Assemblymember Paul Fong (D-Cupertino) demanded today that conservative radio personality Rush Limbaugh immediately apologize for his racist remarks that mocked the Chinese language.

“His remarks are, frankly, ignorant,” said Assemblymember Fong. “It makes him sound racist when he degrades people of other cultures.”

On his Wednesday show, Limbaugh childishly mimicked Chinese President Hu Jintao’s speech in an effort to attack the translation services offered during the speech.

“He’s a popular radio personality and, unfortunately, ignorant people will imitate him,” continued Assemblymember Fong. “To mock the Chinese language is to mock our culture and our race. Limbaugh needs to apologize immediately for his racist remarks.”

According to Ethnologue, a research resource that helps educate about the world’s languages there are currently 6,912 living languages. Living languages are defined as languages that people speak today. Because of this fact, linguistic diversity is a must and should be encouraged by public figures. The acceptance of different cultures, languages,
and races, would lead to acceptance of people from all walks of life.

Assemblymember Fong serves as Chair of the Elections and Redistricting Committee and is a member of the Higher Education, Utilities and Commerce, and Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committees. In addition, Assemblymember Fong serves on the Select Committees on Aerospace, Biotechnology, Community Colleges, Domestic Violence, and Innovation and the Bay Area Economy. He represents Cupertino, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara and San Jose.