Open Letter

The National Council of Chinese Americans has published this open letter:

"For the first time ever in human history, an economic and military superpower will emerge without war or warfare, and that is Asia's Middle Kingdom, China." These were the words of U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman when he and Senator Lamar Alexander introduced a new bill on the Senate floor on May 25, 2005.

The new bill put forward by the two Senators is the U.S.-China Cultural Engagement Act. Briefly, the bill aims to provide $1.3 billion to greatly enhance Chinese-language education in K-12 schools; expand the exchange of artists, scientists, and students, particularly young students, between the two countries; and promote scholarly studies on contemporary China.

The bill, if it becomes law, will no doubt lead to a better mutual understanding between the two great peoples across the Pacific Ocean. The impact of this bill on U.S.-China relations will be highly constructive and long-lasting. At home, the bill will especially benefit the Chinese-American community.

Never before has there been a bill in the history of U.S. Congress that specifically addressed Chinese culture and language in such a positive manner. And never before has the U.S. Congress had such a vision to develop the cultural relationship between China and the United States on such a long-term, strategic basis.

We certainly agree with that vision. The Chinese-American community, wherever they come from, whatever political views they hold, must come together to help support this bill and help make it into the law of the land.

We ask you to co-sign the open letter supporting this bill. Our time has come. Let us work together to help pass this bill. Let us secure a "yes" vote for this bill from every senator and congressman. Let us leave a truly great legacy to our children and all children of America.

(Thanks linnea from MAC!)