Democratic Club
by Mary Larson
LW contributor
The Democratic Club was honored to be asked to speak during the Solidarity Rally on March 29 that was sponsored by the Korean American Association of Leisure World. The following is a transcript of that presentation: “The Leisure World Democratic Club is happy to join the many voices of Orange County in speaking out against all forms of inflammatory rhetoric or outrageous statements aimed at our Asian American and Pacific Islander neighbors.
“Our club, as well as the Democratic Party as a whole, is committed to protecting and defending the rights of all citizens. Together with our party, we are committed to the following goals: We will not fan the flames of hate; nor will we give hate a safe harbor or legitimize the voices of racism. Instead, we will work to protect and defend the rights of all our neighbors.
“Racial injustice that stains the fabric of our community and nation must not be tolerated.
“Let us make no mistake, Leisure World needs to be a place for all residents to feel safe and be treated with equality and justice. “We must demand it, and we deserve it as Americans and as residents of Leisure World.
“We also want to call your attention to a bipartisan resolution designed to protect the AAPI community. This resolution was introduced in Congress on Feb. 23 as H.R. 153. It is now awaiting action by the House’s Committee on the Judiciary.
“The resolution states, among other things, that the House of Representatives calls for ‘Federal law enforcement officials, working with state and local officials, to expeditiously and vigorously investigate all reports of Asian-American and Pacific Islander hate crimes and threats in the United States.’ That they ‘hold the perpetrators of those crimes, incidents, or threats accountable and bring the perpetrators to justice.’ “This bipartisan House Resolution 153 was introduced by our Republican Congresswoman Michelle Steel and Democratic Congresswoman Katie Porter, possibly one of the most progressive members of the House of Representatives.
“Democrats Alan Lowenthal and Luis Correa, as well as Republican Young Kim—all three of whom represent Orange County constituents—were also original co-sponsors of the resolution. They were later joined by Democrat Mike Levin, who represents Orange County’s 49th Congressional District. Congresswoman Linda Sanchez issued a separate statement condemning anti-Asian hate crimes on March 26.
“If this show of bipartisanship can exist in a deeply divided Congress, we can do no less in Leisure World. We cannot give any expression of hate a safe harbor or legitimize the voices of racism. We must work together to protect and defend the rights of all our neighbors.”
The full text of H.R. 153 is available by emailing Democraticclubsblw@ gmail. com or online at: https://www.congress. gov/bill/117th-congress/houseresolution/ 153/cosponsors?s=1& r=1& overview=closed& searchRe sultViewType=expanded.
Both current and former Congresspersons Steel and Rouda also spoke at the rally.
LW Democrats and supporters are invited to subscribe to the club’s electronic newsletter. Email democraticclubsblw@gmail.com or call (562) 296-8521. Remember to include your full contact information. Call (562) 431-7275 for club membership information.
