By Ed Diokno
The tight race for Illinois Senator is getting a bit nasty as the incumbent, Republican Senator Mark Kirk, apparently inspired by the candidate at the top of his party, made a clearly racist and stupid remark during a debate against Democrat Tammy Duckworth,
“My family has served this nation in uniform going back to the Revolution.” said Duckworth. “I’m a daughter of the American Revolution. I’ve bled for this nation. But I still want to be there in the Senate when the drums of war sound, because people are quick to sound the drums of war and I want to be there to say this is what it costs and this is what you’re asking us to do.”
My mom is an immigrant and my dad and his family have served this nation in uniform since the Revolution #ILSEN pic.twitter.com/ehEBHswFMs
— Tammy Duckworth (@TammyforIL) October 28, 2016
It is her father’s family that dates back to the Revolutionary War.Following the debate, the Kirk campaign issued a statement, but not an apology. “Senator Kirk has consistently called Rep. Duckworth a war hero and honors her family’s service to this country,” it read.
RE: Racist remark Mars Illinois Senate Debate: What a completely ignorant statement. As an AAPI she proudly served, bled and sacrificed so much for our nation. It is very disrespectful and improper to attack her ethnic heritage as if AAPIs have not been coming to North America and contributing since the Spanish Manila Galleon trade that pre-dated the birth of this nation. The very fact that she does have roots through her father going back to the American Revolution shows his ignorance, bigotry and hatred by instantly attacking or focusing on her Thai heritage. The same old racist views still permeate 21st century American politics when any AAPI’s or person of color’s mixed race heritage instantly negates the other more accepted White, Caucasian or European genealogy. It is as if mixing with our blood and people instantly removes their lineage from the pantheon of American heroes and veterans who had historically served with great valor, honor and distinction.