Letter: International equality

American supremacy?

This letter is in respons to the article "Fiancee rallies to free alum" and the view expressed by Yeong-Ching Foo.

As a kid growing up in a democratic country and a citizen of the United States, I do condemn the approach the Chinese government takes toward religion. I also admire Charles Lee's courage to go back to China to preach his view on Falun Gong, knowing that he was in danger of being arrested. However, the point taken by Foo seems to be destroying the democracy and freedom we have built in this country. Her banner read "A U.S. citizen persecuted ..." and she said, "They have no right to torture an American." When does being an American or U.S. citizen make a person so special? Aren't we all born equal, as human beings?

If Lee does have the American spirit inside him, not just the tiny blue booklet that says "U.S. passport," he should know to respect other countries' laws when he is in that country, no matter if he agrees or disagrees with it. Personally, I will never step foot in China because I just don't agree with the Chinese government's policy and philosophy toward democracy. However, if Lee decided that the danger of returning to China is worth taking for the sake of religious freedom, then I cherish him. But, please don't drag the whole nation into this mess just because "he's an American."