Dear Colleague:
On March 20, Taiwan will hold its first public referendum since 1987 when martial law was lifted from the island. Over the past two decades, its people have consistently demonstrated their passion for human rights, transparency, and the democratic process. Taiwan's 23 million citizens have earned the right to decide for themselves the issues affecting their well-being and security. They have earned the right to exercise the principles of democracy.

As the world's leading democracy, the United States campaigns for free elections and electoral reforms across the globe. We are sincere in our efforts, and therefore, we must stand up for those examples that best demonstrate American democratic ideals. As we have in the past, the U.S. must support the right of the Taiwanese populace to speak its mind through a peaceful voting process.

We urge you to co-sign the following open statement to the Taiwanese people by calling Danielle D. Camner at x-57931 or Paul Berkowitz at x-61128.

To the people of Taiwan:
The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution is clear and straightforward: "We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
This assertion of self-determination is fundamental to our nation and our national psyche. It is also fundamental to our desire to share the ideals and benefits of democracy with our neighbors. As Members of Congress, we are committed to both protecting this democratic tradition and to ensuring that our nation follows a foreign policy that supports democracies around the world.

We believe that you, the people of Taiwan have consistently demonstrated your passion for human rights, transparency, and the democratic process. Your 23 million citizens have earned the right to decide for yourselves the issues affecting your well-being and security. You have earned the right to hold exclusive responsibility for determining the future of Taiwan and to exercise democratic processes. This includes holding referenda free from intimidation or threat of force from any country including communist China.

Sincerely,
PETER DEUTSCH DANA ROHRABACHER
Member of Congress Member of Congress