"There is no place for racial, religious or ethnic hatred in Oklahoma or in America. Oklahomans understand as few others can the terrible price of terrorism, since we were the targets of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. I know I am joined by all Oklahomans in denouncing the isolated acts of violence and intimidation that have been reported in some communities, and in embracing all citizens and non-citizens alike who share our revulsion at the murderous acts of September 11. The largest donation from Oklahoma to date to the fund for widows and children of those New York City firefighters who died on that terrible day was presented to me last Friday by the Islamic Society of Oklahoma. I join them and all other Oklahomans in calling for justice for those who have done evil and brotherhood with those who denounce it."

Message from the Governor Bob Wise Of West Virginia in response to an appeal to speak out against Hate Crimes:

"During times of crisis, America is made stronger by unity. We are Americans, one nation, indivisible. Our adversaries may try to turn one American against another by pointing out the differences among us: we do not all share the same skin color, the same ethnic heritage or the same native language. They will fail. We Americans share a union based on the recognition of the rights of each citizen. Those few among us who preach messages of hate and division are undermining our democracy and our nation."

Governor McCallum of Wisconsin issued this message Wednesday, September 26 in response to Sikhs urging for A Stand against bias attacks.

GOVERNOR URGES RESPECT AND TOLERANCE AS NATION HEALS

(Madison)--Gov. Scott McCallum today urged Wisconsin residents to continue to treat their fellow Americans with respect and tolerance as the United States heals from the Sept. 11 attack on America. McCallum also commended President Bush for his leadership on this issue.

"People of every nationality and every religion live and work in Wisconsin," Gov. McCallum said. "Each person, regardless of race or religion, who calls Wisconsin home should be treated with respect. It's this respect and love for our neighbors that makes Wisconsin great."

President Bush today was scheduled to continue building a world coalition against terrorism in meetings with Muslim and American Sikh leaders. Gov. McCallum said Wisconsinites should follow the President's lead in practicing tolerance and referenced earlier comments made by President Bush and U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft.

Last week, President Bush said: "We must be mindful that, as we seek to win the war, that we treat Arab-Americans and Muslims with the respect they deserve. . . . We should not hold one who is a Muslim responsible for an act of terror."

Attorney General John Ashcroft has said: ". . . our nation calls on us to be at our best in order to prevail in these very difficult times. . . . We must not descend to the level of those who perpetrated Tuesday's violence by targeting individuals based on their race, their religion, or their national origin. Such reports of violence and threats are in direct opposition to the very principles and laws of the United States and will not be tolerated."