Dem Senators Slam Zinke Over 'Konnichiwa' Remark: 'Racism Is Not Ok'

[DonViejo]

By Nicole Lafond | March 16, 2018 9:49 am

Democratic Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) denounced Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke Thursday evening for saying “konnichiwa” to Japanese-American congresswoman Rep. Colleen Hanabusa (D-HI) earlier this week.

In a tweet, Hirono, who is also a Japanese-American, called Zinke’s comments “flippant” and “juvenile” and said the “internment of nearly 120,000 Japanese Americans is no laughing matter.”

Link to tweet

Zinke’s comment came during a House National Resources Committee Thursday hearing when Hanabusa asked him if the National Park Service program that gives grants toward the preservation of Japanese-American confinement camps would be funded this year. Hanabusa is the granddaughter of two internees who were held in one of the confinement camps during World War II.

“Oh, konnichiwa,” Zinke said, before answering her question. He ultimately agreed to fund the program because he thinks it’s “important” to preserve those historic sites.

Link to tweet

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https://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/dem-sens-defend-hanabusa-zinke-konnichiwa

[Me.]

1. Why Is The Decision Solely His

"He ultimately agreed to fund the program because he thinks it’s “important” to preserve those historic sites"