It is very disturbing to learn that the State Department refused to allow members of Congress to meet with Taiwan's democratically elected President Chen Shui-bian on Aug. 13 in Los Angeles ("Taiwan leader cancels meeting in U.S./Chen decides not to see lawmakers after pressure from State Department," Aug. 13).

How far is the Clinton administration willing to go to appease the government of China that fiercely muzzled political dissent and jailed democracy activities?  Clearly, this administration does not stand for the value of democracy, which is the backbone of our country.

The 23 million people of Taiwan have built, through many years of sweat, blood and political struggle, a mature democracy.  Taiwan's president surely should have the right to speak freely about the accomplishments his country has made and its plan to support U.S. security interests in Asia.  The people of the United States and their representatives also have the right to hear him out.

It is time for a policy change to one that allows high-level Taiwanese officials, including the president, to openly visit the U.S. and speak to all who wish to listen. 

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Please See Robert G. Dwyer's Response to Tseng's Letter and His Letter to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel!