NEWS RELEASE
U.S. Representative Charlie Norwood, Ninth District, Georgia
For immediate release: September 20, 2006
Norwood Offers Conditioned Apology to La Raza

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Rep. Charlie Norwood today offered to issue an apology to the National Council of La Raza for statements made in an earlier news release which accused the organization of association with and support of anti-American and racist groups, on the condition NCLR would agree in writing to the following seven points, and publish the seven points with unequivocal NCLR endorsement of the same prominently on their website:

1. Denounce and sever all ties with MEChA and any other organizations with which they are now or have ever been associated or funded which held to the racist doctrines published by MEChA.

2. Denounce the statement “For La Raza to do. Fuera de La Raza nada,” as repugnant, racist, and totally incompatible with American society or citizenship.

3. Repudiate all claims that any current American territory rightfully belongs to Mexico.

4. Acknowledge the right of all Americans to live wherever they choose in the United States, and that no section or region of this country should be segregated by race or ethnic heritage.

5. Commit to sponsorship of nationwide educational programs to combat racism and anti-Semitism in the Hispanic community.

6. Seek neutral, third party supervision to ensure that all community and individual assistance programs offered by La Raza and groups supported by La Raza are accessible to all Americans, regardless of race or ethnicity, and that participation in those programs is fully compliant with Equal Opportunity laws.

7. Acknowledge the internationally recognized borders of the United States, the right of the citizens of the United States to determine immigration policy through the democratic process, and the right of the United States to undertake any and all necessary steps including military action to effectively enforce immigration law and defend its borders against unauthorized entry.

Norwood further requested that NCLR immediately release records of how much of the organization’s funds are being used to lobby Congress for specific legislative initiatives. NCLR mounted a nationwide lobbying drive this week in a failed attempt to block immigration reform in the House of Representatives. The organization is registered with the IRS as a 501c3 non-profit charity, which is strictly limited by IRS rules in their ability to lobby Congress or other legislative bodies, or conduct get-out-the-vote campaigns.

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U.S. Rep. Charlie Norwood
2452 Rayburn Building, Washington, DC 20515
On the Web:
Phone (202) 225-4101; Fax (202) 226-0776
Contact: John Stone; John.Stone@mail.house.gov