"TAIWAN People have right to decide own future"

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

August 8, 2002

Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian was quite clear when he declared, "Taiwan is
not a part of another country, not a local government or a province of
another country" ("Taiwan president courts China's anger" Aug. 4). The
sub-headline completely twisted Chen's words by claiming he stated,
"Province is a separate country."

Chen's point is a historical fact. Taiwan exists as a separate, autonomous
country that is governed only by its 23 million people. They have chosen the
path of democracy, freedom, human rights and peace with their neighbors.

Since he was elected in 2000, Chen has offered Beijing numerous concessions
and goodwill gestures, including his promise not to seek a permanent split
as long as China doesn't attack, expanding trade and business ties with
China and his willingness to sit and discuss all outstanding issues between
the two nations.

For the survival of his country, it is only right for Chen to call for a
national referendum so that the people of Taiwan can exercise the right to
choose their own future.

As a citizen of this great country that was built on the principle of
self-determination, I can not help think, if George Washington had accepted
such terms laid out by the leaders of China, the 13 colonies would still be
British.

Grace Tseng
New Berlin