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Rep. Delay's
statement (R-TX)
WELCOMING PRESIDENT CHEN TO AMERICA
HON. TOM DeLAY of Texas
in the house of representatives
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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