A letter to Knollenberg asking for an apology was sent Monday morning from Asian & Pacific Islander American Vote-Michigan in Royal Oak, along with Asian American Center for Justice/American Citizens for Justice and the Association of Chinese Americans:
"We appreciate that you changed the title of our blog post to one that is more appropriate, but we demand that you issue a public apology to the Asian-American community acknowledging the harmful impact of the original title."According to Knollenberg spokesman Nate Bailey, the "Asian Invaders" blog title was an error, and the office apologizes if it offended anyone:
"I can tell you that Congressman Knollenberg is very concerned that Oakland County children don't have tainted toys in their hands," Bailey said. "That's what he was trying to convey.So I have to ask, how exactly does concern over kids and tainted toys equal "Asian Invaders"? That's a loooong way from what they claim they were trying to convey. It takes quite a few logical leaps to start at taintd toys and end up at "Asian Invaders," and my guess is, the Congressman was trying to invoke a little bit fear and xenophobia in the hearts of his constituents. That's racist!
"As that blog entry passed through multiple hands at a staff level, the title ended up conveying something it wasn't intended to, and it was immediately corrected.
"Obviously not fast enough for Google, but it was changed immediately when it was discovered."
Perhaps you feel like getting in touch with Representative Knollenberg. Here's some contact information readily available on the Congressman's website. Let Joe know how you feel about "Asian Invaders":
Farmington Hills Office
30833 Northwestern Hwy
Suite 100
Farmington Hills, MI 48334
Phone: (248) 851-1366
Fax: (248) 851-0418
Washington Office
2349 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-5802
Fax: (202) 226-2356