic background. Today, we are all rightly horrified by this action.
In the aftermath of this week’s tragedy, we must not repeat this chapter in our history. Arabs and Muslims are not all terrorists bent on destroying our nation. They too desire to live in peace with their families and communities. In fact, millions of Arabs live in this great land - 2.2 million of whom are Arab Christians.
Our Arab and Muslim compatriots in our nation also weep with pain and sorrow as they grieve the loss of loved ones. Many of them fled their homes and came to the United States as refugees to get away from the very same types of people as those who attacked our country.
In the past few days, the outpouring of deeply sympathetic support and condolences my office personally has received has come from Islamic nations such as Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Egypt, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Western Sahara, and Algeria. And from Palestians as well.
As our great nation pulls together, let us not turn to hate and violence, but to the underlying spirit of courage and compassion that has made this country a beacon of freedom and hope for a new life.
Justice must and will be implemented - but it will be against those who deserve it, the savage terrorists - not our fellow Arab and Muslim citizens and friends here and around the world.
Welcome
·
About Joe Pitts ·
The 16th District ·
Key Initiatives ·
Legislation ·
Constituent Services
Press & Speeches · The
Federal Government ·
Links ·
Contact Information ·
Home