Political Quotes

“I was recently quoted as saying something that Sikhs, Muslims, and other Americans facing harassment and violence in this country took as offensive. I am sorry for any distress my statement caused, and I want them to know that I do not approve of any harassment or violence against any American. All I intended to say was that if a person fits the established profile of a terrorist, that person should expect to be looked at closely by airport security, given the atrocity of September 11. Many Sikhs are being subjected to harassment due to their beards and turbans, which are required by their religion. Americans of the Muslim faith are also receiving harassment. Sikhism is an independent, monotheistic, revered religion. It is not part of any other religion, although Sikhs are sometimes mistaken for Muslims or Hindus. There are 21 million Sikhs in the world, most of whom live in the Punjab state of India. Approximately 500,000 live in the United States; and most are naturalized or American-born citizens. Most have contributed to all walks of life. Most of the people who wear turbans in this country are Sikhs. There are many reasons Sikhs come to America, but mainly they come seeking freedom. To persecute them only weakens American unity at a time when our country is under attack.”