Russ Feingold: “I feel strongly that the pomp and ceremony of a state visit is inappropriate at a time when the human rights situation…”

“I feel strongly that the pomp and ceremony of a state visit is inappropriate at a time when the human rights situation in China and in Tibet remains such a serious obstacle to good relations. Simply put, it is my view that an official state visit is premature, absent a stronger commitment from China to improve human rights. I fear that this state visit will actually boost the legitimacy of a regime that brutalizes its own people and jails anyone who dares to complain. In other words, Mr. President, while dialog is important, you don't need champagne toasts and red carpets to have a dialog. Is the memory of the Tiananmen Square massacre so distant that we are willing to clink glasses with China's leaders as though nothing happened in Tiananmen Square?”