Sutter County: Congressman Vic Fazio was enthusiastically received at a fundraising party given in his honor by longtime friend and supporter Mr Jaswant Singh Bains. More than 300 attended the event held Sunday Sept.20, at the Bains Ranch in Sutter County near Yuba City. The group of prominent Sikhs and their families generously donated nearly $20,000 to support the campaigns of Congressman Fazio, assembly hopeful Lon Hatamiya and Supervisor Candidate Joan Bechtel.
Congressman Fazio expressed his gratitude to the guests who were gathered at Jaswant Bains’ Ranch for their continued support throughout the years.
Fazio discussed human rights issues and the recent passage of the Burton amendment to the House Foreign Appropriations Act. He stated that since Congressman Steve Solarz was defeated in the New York primary and will not be returning to Congress next year, there should be more support for holding Congressional hearings on the human rights issue in India. Fazio will continue to push for these hearings next year,
Continuing his emphasis on Human Rights and constitutional freedom the Congressman spoke of the rise of religious fundamentalism that is sweeping the world. Although the constitution clearly speaks to the separation of church and state some of the Christian Right would like to cross that line as seen in their strong representation efforts to guide the Republican party platform. One can see the regards of religious fundamentalist rule by looking at Iran and Fazio’s audience were well aware of what Hindu fundamentalist were capable of when they recalled their homeland where it is the aim of the religious right has made Hinduism virtually a state sanctioned religious.
Fazio was reminded of the plight of Sikh refugees languishing in U.S. jails as they await asylum hearings. He vowed to tum his attention to this issue after the hustle and bustle of the election was over,
He also shared his thoughts and plans regarding his current campaign in the new district which now includes Sutter county.
Didar Bains told the crowd how Fazio has continued to support not only the Sikh community but the agricultural community also, He said it was important it was to keep Fazio in Washington, D.C. to continue working for everyone.
Article extracted from this publication >> October 9, 1992
