Returned Mail from Freedom House

Returned Mail from Freedom House（自由之家回覆台灣大地文教基金會董事長楊緒東之信件，回函照登）

---------- Forwarded message ----------

From: Freedom House
Date: 2008/12/19
Subject: Your petition to Freedom House denouncing Taiwan clashes
To: hsutung5

Dear Hsutung Yang,

In the recent weeks, Freedom House received thousands of letters from concerned individuals like you urging us to speak out in response to the assault of demonstrators protesting the visit of the Chinese envoy Chen Yunlin to Taiwan. We would like to thank you for expressing your concern about the government's response to the protests. This rapid and heart-felt response to threats to Taiwan's democracy demonstrates clearly how important you hold democratic principles and values.

In a November 20, 2008 press-release, Freedom House called for an independent investigation of the clashes between police and activists during the demonstration in Taipei. Just like you, we are worried that the historic visit of Chen Yunlin and the reaction of the Taiwanese authorities led to unnecessary limits on democratic freedoms of expression and assembly.

Freedom House has been monitoring political rights and civil liberties in Taiwan since 1972. In the 2008 edition of Freedom in the World, our standard-setting survey of freedom, the country was ranked as "Free." I encourage you to read the most recent report on the Taiwan, available in full on our website. Make sure to come back to our website on January 12, 2009, when Freedom House will release the new country rankings based on the events of 2008.

Since 1941, Freedom House has worked to secure, protect and preserve freedom around the globe. As people in Taiwan are fighting for their rights, and for the opportunity to exercise their freedoms, it is important for Freedom House to continue its work. As citizens of a free society we have a responsibility not only to embrace our own political rights and freedoms, but also to support the extension of those rights to everyone.

You can help Freedom House continue to provide unbiased information, put pressure on policy makers and assist human rights defenders worldwide. I ask that you consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Freedom House today. You can make a secure online donation through our website, or mail a check to the attention of Development in our Washington, DC office. Make your valuable contribution now.

I am hoping to count you among sustaining supporters of Freedom House.

Warm regards,

Paula Schriefer
Director of Advocacy
Freedom House
1301 Connecticut Ave. NW, Floor 6
Washington, DC 20036