DNC Passes Resolution Calling for Coble to Resign Chairmanship

WASHINGTON, DC -- The Democratic National Committee (DNC), during its 2003 Winter Meeting passed a resolution calling on Congressman Howard Coble (R-NC) to resign as chair of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security for his remarks in agreement with the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.

"Our homeland security is of utmost importance to all Americans, Democrats and Republicans alike; this is a time for effective political leadership. In our work to keep our country safe from terrorism, policy makers have an obligation to balance the need to protect our homeland and safeguard the constitutional rights of all American citizens and residents," said DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe. "Congressman Coble's statements in agreement with the internment of American citizens during World War II perpetuate misinformation and the dangerous belief that racial profiling and ethnic scapegoating are legitimate practices.

Congressman Coble is not fit to lead our country on security and constitutional matters, and must resign from the chairmanship."

"Democrats and civil rights leaders from across the country have spoken up to condemn Congressman Coble's remarks," said McAuliffe. "Where are the Republicans? To date, not one Republican member of Congress has made a public statement regarding Coble's remarks."

"There is a mountain of evidence that proves that the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II was not justified by military necessity, but rather was shaped by 'race prejudice, war hysteria and failure of political leadership'," said Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA), who was interned as a child. "We must be vigilant so that flagrant violations of civil liberties do not occur again."

On Friday, February 21, the DNC Executive Committee passed a resolution calling for Congressman Coble to resign immediately for his irresponsible, inflammatory and offensive statements.

During a radio interview held on Feb. 4, Coble said "We were at war. They (Japanese-Americans) were an endangered species. For many of these Japanese-Americans, it wasn't safe for them to be on the street." Coble further stated that Japanese-Americans "probably were intent on doing harm to us ... just as some of these Arab-Americans are probably intent on doing harm to us."

The Japanese American Citizens League, the NAACP, many other civil rights organizations, and thousands of Americans have called on Congressman Coble to resign.

Democrats.org