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e e j ‘ CONGRESS orf RAB-AMERICANS IN ‘t*”SSACHUSETTS P.O. BOX 463 c = BELMONT, MASSACHUSETTS 02178 : we AT-LARGE MEMBERS THOMAS SRE, GRP dent .. Presiden 7 JOSEPH HYDER. Vice-President err NECE UHECOW CORINNE MUDARRI, Treasurer REV. JAMES KING ANN SARKES, Corr. Secretary NELSON RAHAIM EILEEN TAHMOUSH, Rec. Secretary ANNEMARIE SABA \ BTS DS SuURO8 \ April 16, 1980 Mr. William Webster, Director Federal Bureau of Investigation J. Edgar Hoover Building Washington, D. C. al a Dear Sir: \ The term "ABSCAM," used by the F.B.I. and the Justice Depart- iment to title their "STING" operation is an ill-conceived and \Ithoughtless designation, which has cast unjust and unwarranted as |persions upon the character and integrity of all Arabs, both Arab ‘Americans and Arabs around the world. . ( We Americans have a penchant for putting a label on everything. We are all individuals in the best American tradition as enunciated lin the oldest documents of our republic. Our government should not be using terms that prejudice a {group or stereotype Arabs or Arab Americans. : Reflect upon the insertion of that name which characterizes {your own ethnic, racial or religious group, such as, "JEWSCAM 0: PALSCAM." These are just a couple of the coined terms that are e- qually prejudicial designations, which, along with "ABSCAM," should ‘be relegated to the realm of racist history. Eliminate the use of ‘this term now. The upcoming Justice Department, Congressional, and \State investigations will surely take a long time, this is too long \a period for the term "ABSCAM" to be used. I am certain that with ‘all the brain power, personnel and technology available to the gov- jernment, a more appropriate, nonpre judicial term oF be devised 2) a G aon oe | Mr. Webster, you have it within your ‘power to strike a b jour American ideals and against racism. I am asking you to refrain i from using the term "ABSCAM," along with its' derogatory connota- “tions. { I await to hear from you at your earliest convenience. 4 1s <3 out Thank you very much. % — — 68 JUN Id ion ~~“ roake offence, Jz 1989 : Preside , TJS/me t