Reps. Lemmons, III, Lemmons, Jr., Farrah, Cushingberry, Gillard, Lipsey, Miller and Polidori offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 214.

            A resolution expressing opposition to a recent Detroit News editor’s opinion piece labeling all Palestinians as terrorists.

            Whereas, The February 5, 2006, edition of the Detroit News included a piece written by Nolan Finley, the paper’s editorial page editor, that labels all Palestinians as terrorists; and

            Whereas, Mr. Finley's article states that the "Palestinians' lust for Jewish blood is stronger than their desire for peace" and makes other similar statements that reflect a misguided and malicious view of all Palestinians; and

            Whereas, Mr. Finley categorically states, “Terrorism is the history of the Palestinian people,” with no regard for their rightful place in history dating back to the Old Testament; and

            Whereas, The column has caused serious concern and considerable fear within the metro Detroit and Michigan Arab community that the blanket statements will generate a backlash of violence aimed at Arabs in general and Palestinians in particular in their homes, workplaces, schools, churches, and mosques; and

            Whereas, The piece did not even make a perfunctory effort to achieve balance; and 

            Whereas, The blanket condemnation of Palestinians does nothing to bring reason or even tolerance to an admittedly difficult global situation. Instead, this hate-filled article only serves to fan the flames of intolerance and bigotry and further threaten hopes for peace and stability; and

            Whereas, A state that prides itself on the diversity of its people should speak out against statements that foster hatred and intolerance; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we express our opposition to the February 5, 2006, column written by Nolan Finley in the Detroit News that labeled Palestinians as terrorists and urge that the Detroit News and Mr. Finley apologize to Michigan's citizens for attempting to create wedges of hate among them by singling out one ethnicity for malicious statements; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Detroit News, Mr. Finley, and other media outlets throughout Michigan.