July 24, 2001 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 14391 Asia, that is not only in our national interest, urge you to press the Indian government on mill, and a store and post office. Among other it is the right thing to do. Fortunately, there are this issue and urge them to hold a free and professionals and tradesmen, it had a taxi- measures we can take to help bring freedom, fair plebiscite on the question of independ- dermist, a shoemaker, a constable, a milliner, peace, and stability to that dangerous region. ence, monitored by the international com- a barber, a liquor dealer, a druggist, black- munity. This would go a long way towards The time has come to stop providing American establishing stability, peace, and freedom in smiths, wagon makers and two justices of the aid to India—remember, this is public South Asia. peace. Though not yet incorporated as the Vil- money—until India begins to treat all its peo- Sincerely lage of Vanderbilt, by 1887 a community had ple fairly and ends the repression against the DR. GURMIT SINGH AULAKH, sprung to life in the North Woods, much as minorities. The other thing that we can do is President, the writers of the Northwest Ordinance had strongly urge India to hold a plebiscite, not just Council of Khalistan. envisioned 100 years before. in Kashmir as it promised in 1948, but in f Elizabeth Haus, village president, has said Khalistan, Nagalim, and everywhere else that that residents have planned ‘‘an old-time cele- people seek their freedom. This will help to MARKING THE CENTENNIAL OF bration’’ to mark the milestone 100 years. In defuse the tense situation in South Asia and THE VILLAGE OF VANDERBILT, addition to celebrating the centennial of enhance America’s national security by bring- MICHIGAN Vanderbilt’s incorporation, the community will ing us new allies in the subcontinent. also mark the 100th birthday of the Vanderbilt Mr. Speaker, I would like to place the Coun- HON. BART STUPAK Community Church building, one of the cen- cil of Khalistan’s letter to President Musharraf OF MICHIGAN ters of community life. into the RECORD for the information of my col- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my House leagues. Tuesday, July 24, 2001 colleagues join me in wishing the people of COUNCIL OF KHALISTAN, Vanderbilt a joyous centennial celebration and GURU GOBIND SINGH JI, TENTH MASTER, Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, certainly one of in praying the community can thrive and con- Washington, DC June 27, 2001. the milestone events in the history of our na- tinue to be a great place to live, work and Hon. GENERAL PERVEZ MUSHARRAF, tion was the adoption of the Constitution by a raise families. President of Pakistan, convention of the states in 1787. But another f Islamabad, Pakistan. significant event in our history took place that DEAR PRESIDENT MUSHARRAF, On behalf of TRIBUTE TO EDWARD AND SALLIE the Sikh Nation, I congratulatle you on be- year. Congress, operating under the governing coming President of Pakistan. We hope and document known as the Articles of Confed- MCCLAIN pray that this step will be useful for the peo- eration, approved a plan for the growth of the ple of Pakistan, the Sikhs, and the people of Untied States known as the Northwest Ordi- HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN South Asia. nance. OF SOUTH CAROLINA Soon you will be visiting India. We sin- I call these facts to mind, Mr. Speaker, be- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES cerely hope that your visit will go well and cause the Northwest Ordinance spelled out to will be productive to the cause of peace and Tuesday, July 24, 2001 freedom in South Asia. the world that the United States planned to While you are in India, I urge you to visit settle the areas that would eventually become Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The Sikhs Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and my own pay tribute to Edward and Sallie McClain of who visited Nankana Sahib last fall were so state of Michigan. Charleston, South Carolina, who have been well treated that we know you are a friend of Despite this early commitment by the young chosen as the South Carolina Parents of the the Sikh Nation. Your visit to the Golden nation to expand, settlement came late to Year for 2001. Reverend and Mrs. McClain Temple will enhance your friendship with many of these areas. In my congressional dis- will be honored on July 25, 2001 with this the Sikh nation. You are aware that India divided Pakistan trict the Village of Vanderbilt is celebrating its prestigious award at the seventh annual Con- through a war and created the nation of Ban- centennial, making it a young community even gressional Parents’ Day Celebration cospon- gladesh. You are also aware that India prom- by the standards of this young nation. The sored by The American Family Coalition and ised in 1948 to hold a plebiscite on the future community plans to mark its celebration with The Washington Times Foundation. of Kashimir. Fifty-three years later, that three days of festivities at the end of July. Reverend and Mrs. McClain have been mar- plebiscite has still not been held. The people Communities like Vanderbilt sprang into ried for 42 years. They have nine children, of Punjab, Khalistan also seek their freedom, being when railroads pushed north into the twenty grandchildren, and two great-grand- and General Javed Nasir has endorsed the vast timberlands of the upper Midwest. Van- children. All of their children lead successful achievement of Khalistan by peaceful means. In addition, there are freedom movements in derbilt itself is named for Cornelius Vander- lives, ranging from personnel directors and Nagalim, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Manipur, and bilt—famously known as Commodore Vander- electrical engineers to Olympian basketball other nations under Indian occupation. Self- bilt—who in 1866 took over the railroad that players and college students. I have no doubt determination is the birthright of all peoples runs through this small village, located near their success is due in strong part to the self- and nations. Support for the freedom move- the northern end of Lower Michigan. less and unconditional love bestowed upon ments within India’s borders would also be in The efforts of Commodore Vanderbilt to them by their parents and passed on to their Pakistan’s interest, as well as the interest of build for himself a sprawling rail empire are children. peace, freedom, and stability in South Asia. the stuff of American legend, the legendary ty- In addition to this complete and absolute de- In addition, it would help to prevent another war between India and Pakistan. coon did not visit all his holdings. As Vander- votion to their family, Reverend and Mrs. India has murdered over 250,000 Sikh since bilt local historian Bonnie Karslake has written, McClain continually extend their hearts to the 1984, more than 75,000 Kashmiri Muslims ‘‘None of the Vanderbilts ever lived in northern Charleston community. Reverend McClain, a since 1988, over 200,000 Christians in Michigan, even though the town as named for former educator and minister of Calvary Afri- Nagaland since 1947, and tens of thousands of them.’’ can Methodist Episcopal Church, serves on Dalits, Tamils, Manipuris, Assamese, and Bonnie Karslake’s history details the arrival the local school board. Reverend McClain is others. It has admitted to holding over 52,000 of the first permanent settlers and the devel- also one of the founders of the Interdenomina- Sikh political prisoners without charge or trial. Recently in Kashmir, Muslim and Sikh opment of the first local businesses around tional Ministerial Alliance, in which Mrs. villagers caught a group of Indian soldiers 1880. Such business activity, like the Vander- McClain plays an integral role as well. Rev- trying to burn down a Gudwara and over- bilt Bowl Factory under the proprietorship of erend and Mrs. McClain began a soup kitchen powered them. Is this the way of ‘‘the G.G. Williams, were based on forest products. that has operated for 17 years. They hold spe- world’s largest democracy’’? Add to this the As Bonnie’s history makes clear, however, a cial church services every year to honor the fact that India started the nuclear arms race village truly becomes a community when other young people in their church who have in South Asia with their nuclear tests. India businesses and services arrive, such as the achieved academic excellence, and have been is a destabilizing and repressive country Vanderbilt Gazette in 1883 and the Corwith leaders in a highly effective program against seeking hegemony in the subcontinent. President Musharraf, I urge you to support Township Library in 1884. drug dealing in their neighborhood. These ex- the freedom movements in Kashmir, Within a decade of 1879 the community ac- amples are only a fraction of the contributions Khalistan, Nagaland, and all the other na- quired three hotels, a two-story school, three Reverend and Mrs. McClain have made to the tions seeking their freedom from India. I sawmills, a planing and shingle mill, a stave Charleston community.

VerDate Aug 04 2004 13:58 Apr 04, 2005 Jkt 039102 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR01\E24JY1.000 E24JY1 14392 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS July 24, 2001 Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues TRIBUTE TO THE IRON WORKERS BREAKDOWN OF INDIA-PAKISTAN to join me in recognizing Edward and Sallie LOCAL UNION NO. 25 100TH ANNI- TALKS SHOWS INDIA’S CON- McClain. The distinguished couple has contin- VERSARY TEMPT FOR DEMOCRACY, PEACE ually put their children, their church, and their community before their own needs. Reverend HON. DAVID E. BONIOR HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS and Mrs. McClain are examples of passionate OF MICHIGAN OF NEW YORK parental role models in an age when such IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES models are becoming both more rare and Tuesday, July 24, 2001 Tuesday, July 24, 2001 more crucial. Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I think we were f recognize the Centennial Anniversary of a all distressed by the breakdown of the talks proud organization. On Saturday, July 21, between India and Pakistan aimed at reducing COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS ACT OF 2001, the loyal and hard working members, tensions in South Asia, one of the most trou- 2001 contractors, dignitaries and their families of the bled areas in the world. The fact that the talks Iron Workers Local Union No. 25 joined to- broke down increases the danger and the in- SPEECH OF gether in celebration of the largest iron work- stability in that region. ers’ local in the country, a dedicated group of It looks as if much of the blame for the HON. JOHN R. THUNE over 4,500 members. breakdown goes squarely to the Indian gov- OF SOUTH DAKOTA Iron Workers Local Union No. 25 has been ernment. As Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh, Presi- a charter member of the International Associa- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES dent of the Council of Khalistan, put it, ‘‘It is tion of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Re- very clear that India does not want a peaceful Tuesday, July 24, 2001 inforcing Iron Workers since July 18, 1901. solution to the Kashmir issue.’’ India’s Defense Mr. THUNE. Mr. Speaker, I had the oppor- They are a local union for bridge, structural, Ministry spokeswoman did not even mention tunity this last April to travel around my home ornamental, reinforcing, rigging, pre-engi- Kashmir among the topics under discussion. state of South Dakota and visit just a few of neered, pre-cast, glazing, fence, siding and Three drafts of a joint statement were vetoed the hard-working local charities that would decking, conveyor and canopy construction by the Indian cabinet. As you know, the Indian benefit from the Community Solutions Act, workers. Jurisdiction stretches from the State government is run by the militant, Hindu na- H.R. 7. I am continually amazed by the kind of Michigan to parts of Canada, however most tionalist BJP, a branch of the pro-Fascist hearts of the neighborhood saints who work of the Union’s early work displays itself in the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), which and volunteer at these organizations. Day in city of Detroit. Buildings such as the American has said that everyone in India must be Hindu and day out these folks serve the poor, the Car & Foundry plants, Dime Savings Bank, or be subservient to Hinduism. The RSS pub- weak, and the victimized. Broadway Theater, Cobo Hall, City County lished a booklet last year showing how to im- Building, and the Renaissance Center give I have also been witness to the bureaucratic plicate Christians and other religious minorities testament to their dedication and tireless ef- processes of the welfare state. The question in false criminal cases. forts. They pride themselves in saying ‘‘We that seems to always work its way into my India’s human-rights violations have been Built Detroit.’’ I most sincerely agree. head is, ‘‘why is there such a visible difference well documented. It has killed over tens of The organization has been a trailblazer for thousands of Sikhs, Muslims, Christians, between our government services and local fair wages, benefits, shorter workdays and organizations?’’ Dalits, and other minorities. It has burned safety for the trades. Ensuring strength and churches, prayer halls, and Christian schools, First of all, local charities and organizations solidarity in thirty-four counties including both destroyed the most revered Muslim mosque in are efficient. Money is almost always scarce in Macomb and St. Clair, Local Union No. 25 is India, and attacked the seat of Sikhism, the this line of work, so they must learn to stretch certainly worthy of applause and recognition. Golden Temple. It has killed priests and raped every penny they receive. Today, the organization has a membership nuns. Indian troops were recently caught in a Secondly, local charities and organizations of approximately 4,500. After 100 years of village in Kashmir trying to set fire to a are exactly that . . . local. Folks here in honorable service, Local Union No. 25 cele- Gurdwara and some Sikh homes. This atrocity Washington can devise a system to deal with brates this remarkable milestone with a grand was prevented by the joint action of Sikh and the National Substance Abuse Problem, but celebration that I was honored to attend. Muslim villagers. The Indian government killed what works in Canton, South Dakota? I have On the 100th Anniversary of the Iron Work- 35 Sikhs in Chithisinghpora in March 2000. In a feeling those who have lived there know the ers Local Union No. 25 we celebrate the peo- 1997, Indian troops broke up a Christian reli- unique local factors that contribute to sub- ple who have made this organization remark- gious festival with gunfire. stance abuse and can make a difference in ably successful. I applaud Local 25 for their India admitted to holding over 52,000 Sikhs people’s lives. outstanding dedication, and I urge my col- in illegal detention without charge or trial Thirdly, local charities and organizations are leagues to join me in congratulating them on under the repressive TADA law, which expired compassionate. A deep sense of calling can this landmark occasion. in 1995, according to a recent report by the be the only reason why the armies of compas- f Movement Against State Repression. It was sion continue to serve. Their calling shows PERSONAL EXPLANATION routine to rearrest people released under itself in the care that is shown. TADA and to file charges in more than one Because of what I have seen and heard HON. DENNIS MOORE state simultaneously to deter prisoners from from those who work and volunteer at these contesting the charges. Amnesty International OF KANSAS local organizations, I am convinced that we notes that there are tens of thousands of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES must take every opportunity we can to support Sikhs and others being held as political pris- them. And by passing H.R. 7 today, we’ll be Tuesday, July 24, 2001 oners. Christians, Muslims, and other minori- one step closer to achieving that goal. Mr. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, Vice President ties are also held as political prisoners in large Through the expanded tax deductions, incen- CHENEY invited me to participate in an event numbers. A few months ago, the Council of tive would be put in place for individuals to in Kansas City, Missouri, that took note of the Khalistan called on the political prisoners to give to the charitable groups they deem wor- impending mailing of tax rebate checks to mil- run for office from their jail cells. This might be thy of their hard-earned income. Any increase lions of Americans, including 877,000 Kan- the most effective action that the political pris- in charitable donations is well worth the de- sans, as the result of the enactment of H.R. oners and minority political leaders can take. crease in taxes the government would receive. 1836, which I supported. I call upon President Bush to press India for Why? Because these groups are performing For this reason, I was absent during the the release of all political prisoners. Why are many of the same duties our government consideration of H.R. 2216, which made sup- there political prisoners in a democracy? would have to otherwise provide. Let’s foster plemental appropriations for fiscal year 2001. India has murdered Christians, Sikhs, Dalits, the charitable spirit alive in our constituents Had I been present for rollcall 256, which was Muslims, and other minorities by the tens of and allow all of our civil society the opportunity final passage of this conference report, I thousands. Should the United States be sup- to serve. would have voted ‘‘yes’’. porting such a country, especially when it tries

VerDate Aug 04 2004 13:58 Apr 04, 2005 Jkt 039102 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR01\E24JY1.000 E24JY1