HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN OF FLORIDA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2004

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of freedom, liberty and the power of charting one's own future. I rise in support of all peoples around the world who continue to struggle for self-determination and rejoice in democratic choice. 

The citizens of the Republic of China on Taiwan share these values and hope for a bright future where the evils and terror of Communism are vanished.

Our relationship with the island of Taiwan has been a solid one, of true understanding and of support for democratic values.

President Bush has publicly stated that the United States will do ``whatever it takes'' to help Taiwan's defense--an unprecedented statement which no prior U.S. President has made.

As the people of Taiwan prepare to cast their ballots on numerous issues dealing with their future and their democratically elected government, I stand tall, shoulder to shoulder, with the men and women who understand the democratic process and truly believe in it.

This prosperous island, only a few miles from the coast of an oppressive regime, continues to show the world that the ignorance of communism drowns the bliss of the imagination.

Having visited Taiwan myself, I send my heartfelt congratulations to the people who exercise and demonstrate democracy at its best--the opportunity for an individual to cast their opinion in the form of a vote.