Nick Rahall: “while the temptation to sweep this shameful chapter of American history under the rug is powerful, we must resist that…”

“while the temptation to sweep this shameful chapter of American history under the rug is powerful, we must resist that urge. The pending legislation will, we hope, prevent future discrimination against groups of Americans based on race, ethnicity, or religious belief by preserving and interpreting a dark chapter in American history when our actions fell far short of our ideals. Mr. Speaker, it is sobering to realize that the internment of Japanese Americans did not take place in some far distant past history. Rather, the horror of internment camps are real for many Americans, among them a very good friend and colleague of ours and now the Secretary of Transportation, Mr. Norm Mineta. After he and his family were forced from their home and interned, Secretary Mineta devoted his life to serving the country which had treated him so shamefully to ensure that such injustice will never be repeated. Secretary Mineta overcame the labels placed on him as a child and went on to carry labels including soldier, city councilman, mayor, Congressman, Mr. Chairman, and now Mr. Secretary. Throughout this distinguished career, he was often the first Asian American to hold those titles. Another great American victimized by internment was our friend and former colleague, the late Bob Matsui. Like Norm Mineta and many others, Bob Matsui overcame injustice and adversity suffered as a child to build a career of distinguished public service.…”