[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 25971-25973]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



 LAOTIAN-AMERICANS FROM PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND PARTICIPATION IN U.S. 
                      CONGRESSIONAL FORUM ON LAOS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. PATRICK J. KENNEDY

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 1, 2000

  Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, many of my constituents 
form Rhode Island recently participated in a U.S. Congressional Forum 
on Laos held on October 19. Laotian and Hmong leaders from around the 
United States and the globe gathered to present testimony to 
policymakers and Members of Congress. They joined in a special ceremony 
in Congress to honor former Congressman Bruce Vento, who recently 
passed away, for his leadership role on behalf of the freedom-loving 
for the people of Laos.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent a significant Laotian and Hmong-
American population in Rhode Island. I share their deep concern about 
their relatives and countrymen still in Laos--and the need for human 
rights and democracy. My uncle, President Kennedy, also believed 
strongly in freedom for the people of Laos, and committed the United 
States to that goal. I am honored to continue that fight in the United 
States Congress today, and firmly believe that forums like this are an 
excellent way to work toward that goal. I also appreciate their efforts 
to honor my colleague, former congressman Bruce Vento, for his work on 
behalf of freedom and human rights for Laotian people.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Mr. Thongsavanh Phongsavan, of the Lao 
Representatives Abroad Council, based in Providence, Rhode Island, for 
his important work in the Laotian community. I am grateful that Laotian 
students from Rhode Island played a leadership role in the event, 
including Mr. Thongkhoune Pathana, Ms. Viengsavanh Changhavong, Ms. 
Sothida Bounthapanya, and Ms. Ammala Douangsavan. Many Hmong-Americans 
also attended from Providence including Mr. Xay Ge Kue, Mr. Xia Xue 
Kue, Mr. Toua Kue, and Mr. Nhia Sue Yang. I also want to thank Mr. 
Philip Smith, Executive Director for the Center for Public Policy 
Analysis, for helping to convene this important forum. The National 
Democratic Institute (NDI) and many other important organizations were 
able to speak and participate with regard to the ongoing need to 
promote human rights and democracy.
  Mr. Speaker, I would commend my colleagues in Congress the following 
testimony of Mr. Thongsavanh Phongsavan from the Lao Representatives 
Abroad Council:

       Thank you Mr. Philip Smith, Honorable Congressman, 
     Honorable Senator, Your Excellency, and Distinguished Guests:
       On behalf of the Laotian Representatives Abroad Council I 
     am deeply encouraged by the promise that this historic U.S. 
     Congressional Forum VI hold for the future. With the wisdom 
     of our Laotian Leaders, this new era of co-operation will 
     inspire peace and prosperity for many generations to follow. 
     This new age will also give rise to opportunities for our 
     peoples unimaginable only a short while ago. In the eyes of 
     industrialized nations, no longer will we be viewed as a 
     group of ethnicities closed and divided, but as a model of 
     the tremendous progress that freedom, democracy and free 
     enterprises can achieve in the Laos.
       Now more than ever, we need to work together to secure this 
     vision of hope. At this point there can be no turning back; 
     only the swift and purposeful push towards a more productive 
     future. Indeed, the Twenty-First Century is our oasis in the 
     desert. It is a place where Laotian people and ideas will 
     come together for the betterment of all of Humanity, Respect 
     and justice to all.
       Laotian Representatives Abroad Council and Lao Progressive 
     and their emissaries have been hard at work to help bring 
     these new developments into focus. Working not only with the 
     Laotian people, but with peoples of all ethnicities, it has 
     achieved tremendous economic opportunity through the 
     expansion of business development, job opportunity, 
     education, social orientation, and political consultations.
       For more than 30 generations, the people of Laos and their 
     leaders have stood proud despite the winds of social burden. 
     The history of our nation runs deep and wide. And from the 
     beginning, its many political, social and economic struggles 
     have been overcome in the name of freedom, democracy and 
     prosperity.
       With French colonization late in the last century and the 
     sociopolitical breakdowns that followed, Laos 65 ethnic 
     groups were divided by pressure from within and without--as 
     other, developing nations, aspired to progress. Men, women 
     and children bound by a common vision of hope fought for 
     independence. But isolated by differences of language and 
     culture within their own borders, their collective strength 
     was diminished.
       The ensuring years provided few signs of relief. Relations 
     among the struggling classes and the French remained tenuous 
     at best. And despite the growing numbers of young Laotian 
     being educated in French universities by the 1920's higher 
     education was yet restricted to all but Laos' social elite.
       Lack of education and poor agriculture imbued further 
     hardships for both the people and the land. The colonist, 
     indifferent to the idea of investing in the masses through 
     improved social opportunity, employed unskilled labor in 
     mining operations; the harsh conditions of which caused many 
     workers to perish. Times grew much worse for the rural and 
     uneducated people. And without a means of unifying their 
     philosophies, de Gaulle and other leaders could place little 
     hope on maintaining Laos' status quo as a French colony.
       Lao History in its later chapters is plagued by struggles 
     of even greater intensity. Prolonged war ensued between the 
     Pathet Lao and the Royal government. And this turmoil was 
     further compounded by the fact that government control in 
     Vientiane passed back and forth between General Phoumi 
     Nonsavan's pro-Western alliance, and Laos' Neutralists, which 
     were led by Prince Souvanna Phouma.
       The stunning success of the LPF and its allies in winning 
     thirteen of the twenty-one seats contested in the May 4, 
     1958, elections to the National Assembly changed the 
     political atmosphere in Vientiane. This success had less to 
     do with the LPF's adroitness than with the ineptness of the 
     old-line nationalists, more intent on advancing their 
     personal interests than on meeting the challenge from the 
     LPF. The two largest parties, the Laos Progressive Party and 
     the Independent Party, could not agree on a list of common 
     candidates in spite of repeated prodding by the United States 
     embassy and so split their votes among dozens of candidates. 
     The LPF and the Peace (Santiphab) Party carefully worked out 
     a strategy of mutual support, which succeed in winning nearly 
     two-thirds of the seats with barely one-third of the votes 
     cast. Souphanouvong garnered the most votes and became 
     chairman of the National Assembly. The Laos Progressive Party 
     and the Independent Party tardily merged to become the Rally 
     of the Laos People (Lao Rouam Lao).
       In the wake of the election fiasco, Washington concentrated 
     on finding alternatives to Souovanna Phouma's strategy of 
     winning over the Pathet Lao and on building up the Royal Lao 
     Army as the only cohesive nationalist force capable of 
     dealing with the communists' united front tactics. On June 
     10, 1958, a new political grouping called the Committee for 
     the Defense of the National Interests (CDNI) made its 
     appearance. Formed mainly of a younger generation not tied to 
     the big families and as yet untainted by corruption, it 
     announced a program for revitalizing the economy, forming an 
     anticommunist front that excluded the Pathet Lao, suppressing 
     corruption, and creating a national mystique.
       Washington which was paying the entire salary cost of the 
     Royal Lao Army, was enthusiastic about the ``young turks'' of 
     the CDNI. This enthusiasm was not altogether

[[Page 25972]]

     shared by United States ambassador Horace H. Smith, who asked 
     what right a group untested by any election had to set its 
     sights on cabinet appointments. Whereas Souvanna Phouma tried 
     and failed to form a government, creating a drawn-out cabinet 
     crisis, Phoui Sunanikone eventually succeeded and included 
     four CDNI members and Phoumi Nosavan in a subcabinet post.
       In 1961, a 14-nation conference held in Geneva sought to 
     defuse the conflict by establishing a neutralist coalition 
     government under Souvanna Phouma. However, the warring 
     factions soon clashed again. And in the increasing chaos that 
     followed, Laos' upheaval would be viewed as merely an 
     appendage to the Vietnam War.
       The final coalition government was established in April, 
     1974. This entity was led by Souvanna Phouma, and included 
     his half-brother, the Pathet Lao Leader Souphanouvong. After 
     south Vietnam's and Cambodia's fall to Communist rule in 
     1975, the Pathet Lao assumed full control in Laos. In 
     December of that year, Souvanna Phouma's government was 
     terminated and the Royal Monarchy abolished. As many as 
     30,000 former government and police officials were sent to 
     political reeducation centers. And against this great body of 
     humanity, many serious abuses of human rights were witnessed.
       After 1975 an estimated 400,000 refugees, including most of 
     Laos' educated and wealthy elite, fled the country. Laos 
     signed a peace accord with Vietnam in 1977, and a border 
     delineation treaty with that country in 1986. Vietnam then 
     agreed to provide Laos with aid to develop its agriculture, 
     forestry, industries, and transportation facilities; and to 
     allow duty-free access to port facilities in Da Nang. Laos' 
     alliance with Vietnam and the former Soviet bloc was 
     bolstered after Vietnam's invasion of Kampuchea in 1979.
       As the Twenty-First Century is at our hand, important 
     changes in the Lao infrastructure are again imminent. Just as 
     the stone age wheel precede the ox cart and wagon, each 
     advancement we make today is an investment toward the future. 
     Among the important changes we must not prepare for is the 
     enactment of socio-economic reforms. Surely with a strong 
     foundation on which to build,
       Both high level and intermediate talks among our leaders 
     and those of the industrialized nations will aid in this 
     transition. Participation in such dialogue will also improve 
     relations with our neighbors; promoting understanding, while 
     forging a new alliance among those who embrace this long 
     awaited opportunity.
       The teaching of English as a Second Language is also a 
     vital necessity. This advantage will not only help us fulfill 
     the promise of unifying the people of our region, but aid in 
     the development and expansion of commercial interests 
     throughout the world. To achieve this result without 
     compromising our respective traditions or values, improved 
     teaching in all areas of study shall play a decisive role, 
     with present advancements in education, technology and 
     industry--Televisions, Computers and internet access in the 
     classroom are among the chosen tools for building a better 
     future.
       Laos is also blessed with an abundance of undeveloped 
     natural resources. Gold, Oak timber, Raw minerals, Gemstones 
     and Hydroelectric Power are among the most substantial of its 
     treasures. Along with the installment of valid reforms, 
     development in farming, construction and hybrid technologies 
     will easily bring this country's economy over the top within 
     the next five to ten years.
       Educators, students and interested members of the business 
     and private sectors may also take an active role in this 
     development. Individually or as part of an established group, 
     they themselves have the power to initiate political, 
     economic and social reforms through positive involvement in 
     their own land.
       Specific ways in which these steps can be followed include:
       1. Reading and learning about the history of Southeast Asia 
     and it's struggles.
       2. Becoming involved through further sociopolitical study 
     and debate.
       3. Acquiring specific knowledge and technology in fields 
     relation to agriculture, medicine, electronics and 
     engineering.
       4. To aid in this transition by lending your direct support 
     to our nation and its people.
       Writing or speaking with U.S. Congressmen, Senators and 
     even the President will also help to set the wheels of 
     progress into motion. Promoting the involvement of other 
     nations and leaders will add credibility and support to these 
     efforts, while establishing a dialog of wise words and 
     encouragement that will achieve enormous benefits for this 
     worldly cause.
       Improved teaching is but one avenue to be fully explored 
     and attended. Equally important considerations are met as we 
     reach each new crossroad in the quest for a greater unity. 
     Improved agriculture, communications private ownership and 
     the recognition of minorities are just some of the prevailing 
     elements of an economically stable system. In the context of 
     greater struggles, political reforms and the redefinition of 
     Civil freedoms will promote a wider approval of this cause.
       Today we stand united, as the dawning of a new and 
     enlightened age has arrived. Only with our combined efforts 
     could such a proud and prosperous moment come to bear. And 
     with the health and well-being of our children in our hands, 
     together we will strive to uphold the values that will lead 
     our people into a brighter future.
       The establishment of universal reform leading to free, 
     multi-political party elections will provide our cultures the 
     competitive edge that is needed. This adoption of democratic 
     systems will give our leaders not only a confident voice, but 
     allow a greater sense of identity for our people to embrace.
       Last but most important is the question of our youth. As 
     our children come of age in the prosperous civilization that 
     is our future, what will be the quality of their existence? 
     With overpopulation, pollution and the twin civilians of 
     hunger and disease. The conservation of forests, wildlife, 
     clean air and water must not take second place to our more 
     immediate desires--for once these diminishing resources are 
     gone, there will be no means of replenishing them. This 
     threatens the very core of our existence on this fragile 
     planet, as without adequate methods to assure the protection 
     of our natural environment, we may one day be without the 
     life sustaining elements that we so humbly share.
       The next few years 2002 will provide the test from which 
     these hopes will be won or defeated, without the cooperation 
     and commitment of great nations and leaders, this enormous 
     challenge will most certainly be lost. To seize this 
     opportunity and achieve and effective head start as the 
     dawning of this millennium year. We must now join hands with 
     a single vision--and with the
       The ultimate realization of these goals will require the 
     continued support of everyone who shares this vision of 
     social and economic prosperity. It will require the active 
     participation of people of different ideas and ideologies to 
     bring about such Freedom and Change. Achieving these 
     solutions may not always be easy, but the alternatives are 
     far less forgiving. The imprisonment, torture and eventual 
     execution of H.R.H., King Sisavang Vathana, is but one 
     lasting reminder of this tragic legacy.
       The drive toward social reconstruction is our greatest 
     challenge. The coming age will be the turning point from 
     which our success or failure will be determined. In building 
     this bridge in the 21st Century, we must be willing to follow 
     but one voice. We must be able to look to one person who will 
     lead us on this course, and who will speak for all who have 
     succeeded in conquering odds that had once seemed 
     insurmountable.
       Working as a team, we will succeed together the needed 
     resources to make this bold vision a reality. To achieve this 
     cooperation, better means of communication among our leaders, 
     allies and supporters must now be sought and clear.
       Developing these vital links will be the first step in 
     building a greater unity. For once a true sense of solidarity 
     is established with our neighbors throughout this land, more 
     ambitious roles for the Loatian people and their neighbors 
     will begin to take shape. However, without bold intervention 
     by the end of this year, the future of Laos as an independent 
     nation is far less certain. With conflicting ideologies on 
     both sides of its borders, and with its young and old griped 
     by the differences of age, language and culture, the 
     Leadership's reluctance to join hands and resist oppression 
     now threatens this best chance for Democracy and Freedom of 
     our people.
       Indeed, the key to a free and Democractic Laos may be found 
     in the partnership of citizens young and old. While 
     traditions live long and new ideaologies are often favored 
     over those of the past, people on both sides of the issue 
     must come to the bargaining tables for the sake of their 
     national sovereignty. Accomplishing this may not be an easy 
     task, but prevailing over any struggle has never been simple. 
     The best solution to this multi-sided issue lies with 
     willingess of each division to set aside it differences, and 
     to consider this new and determined plan. Laotian 
     Representatives Abroad Council and The Lao Progessive Party 
     will play an active role in these joint endeavors. Together, 
     with the strong and powerful will of both our friends and 
     former adversaries, Southeast Asia's mission to achieve free 
     and lasting reforms will be down in history as the greatest 
     success of the 21st Century.
       The establishment of new opportunity through peaceful 
     diplomacy will be the rising sun of our future. Working in 
     partnership toward this common vision, we are certain that a 
     greater understanding can and will be achieved. The point 
     that one must realize is that these changes will not be made 
     for the benefit of the elite few, but for the common good of 
     our future generations.
       Improved education, health and employment are all central 
     to these efforts. So too is the introduction of multi-party 
     elections, a unifying language and free trade. A truly free 
     society is one based on a prosperous economy and enterprise. 
     Our wish is to create opportunity from which our nation, her 
     neighbors and all hard working people will universally 
     benefit. Laotian Represetnatives Abroad Council and The Lao 
     Progressive Party had demonstrated that this model of 
     socioeconomic reform is an attainable goal.

[[Page 25973]]

     Through it's efforts here in America, it has worked to foster 
     Humanity and Progress; sparing many of thousands from great 
     hardship through the promotion of these principals.
       Your challenge, should you choose to accept it, will be to 
     use your wisdom and experience in finding ways to develop 
     peaceful cooperation around Asia and the World, whether you 
     are a representative of Laos or a sensible neighbor, we must 
     now joint hands or accept the failures of our action. We must 
     also educate our young to the old and new systems before 
     their sense of national identity is lost. The adoption of 
     these fundamental principals during this time of 
     reconciliation will not only assure your country's acceptance 
     into the United Nations, but awaken the free world to 
     southeast Asia's immense capability and strength.
       Thank you very much for allowing me this opportunity to 
     speak with you today. I wish to express my deepest gratitude 
     for your show of faith. It is with great confidence in you, 
     my friends that I accept this great challenge and reaffirm my 
     delegation's commitment of support.

     

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