Top US Official Denounces 'Language of Hate' Permeating Election
A top official in the Obama administration denounced hate speech and discriminatory behavior in the United States at an event commemorating Holocaust Remembrance Day, calling on Americans to not let "the fear of the other" root itself in the U.S.
"Hate speech has a friend in silence," U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker said today at the U.S. Capitol.
She delivered a somber speech to a large crowd, retelling the story of her family's personal struggle with anti-Semitism, following a processional by the U.S. Army band and the presentation of colors by the 3rd U.S. Infantry.
"I do not think a holocaust is happening in America, but I do worry about what is happening when we betray our principles of inclusion," she said, taking a broad swipe at the rising intolerance the nation is facing. "You cannot tolerate discrimination against others. We are a country that celebrates the dignity of difference."
Pritzker, who is Jewish, went on to say the current rhetoric being spewed throughout the election cycle is becoming increasingly anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim. While she didn't explicitly mention any candidates by name, her message was poignant and clear.
"Today, in our beloved United States, we are witnessing a rising fear of the other," she said. "We are better than the language of hate. America is not the tribe of folded arms."
