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Press Release
For Immediate Release
September 30, 2003 |
Contact: Afshin Mohamadi
202-225-7944 |
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LEADER OF INTOLERANT ORGANIZATION TO REPRESENT U.S. AT ORGANIZATION FOR INTERNATIONAL TOLERANCE? |
| Rep. Maloney asks Senate to fully investigate background of Bush nominee to UNESCO |
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WASHINGTON, DC - According to press reports today, President Bush, amidst the arrival Hurricane Isabel in Washington, submitted the nomination of Louise Oliver, former president of the controversial partisan political organization GOPAC, for the United States Ambassador to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Rep. Carolyn Maloney has sent a letter to Senator Joseph Biden (DE), Ranking Member on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which will consider Oliver's appointment, urging a full investigation of Oliver's fitness for the position. Among GOPAC's most egregious examples of intolerance are:
Urging candidates to use such words as "traitor," "sick," and "corrupt" when referring to their opposition. When Oliver was president, airing radio ads aimed at African-American voters in Kansas and Missouri comparing Social Security to "reverse reparations." When Oliver was president, reviving many of GOPAC founder Newt Gingrich's methods for training candidates, including sending training tapes that encourage intolerant activity. In direct contrast, UNESCO is specifically charged with growing international education and tolerance. Maloney is particularly interested in understanding the impetus behind nominating a political operative with connections to a controversial organization; the direction in which the Administration wants to take UNESCO now that the U.S. has rejoined it; and questions about Oliver's resume, which were raised today in press report. "It would seem that Ms. Oliver's most recent experience makes her uniquely unqualified for such an important international post," said Maloney. "GOPAC is distinctly undiplomatic. In the last election is produced and sponsored racially insensitive political advertisements. Ms. Oliver is credited with renewing so-called educational tapes and tactics from the Gingrich era which taught future leaders how to label their opponents as 'sick' or 'traitors'. I'm sure we can do better." "UNESCO is an organization meant to spread tolerance - not intolerant political messages - around the world. I am seriously concerned about this nomination to represent the United States at UNESCO, and I hope the Senate will do a thorough job of examining her qualifications." Read Text of the letter to Senator Biden |
