Jim Leach

I was reminded by this article on the vote on an early Iraq pullout in the House of the wisdom of a longtime supporter of Taiwan, Jim Leach. Leach quietly voted against a measure opposing an early withdrawal, saying:

"America is in a strategic pickle and Americans are in a judgmental quandary."

"Does, for instance, overwhelming military might protect us from terrorism or, if used unwisely, increase our vulnerability to terrorism?

"Likewise, does overwhelming economic power ensure loyalty or buy friendship even from the countries most indebted to the US?

"In other words, can military and economic might ever become a substitute for sensible and sensitive foreign policy?

"And given the dilemma of Iraq, could it indeed be that the most important 'multi-billion' problem America faces is not deficits measured in dollars, fiscal or trade, but the antagonism of billions of people around the world who object to our current foreign policy?"

He noted "Many are not convinced by our words; many are appalled by our actions" and concluded the speech saying: "The lesson of the past year is clear: America does better as a mediator and multi-party peace maker than as a unilateral interventionist."

Long before there was a Taiwan caucus with about a third of the House as members, when Taiwan was "Free China" and martial law ruled The Beautiful Island, in the 80s and early 90s Jim Leach, a Republican from Iowa, was part of a small group of Congresspeople, including Steven Solarz and Claiborne Pell, who supported the democracy movement and change in Taiwan. A tip o'the hat to you, Mr. Leach. Here's hoping you are as successful on Iraq, and with much greater speed! Bring our people home.

[Taiwan]