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SPEECH TO ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF ENERGY, T. GLAUTHIER ON NOVEMBER 4, 1999 AT CAPITAL HILL
National Security Issues Concerning Chinese Americans
Elizabeth Wong 11/4/1999

Chinese Americans take pride in being in this country. While remembering China's great culture and heritage, Chinese Americans are dedicated to investing and contributing to America with diverse talents and skills. In the past, Chinese Americans endured many hardships and obstacles before being accepted into the American Society. The assimilation was not easy. However, Chinese immigrants believed in the American dream and equality for all.

National security is vital, however, it must be balanced within the framework of the Constitution. The Cox Report and the investigation for Dr. Wen Ho Lee raised major concerns within the Chinese American community. If the Cox Report is not objectively repudiated and challenged by Congress, this will revive McCarthyism. With the investigation of Dr. Wen Ho Lee, there exist uncertainties regarding the due process for the case. It appears that the investigation is being drawn out much longer than necessary, which promotes negative stereotypes of people of Chinese descent. Negative stereotyping contributes to divisiveness and hysteria. The best solution would be to accelerate the investigation and resolution. If the investigation continues to be prolonged, this will elevate fear, suspicion, and racial targeting of Chinese Americans.

To move forward, we must have the negative impact, from the Cox Report and Dr. Lee's investigation, addressed and resolved. Due to negative profiling generated by the Cox Report, Chinese Americans need to have their ethnic heritage, respect, and contribution be recognized and restored by the United States government.

We studied history in school in order not to repeat mistakes. When Japanese Americans were incarcerated in World War II, United States made a drastic mistake and apologized for the deplorable act. The apology could not erase the pain, fear, suffering, and humiliation felt by Japanese Americans. Let us not repeat this again. Racial targeting is destructive!

The Chinese American community encourages an open line of communication with our elected and appointed public officials. Chinese Americans are united. We will participate and play an active role in the United States political system. Open communication is critical and will raise awareness of issues and concerns for all parties. The Chinese American community looks forward to government support and partnership in ensuring that this is a country of freedom, equality, and justice for all.