Bush Slams Backlash
President Bush moved to reinforce his message of religious tolerance Wednesday, holding another high-profile meeting with Sikhs and Muslims to address the bigotry they have faced since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
CBS News White House Correspondent Mark Knoller reports that Mr. Bush vowed to do all he can to stop discriminatory practices against Sikhs in America, stemming from the attacks.
"We're all Americans, bound together by common ideas and common values," Bush said as he met with a group of American Sikhs at the White House.
Mr. Bush noted the death of Balbir Singh Sodhi, an Indian store owner killed in Arizona shortly after the terrorist attacks because, police say, he wore a turban in keeping with his Sikh faith. He said his administration would seek justice in Singh's case, and wants to ensure that everyone is treated with respect "particularly during this time."
"These citizens bring their hearts with them," Mr. Bush said. "I can assure them that our government will do everything we can, to treat every human life as dear, and respect the values that made our country so different and so unique."
Mr. Bush is also meeting with Muslim leaders.
White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said the president is concerned that, despite his repeated calls for understanding, Muslims and anyone who appears to be of Middle Eastern extraction are still the targets of hate.
"The president believes there are certain American principles that are enduring, and have guided us throughout war and peacetime before," Fleischer said. "He wants Americans to be cognizant of those."
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Mr. Bush fit the sessions between rounds of phone diplomacy, a trip across town to CIA headquarters, and a White House committee charged with addressing the economic impact of the Sept. 11 tragedy.
Democrats and Republicans are also trying to demonstrate their opposition to religious intolerance. They joined with leaders representing Muslims, Arabs, Jews, Christians and Sikhs at a Capitol Hill event.
The lawmakers urged Americans not to express their anger about the terrorist attaks by striking out at others because of the way they look or dress or worship.
CBS News Correspondent Dan Raviv also reports that the Council on American-Islamic Relations says it will offer legal advice as complaints are received from people with Arabic-sounding names who have been turned away from some flights. The result may be lawsuits against airlines and the government.
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