LOS ANGELES COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY DEMANDS
APOLOGY FROM TEXAS REP. BETTY BROWN FOR RACIALLY INSENSITIVE REMARKS
LACDP calls on Texas House to issue censure

LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Democratic Party (LACDP) adopted the following resolution in support of the censuring and requested apology of Texas State Representative Betty Brown:

RESOLUTION TO DEMAND THE APOLOGY OF BETTY BROWN

“Whereas, during a Texas State House Elections Committee hearing on voter identification held on April 7, 2009, Republican State Representative Betty Brown remarked that voters of Asian-descent should adopt names that are easier to deal with for Americans, stating: “Rather than everyone here having to learn Chinese…Do you think that it would behoove… you and your citizens to adopt a name that we could deal with more readily here;”

“Whereas, Representative Brown’s statement that Asian-Americans should deny their heritage in order to participate in the American electoral process is both racially insensitive and intolerant and reflects a total disregard and lack of understanding for the fundamental American tenet of equal rights and treatment under the law for all Americans;

“Whereas, America, as a nation of immigrants, has always celebrated its diversity as its greatest strength, thus making our country a beacon of democracy across the globe and statements by elected officials such as Representative Brown’s serve to undermine our nation’s leadership and standing in the eyes people around the world;

“Therefore Be It Resolved, that the Los Angeles County Democratic Party uphold the principles of equality and nondiscrimination and demand a full apology from Texas State Representative Betty Brown for her racially insensitive and intolerant remarks and that the Texas State House censure State Representative Betty Brown;

“Therefore Be It Further Resolved, that copies of this resolution be transmitted to Texas State Representative Betty Brown, the Texas State Legislative Leadership, the Texas Democratic Party, the media, and other interested parties.”

“As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’ Texas State Representative Betty Brown’s discriminatory statement against Asian Americans was offensive, disrespectful, and unacceptable. She undermined our nation’s leadership as a beacon of democracy and our fundamental principles of equality and nondiscrimination. We demand her to issue a full apology to the American people and we ask that the Texas State House censure State Representative Brown for her reckless remarks,” said Eric C. Bauman, LACDP Chair.

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