jobs in the U.S., I’d like our capital to be welcome there,” he said. “I ask
cooperation and commitment and priority from your government in so doing. Can I have that?”…..The question prompted a lengthy pause and looks of confusion
from State Department and congressional staff…….”I think your question is to the Indian government,” Biswal
said. “We certainly share your sentiment, and we certainly will advocate that
on behalf of the U.S.”………
……
We recommend an immediate embargo on the appointment of any new Indian-Americans as front-line officials. It is not healthy for the country’s (or a section of it) self-image as a Christian, White nation (btw did you know that Jesus was white and had blonde hair and blue eyes?).
That said, we are (easily) impressed. A Tea Party politician claiming to be a fan of Bollywood? Right now people are planning for a special lecture to be delivered to a joint session of the Congress by our Maha-Purush (Great Man). Make sure that you sign the petition, sir-ji!!!
………………
In an intensely awkward congressional hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Thursday,
freshman Rep. Curt Clawson misidentified two senior U.S. government officials as
representatives of the Indian government.
….
The two officials, Nisha Biswal and Arun Kumar, are Americans
who hold senior positions at the State Department and Commerce Department,
respectively. Although both Biswal and Kumar were introduced as U.S. officials
by the chairman of the Asia and Pacific subcommittee, Clawson repeatedly asked
them questions about “your country” and “your government,” in reference to the
state of India.
….
“I’m familiar with your country; I love your country,” the
Florida Republican said. “Anything I can do to make the relationship with India
better, I’m willing and enthusiastic about doing so.”
….
Apparently confused by their Indian surnames and skin color,
Clawson also asked if “their” government could loosen restrictions on U.S.
capital investments in India.
…
“Just as your capital is welcome here to produce good-paying
jobs in the U.S., I’d like our capital to be welcome there,” he said. “I ask
cooperation and commitment and priority from your government in so doing. Can I have that?”
….
The question prompted a lengthy pause and looks of confusion
from State Department and congressional staff attending the hearing. “I think your question is to the Indian government,” Biswal
said. “We certainly share your sentiment, and we certainly will advocate that
on behalf of the U.S.”
………….
It’s extremely uncommon for foreign officials to testify before
Congress under oath. Even so, it’s unclear if at any point
Clawson realized his mistake, despite the existence of a witness list
distributed to the various members detailing Biswal and Kumar’s
positions. Clawson’s office did not respond to multiple requests for
comment.
….
During the hearing, he
repeatedly touted his deep knowledge of the Indian subcontinent and his
favorite Bollywood movies. None of his fellow colleagues publicly called him
out on the oversight — perhaps going easy on him because he’s the new guy.
….
The Tea Party-backed lawmaker won a special election last month
to fill the seat of Trey Radel, who resigned after being convicted for cocaine
possession. Clawson pitched himself as an outsider with private sector experience and touted his role as chief
executive of an aluminum wheel company.
….
Thursday was Clawson’s first day sitting on the subcommittee on
Asia and the Pacific. He was named to the full committee July 9. Subcommittee
Chairman Steve Chabot (R-Ohio) promoted Clawson’s deep international business
acumen and knowledge of four languages in welcoming him. “Our newest member of
this committee, Curt Clawson … speaks four languages and all kinds of other
great stuff,” Chabot boasted.
…
The gaffe comes as members of Congress seek to strengthen U.S.
ties to the world’s largest democracy following the election of Indian Prime
Minister Narendra Modi this spring. Lawmakers are circulating letters to have Modi address a joint session
of Congress.
….
Following Clawson’s opening statement, Rep. Eliot Engel, the
full panel’s ranking Democrat, appeared eager to point out that Biswal and
Kumar work for the United States. “Thank you both for your service to our
country, it’s very much appreciated,” New York’s Engel said.
….
Update: While Clawson’s office did not respond to a request for comment, the congressman apologized in a statement to USA Today later
on Friday. “I made a mistake in speaking before being fully briefed and
I apologize. I’m a quick study, but in this case I shot an air ball,”
he said.
…..
…..
regards
