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USINPAC demands apology from Councilman Marion Barry for his remarks on Asian Americans

April 6, 2012, Washington D.C.: The U.S. India Political Action Committee (USINPAC) condemns the remarks by Councilman Marion Barry on Asian Americans. In his comment, Mr. Barry had said, “We got to do something about these Asians coming in and opening up businesses and dirty shops. They ought to go. I’m going to say that right now. But we need African-American businesspeople to be able to take their places, too.”

Expressing regret at the comments, USINPAC Chairman Mr. Sanjay Puri said, “The United States is the greatest melting pot offering economic opportunities, freedom and justice for all. That has made it a magnet for immigrants for hundreds of years. Statistics show that immigrants improve local economies by their energy and vitality, which in turn increases the pie for everyone. A tough economy and high unemployment is the fuse that is lighting the fuel of ethnic bashing these days. However words do matter and especially from political leaders who are looked upon as role models.”

Speaking on the incident, Delegate Sam Arora said, “While this incident is unfortunate, I am proud that those few of us Asian Americans in elected office in Maryland stood together and spoke up that we will not stand for that kind of intolerance.”

It may be noted that earlier Kentucky gubernatorial candidate David Williams and others too were involved in such incidents of ethnic bashing.

About USINPAC: The U.S India Political Action Committee (USINPAC) is a bi-partisan non-profit organization and the voice of 3.0 million Indian-Americans. It works to impact policy on issues of concern to the Indian-American community in the US. We also provide bipartisan support to candidates for federal, state and local office who support the issues that are important to the Indian-American community. For more information visit us at https://www.usinpac.com.

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