Jesse Jackson Jr with Indian-American supporters
NEW YORK: There should be a clear re-focus and rethinking on the relationship between United States and Pakistan following the assassination of dreaded terrorist Osama bin Laden near Islamabad, said Congressman Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. (D-Illinois).
The ranking senior Congressman for the past 16 years told a gathering of Indian-American physicians at a fundraiser in Manhasset, Long Island, New York, that Pakistan may not be the ally “that they once led us to believe they are.”
“I am not afraid to say this and so are my dear Indian-Americans. The US has never taken sides on the major issues and disputes between India and Pakistan. But many of my colleagues believe now that the relationship with Pakistan should be re-assessed in the light of the developments (in Abbottabad),” he said.
Jesse Jackson Jr., 46, son of Rev. Jesse Jackson, is an active member of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian-Americans on the Capitol Hill and has been voicing his support in favor of India in the past. He was among those responsible for forming the India Caucus, and is a personal friend of President Barrack Obama for over 20 years.
Addressing the gathering, he said a judgment should be made taking into account the present scenario vis a vis Pakistan. Every Congressman elected to office – whether member of the US Senate or House of Representatives – should go on record on what is their stand on continuing relationship with Pakistan, he said.
Though aid to Pakistan has been a part of the Foreign Operations Bill since time immemorial, every member of the Congress should have an opportunity to vote up or down on Pakistan aid in light of the recent revelations in that country, he said. “It does not mean that it will be an end to what’s happening now but it will help the American people to know where their Congressman stands and come out and explain to their constituency their stand,” he said. “This is an important step. It does not mean that we can’t make arguments for wider relationship with Pakistan be strengthened, or maintain status quo or even dissolve completely if necessary. We should not merely pass the aid package but at least have a conversation about it. These are tax payer dollars and need explanation.”
Critiquing Indian Americans, Jackson Jr. pointed out that when Osama bin Laden was killed inside Pakistan, Indian Americans were silent while there were national and international reactions pouring in.
“I kind of waited for Indian-Americans to say Pakistan has been harboring terrorists or reiterated that India was the only true ally of America and not Pakistan,” he said. “That message was not loud and clear.”
“On several occasions in the past, the Indian-Americans said bin Laden was in Pakistan and that the US Government should take action against perpetrators of terrorism in India,” Jackson Jr. continued. “They should have raised their voice and supported the assassination of the terrorist when President Obama went all out to kill bin laden.”
Addressing the issue of engaging Indian-Americans in mainstream politics, he said there are not many Indians in the Congress at present. “I do not know how long Indians have to wait for this historic moment, but it will sure happen,” he said referring to the possibility of seeing an Indian American in the White House some day. Indian-Americans cannot be seen as a community that has got mere numbers as voters or as a community with money ready for campaign contributions, he said. “It is going to take a little bit longer because you have not entered the American consciousness yet as someone who could see the whole flag of the US. We should take ownership.”
While lauding the Indian American physicians for their concern about healthcare, Jackson Jr. said their focus was too narrow. “You may be law abiding citizens and stay in your niche but I need to convince you that America belongs to you. What you are doing and your focus is too narrow. Our two communities (Indian American and African American) can come together and change the definition.”
Dr. Ajeet Singhvi, President of American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), Dr Ajay Lodha, president of the 2011 New York AAPI Convention Committee, Dr Krishan Kumar and Dr. Shashi Shah, convention co-chairs, also spoke on the occasion.
India Post News Service
