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Rep.
Robert Wexler (D-FL)
Congress
of the United States House of Representatives
May
5, 2000
Dear
friends:
It is
an honor and privilege to join millions of Pacific Americans
as they celebrate Pacific American Heritage Month in May
2000. American history is rich with the unique contributions
of Pacific American that are integral to our society. One
group of Pacific Americans who have made a significant and
unique contribution to the United States are Taiwanese Americans.
I hope that all Americans will join over 500,000 Taiwanese
Americans as they celebrate Taiwanese American Heritage
Week from May 7th to 14th, 2000.
The
successe of Taiwanese Americans has long been a model for
other communities in America to emulate. Taiwanese Americans
contribute to every facet of American life. The Taiwanese
community includes Nobel Laureate scientists, political
leaders, accomplished artisans, medical professionals, and
businessmen and women.
Taiwanese
Americans should also take pride in their sustained efforts
to strengthen, support, and reform democracy on the island
of Taiwan. Over the past fifty years, Taiwan has undergone
a tremendous political transformation and is now a beacon
f democracy and stability in Asia. In March 2000, the Taiwanese
voted in an historic presidential election. For the first
time in the history of Taiwan, there was a peaceful transfer
of power from the ruling party to the opposition party.
I believe that the Taiwanese people should be praised for
their commitment to the democratic ideals of freedom and
human rights and for their dramatic voter turnout—greater
that 80% of registered voters—in the recent election. Taiwan
has truly emerged as a model for other developing democracies
to follow.
As we
begin a new century and millennium, I know that the Pacific
American community, particularly the Taiwanese American
community, will continue to be an integral part of the fabric
that makes American the most prosperous and free nation
on earth. Pacific American Heritage Month is a perfect opportunity
to highlight the tremendous accomplishment of the Taiwanese
community and its strong sense of civic virtue and social
responsibility.
With
warm regards,
Robert
Wexler
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