Gazette: Bourque neglects human-rights issue

Tuesday, October 16, 2001

Mayor Pierre Bourque's comments in the article "Squared off in Chinatown" (Gazette, Oct. 14) show either a profound naiveté toward China's human-rights crisis or a complete disregard for the lives of millions of Chinese citizens suffering under the current regime's deplorable actions.

In his response to the demonstrators who point to the harsh reality of China's abusive regime instead of praising its economic improvements, the mayor said: "Unfortunately, other people talk about other aspects." What is so "unfortunate" about discussing these other aspects and why do officials, such as Pierre Bourque, see the aspect of human rights in such a negative light to begin with? Shouldn't economic growth and respect for human rights go hand in hand? For millions of men, women and children who put their lives on the line defending their basic fundamental human rights, there is certainly nothing "unfortunate" about giving this "other aspect" of China a voice.

What is unfortunate is that Chinese officials who should be tried for crimes against humanity are welcome guests in our city. What is unfortunate is that those, such as Falun Gong practitioners, who are brave enough to bring these abuses up, suffer unimaginable consequences in China, are shunned overseas by fearful communities and are refused meetings with mayors fearful of "damaging relations with China."

What is fortunate for China, and all of us, is that there still exist people of good will who can see through this masquerade, stand up to Beijing's bullies and continue to hold these officials accountable for their actions.

Jennifer Nadeau

Dorval