The Communists are running amok!  That is the opinion of Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren of the 16th District, San Jose, when asked about the convictions and imprisonment of Father Ly and other bloc 8406 dissidents in Vietnam last week.  Rep. Lofgren stated that she had warned those who supported the PTNR, normal trade relations with Vietnam, last year the world would see any leverage removed to support human rights in Vietnam.  Lofgren, a strong supporter of Vietnamese Americans and human rights in Vietnam, is drafting a letter asking Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to return Vietnam to CPC (Countries of Particular Concern) status.

Rep. Lofgren met with Vietnamese American community leaders on April 4 in her office.  Among her suggestions was to involve other area congresspersons and worldwide religious leaders such as the Pope.  Congresswoman Lofgren wrote a letter of nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize for Venerable Thich Quang Do. 

Jean Libby, VietAm Review.