Peter Blute: “we all know there have been some troubling statements recently, emanating from the group known as Nation of Islam. They…”

“we all know there have been some troubling statements recently, emanating from the group known as Nation of Islam. They are words that are as divisive as they are ugly. Their statements--in the form of an outrageous speech by the Reverend Louis Farrakhan's national spokesman Khalid Abdul Muhammad--are comprised of venom and lies about Jews, Catholics, whites, blacks, and a host of other ethnic, racial, and religious groups. These hurtful words are disgraceful, insulting, and horrifying. But the Nation of Islam's inaction in rejecting this statement is even more troubling. Several months have passed since the speech, yet we have heard not one public utterance from the Reverend Farrakhan repudiating the words of his spokesman. We should find this to be intolerable. It is time for Louis Farrakhan and all Americans of good will to disavow the words of Khalid Abdul Muhammad. As a Member of Congress, I call on Reverend Farrakhan to renounce racism, condemn prejudice, and publicly embrace the diversity of our society. I commend our colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus for their action yesterday in standing up for pluralism and harmony in America.”