http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/knau/local-knau-962954.mp3
Phoenix, AZ – The fight surrounds the ring-shaped monument designed by a committee of volunteers which was placed in the park across the street from the state Capitol. Carved into the ring are more than four dozen phrases, most designed to reflect the events of Sept. 11, 2001 when terrorists flew planes into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and tried to hit a fourth target in the nation's capitol. But a few of the sayings have provoked an angry reaction from some legislators who said they don't belong on a memorial to the victims of the attacks. These range from one that says fear of foreigners, to reflect some public sentiments, to political statements like you don't win battles of terrorism with more terrorism. The legislation would require the panels to be removed. Sen. Steve Gallardo said lawmakers should not be tinkering with what the bipartisan design panel approved.
(This is a product of free speech. And now we are objecting to what is there. Folks, this is a privately funded memorial. This ain't taxpayer dollars. This has nothing to do with the Legislature.)
But Sen. Al Melvin said the move is long overdue.
(And now is the time to get it fixed. And we will in this session.)
The measure, which already has been approved by the House, now requires a final Senate roll-call vote before going to the governor. For Arizona Public Radio this is Howard Fischer.