North Carolina Congress Members' Statements Draw Criticism

February 6, 2003

Source: The Charlotte Observer

http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/5117163.htm

On February 6, 2003 The Charlotte Observer reported that "two N.C. members of Congress came under fire Wednesday for comments that Islamic groups and others say they find insulting... In remarks about domestic security threats, Rep. Sue Myrick of Charlotte said, 'Look at who runs all the convenience stores across the country...' And Rep. Howard Coble of Greensboro defended World War II internment camps, saying some Japanese Americans 'probably were intent on doing harm to us, just as some of these Arab Americans are probably intent on doing harm to us.' Both Republicans said later their remarks were not intended to insult any ethnic or religious groups... But Ibrahim Hooper, spokesman for the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations, said such comments are part of 'a very disturbing trend' of bigotry."