King exemplified: Justice and equality for all citizens through peaceful and nonviolent means. Despite the vast improvements and progress we have made In achieving justice and liberty for all In our Nation. our mission Is far from accomplished. Less than a year ago. thousands of Haitian refugees were denied asylum in the United States. Some have contended that these refugees are economic refugees. fleeing from the Impoverished way of life In their homeland. However. alter my mission to Haiti with the distinguished gentleman from New York. Mr. RANGEL. earlier last year. I can only conclude that these refugees could face severe repercussions from the illegitimate military dictatorship that rules Haiti. I firmly believe that It goes against our national character to force these refugees lo return to Haiti to face certain severe punishment. The race riots that erupted In Los Angeles following the Rodney King verdict also serve as a somber reminder of the tremendous racial tensions that still exist In our Nation. I believe that the Rodney King verdict was a flashpoint. convincing many AfricanAmericans that they do not matter in our system.
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