July 17, 2003
Senators Warner and Allen
Senators Warner and Allen
PO Box 8208
Alexandria, VA 22306-8208
July 17, 2003
The Honorable John William Warner
United States Senate
225 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510-4601
The Honorable George F. Allen
United States Senate
204 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510-4604
Dear Senators Warner and Allen:
As your constituent, I am writing to express my opposition to the nomination of Daniel Pipes to the Board of the United States Institute of Peace. Daniel Pipes has done more to create divisions among Americans than to bring us together on issues of great importance to our domestic and foreign policy interests.
I do not believe that Daniel Pipes should be confirmed to serve on the Board of a prestigious institution devoted to promoting peace and reconciliation. I find his writings about Arab Americans and Muslims to be bigoted and racist. His comments in opposition to the prospects for peace between Israelis and Palestinians are inflammatory and contrary to U.S. national interests in seeking to help resolve this difficult conflict. He is responsible for the monitoring of college and university professors through Campus Watch, which has stifled academic freedom and hindered open dialogue on American campuses.
I understand that Daniel Pipes’ nomination is currently before the Senate Committee on Labor, Education, Health and Pensions. I urge you to call for a thorough and comprehensive review of Daniel Pipes’ writings on Arab Americans, Muslims, the Middle East peace process, and academic freedom. The Committee should hold public hearings on his nomination and invite members of the Arab-American and American-Muslim communities to testify.
Congressional approval of Mr. Pipes’ nomination would leave the impression that Congress endorses his narrow-minded and questionable views on issues critical to our national interests at this difficult time in American history.
I urge you to take a leading role on this important issue.
Sincerely,
James Landrith
September 16, 2003
Mr. James Landrith
Po Box 8208
Alexandria, Virginia 22306
Dear James:
You recently received a letter from me regarding Daniel Pipes to the U.S. Institute of Peace. I would like to clarify my views in light of statements and writings of Mr. Pipes that have recently come to my attention thanks to you and others.
Certain writings and comments made by Mr. Pipes cause me great concern, as they are insensitive and wrongful characterizations of both Arabs and Muslims around the world. As you may know, Mr. Pipes was made a recess appointment in late August of this year, thus a Senate vote did not occur, nor is it likely that one will occur in the future. I will be closely monitoring the role of Mr. Pipes while he serves at the U.S. Institute of Peace to make sure his actions are representative of the Institute’s mission to promote peace and stem violence around the world. This mission can only be accomplished if those carrying out the Institute’s mandate are adhering to principles of equality and religious tolerance.
Most importantly, I believe our freedom to worship and pray as we please is one of our most cherished fundamental individual rights. I like to remind people that my philosophical hero, Thomas Jefferson wrote in his Statute of Religious Freedom, “… that no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burdened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer, on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain their opinions in matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities.” I strongly believe that America’s ardent protection of religious freedom is a foundational human right and we must be vigilant in making sure religious intolerance does not find its way into our civil institutions or our society.
It is important for our government to highlight the diversity of beliefs held by all Americans. I was pleased to see the U.S. Postal Service re-issue the Eid postage stamp last year. Issuing a postage stamp that celebrates the two most important festivals, or eids, on the Islamic calendar is an appropriate way for our country to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions Muslim Americans make to our society. I will suggest that the U.S. Postal Service reissue the Eid Stamp during the coming celebration of Ramadan.
I appreciate the opportunity to make clear my position on this issue and appreciate your comments or thoughts. It is an honor to serve you in the United States Senate and I look forward to hearing from you in the future on this or any other matter of interest.
With warm regards, I remain
Sincerely,
George Allen