IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                    August 4, 2006

    Contact: Richard J. McIntire, (410) 580-5787                              

NAACP LEADER SPEAKS OUT AGAINST ANTAGONIZING COMMENTS, CARTOONS AIMED AT U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE  

Statement from NAACP President & CEO Bruce S. Gordon in reference to recent comments and satirical cartoons recently broadcast and published in Arab/Islamic press about U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice:

Gordon said: "Racism and bigotry is ignorant and a waste of talent and energy no matter who spews it. The Palestinian leaders and Arab press that peddle these juvenile rants and sketches must understand that it does nothing to further their agenda on the world stage and do not represent true principles of Islam or teachings in the Koran. They would not tolerate similar statements if uttered by western leaders. It is up to all of us in the global village to respect one another's culture and individuality and not resort to senseless name-calling and useless rhetoric when the real work of peace and equality remains. To continue is to dishonor the lives lost on the both sides of conflicts in the Middle East."  

Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization.  Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.

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