Political Quotes

“I rise as a cosponsor and strong supporter of House Resolution 1717. For over two decades, Liu Xiaobo has been a tireless advocate for human rights and democratic self-government for the people of China. In 1989, he left a temporary appointment in the United States to participate in the Tiananmen Square pro-democracy protests. After the army crackdown, he was instrumental in negotiating a non-violent resolution to the standoff. Liu continued to promote reforms in China during periods of imprisonment that followed Tiananmen Square. He was one of the primary authors of Charter 08, a declaration of human and civil rights for the Chinese people that was published on December 10, 2008. In 2009, the Chinese government sentenced Liu to eleven years in prison for 'inciting subversion of state power.' I applaud the Norwegian Nobel Committee for recognizing Liu Xiaobo with the 2010 Nobel Prize for Peace. Liu is a brave spokesman for the billions of Chinese citizens who are denied their individual liberties in favor of 'state power.' His nonviolent struggle and sacrifice follows in the venerable tradition of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr., and he richly deserves this honor. Liu is the first Chinese citizen to receive a Nobel Prize. Sadly, however, his continued imprisonment by the Chinese government will prevent him from accepting his prize in person.”