On that day the Wall Street Journal vividly exposed how far we have to travel as a nation. I do not raise this issue because the Wall Street Journal might oppose her candidacy and I do not ask for anyones vote on her behalf. I rise instead in the hope that the sons and daughters of immigrants might still be accepted for who they are and not for the myths and stereotypes upon which prejudice is built. Let us for a moment review the allegations contained in the pages of the Wall Street Journal: There were. first. no direct allegations against GmRv FnmAZO. nor her husband. nor even her fatherinlaw. There were. Instead. allegations against alleged friends of her father. inlaw several decades ago. The neighborhoods of Manhattan. which became home to millions of immigrants and in whose tenements my ancestors and many of yours first knew America were termed "Mafia dominated." Finally. small contributions to her campaign from an individual with alleged underworld connections were cited with an unmistakable implication on the candidates character. Shame on the Wall Street Journal. Shame on any Member here who will not accept the same standards. Who here will answer for alleged friends of your spouses parents of 30 years ago? Who here will bear the burden of those who lived in the immigrant neighborhoods of your grandparents? Who here will vouch for the reputation of every one of the thousands of people who contribute to your campaigns? The genius of American political success is that we as a people rise or fall on our own individual merit. If GzmY FsAo cant meet that test. let her fall. If she can. let her soar. At issue here is not only the first women to seek the Vice Presidency nor the prospect of any political party. but the ability of Immigrant sons and daughters to take a rightful role in Americas future without historic prejudice.
Identified stereotypes
Immigrant neighborhoods are described as "Mafia dominated."