[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 70 (Monday, May 21, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E873]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  WELCOMING PRESIDENT CHEN TO AMERICA

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM DeLAY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 21, 2001

  Mr. DeLAY. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, today we have the special 
privilege of welcoming to our country a companion on the pathway of 
freedom and respect for individual rights. President Chen Shui-bian of 
Taiwan walks with us on the road to expanded liberty and equality. His 
commitment, to stand up and speak out for democracy on behalf of the 
Taiwanese people, entitles him to a warm and open welcome in the cradle 
of liberty.
  We hope that President Chen's historic visit will demonstrate to the 
world that the fraternal ties of freedom are the most enduring, 
gratifying, and unbreakable bonds between people and nations. America 
and Taiwan share a noble expectation. We hope to see all the world's 
peoples exercising their fundamental right to self-government. We 
believe that democratic principles offer the best chance for stability 
and opportunity in every country and on every continent. When a 
democratic government leads every nation, prosperity and opportunity 
will be attainable conditions for everyone.
  In Taiwan and in America,, our people believe that, for every 
citizen, the ability to vote for one's leaders is a fundamental and 
universal human right. We believe that legitimate governments are 
granted the right to exercise power by their people. We believe that 
this grant of power flows up from the governed not down from the 
government.
  Every fair and just government respects this principle. Governments 
that do not respect it can be neither.
  One year ago, the people of Taiwan proudly completed the first 
democratic transition of power in their history. That peaceful transfer 
of power is the essence of democracy. It was all the more inspiring 
because the Taiwanese people ignored a campaign of intimidation that 
was designed to coerce voters into rejecting President Chen. That 
Communist bluster failed to move the free people of Taiwan. Once again, 
freedom trumped fear.
  The passion for freedom is firmly rooted in the soil of Taiwan. 
Taiwan is an oasis of freedom. Several years ago, during a visit to 
Taipei, I saw the amazing spirit and vitality shown by the Taiwanese 
people. The principles of capitalism and freedom were blossoming across 
Taiwan. We are rightfully honoring that passion for freedom by allowing 
the President of Taiwan to visit America.
  The record in Taiwan should be an example for other nations: Freedom 
and democracy work.
  We hope that President Chen and his delegation feel the same emotions 
I felt when I was in Taipei as they visit the United States. Texas and 
Houston are America at her best. Texans appreciate and understand 
freedom. We know that it requires both sacrifice and responsibility. 
And we are especially proud to host President Chen's delegation for a 
visit.
  We hope that President Chen's visit will lead to enhanced ties 
between Taiwan and the United States. We share commerce, culture and a 
devotion to the principles of freedom and democracy. He is a worthy 
friend and we offer him a heartfelt welcome to the United States.

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