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Ellison Carson Letter Re Geert Wilders 4.23
Ellison Carson Letter Re Geert Wilders 4.23
April
23w, 2015
U.S.C. 73; See also question 3 part d of USd5 form 1-539 for travelers with nonimmigrant status.
Dutch politician Geert Wilders faces new racial hatred charges over victory speech
http:/ www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/dutch_politiciangeertwilders_fac~_new_racial
hatred-charges over-victory-speech-9934423.html
Dutch Anti Islam Politician Geert Wilders charged Over Fewer Moroccans Speech (WSJ)
http:/ www.wsj .com articles/dutch-far-right-politician-geert-wilders-charged-over4ewer..moroccans
speech-1418899o28
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Mr. Wilders policy agenda is centered on the principle that Christian culture is superior
to other cultures. He justifies his desire to ban the Quran and Islam from the
Netherlands with depraved comments like, Islam is not a religion, its an ideology, the
ideology of a retarded culture.5 We should not be importing hate speech.
In the U.S., freedom of speech is a bedrock principle that distinguishes free societies
from ones living under oppressive regimes. Freedom of speech, however, is not absolute.
It is limited by the legal and moral understanding that speech that causes the incitement
of violence or prejudicial action against protected groups is wrong. As Mr. Wilders
continues his pursuit of political power, granting him entry will embolden him to engage
in further incitement of violence and discrimination against Muslims.
Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia are sweeping through Europe. Mr. Wilders is among
the hateful leaders responsible for perpetuating prejudice. Allowing him to enter the
United States will cause harm to our nation that values religious freedom and respects
pluralism.
Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
tfiliw
Keith Ellison
Member of Congress
An rt~ rson
Member of Congress
Viewpoint: Killer Breiviks links with far right (BBC News): httix//www.bbc.com/news/world-eurove
igg66ooo. See Also: Norway Attacks: How far right views created Behring Breivik (Guardian):
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2on/jul/3o/norway-attacks-anders-behring breivik
5 In quotes: Geert Wilders (BBC News)
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-11469579
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