Robert Torricelli: “the U.N. World Conference Against Racism recently proceeding in Durban, South Africa, had the enormous potential to make…”

“the U.N. World Conference Against Racism recently proceeding in Durban, South Africa, had the enormous potential to make a contribution in the historic fight against race and intolerance. Indeed, holding the conference itself in South Africa was a tribute to the people of that country and their long struggle against racism and apartheid. It could have been a seminal moment in the evolution, in our long fight for individual liberty. While much progress has been made, we can all attest that racism and discrimination continue to affect hundreds of millions of people around the globe. This conference had such potential. It could have addressed issues such as the rising intolerance toward refugees, intolerance towards asylum seekers, the unjustified denial of citizenship because of race, religion, or origin. The conference had the potential for the United States to demonstrate the great progress we have made in this country on issues of tolerance, of the fight against racism. In showcasing the American experience, nothing could have more vividly demonstrated the changes in the United States than the presence of Colin Powell, an American Secretary of State, not only of African ancestry but of ancestry beyond our own shores. Instead of realizing this potential, the conference has collapsed in a storm of recrimination and venomous rhetoric. The United States and Israel have walked out of the conference. It appears that others will soon follow.”