Political Quotes

“as many Chinese-Americans and American friends of Taiwan prepare to welcome Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian to New York on October 31, I wish to pay tribute to this impressive Taiwan leader. At the age of 49, Mr. Chen Shui-bian was elected the tenth president of the Republic of China on Taiwan in March 2000. Mr. Speaker, I have learned that his political success came only after a series of personal tragedies. As active political opponents of the government in the 1970's and 1980's, Mr. Chen and his wife were often targets of attack by the government. In November 1985, Mr. Chen's wife was hit by a tractor-truck speeding out of a narrow lane. Although Mrs. Chen's life was spared, the lower half of her body was paralyzed. Mr. Speaker, In 1986, Mr. Chen was sentenced to eight months in prison for libel for criticizing the government. At the end of 1986, campaigning in her wheelchair Mrs. Chen was elected to the Legislative Yuan (Parliament). After Mr. Chen was released from prison in 1987, he served as Mrs. Chen's assistant and joined the Democratic Progressive Party, the opposition party. Subsequently, Mr. Chen became a member of the Legislative Yuan, chairman of the Formosa Foundation and Mayor of Taipei, prior to his election as president in 2000. President Chen undoubtedly is a fighter for his people and his country.”