From: "(Jinghong Li)" <jli@AMSC01.ENGR.UDAYTON.EDU>
Subject:      Witness A Moment of History  ( I ) - final days of lobby
Reply-To: "(Jinghong Li)" <jli@AMSC01.ENGR.UDAYTON.EDU>
Organization: Indiana University
Date: Thu, 15 Oct 1992 04:04:14 GMT
Comments: To: ccnl@utarlvm1.uta.edu, china-nt@uga.cc.uga.edu,
              council@amsc01.engr.udayton.edu

             Witness A Moment of History  ( I )

         -- Final Days of Lobby in Washington, D.C.

                      Jinghong Li

The 1992 Chinese Protection Act was finally signed into law on Oct. 9,
1992.  When the news came, we all cheered.  Many send out emails to
congratulate, to thank so many who have helped us.  We probably will
remember this historical moment for a long time.  Here I'd like to share
with you an eye wintness account of what happened on the final day of
lobby in IFCSS HQ and her legal adviosor's offices in Washington, D.C.

A trip to DC was planed a while ago for mainly non-IFCSS related matters.
Realized our legal advisors at DC law firm Arent Fox Kintner Plotkin
& Kahn have been providing us free services for more than three years,
I reguested a meeting with them mainly to thank them and show our
appreciations.  Several other meetings were also arranged with another
law firm, of course, our HQ people, CCSA Chairman and Council Member.

Ever since the Protection Bill was submitted to President Bush's office
on Oct. 2, the planed trip ironically covered the final four days of
the period in which the President could either sign it or let the bill die.

The first week had passed without a clear indication of whether or not
the President would sign.  Anxieties among Chinese Students and  Scholars
(SCC) around the nation were high.  To make things worse, the IFCSS
lobby teams led by the HQ and its CCSA seemed having some disagreements
on the final lobbying strategies.  High-pressure or Low-key, no matter
how much similarity they had, did give confusing signals to local CSS
lobby teams.  Although the IFCSS Council teleconference on Oct. 3 helped
to sort out the messages to be brought to President Bush, yet, still
the White House won't give a definite answer after a meeting with IFCSS
held on the following Monday.

Two days before departure, I got a phone call from our legal advisor John
Micheal.  He suggested to change our meeting schedule so the HQ and
CCSA Chair Zhao Haiching could join in the second half.  The goal was
to hammer out a unified strategy for last-three-day White House lobbying
- it appeared the President was going to wait till the last minute.  Even
though signs seemed showing Mr. Bush "has no reasons not to sign it", we
really could not afford of just hoping.

After 9 hours driving, I arrived in DC around 10pm Thursday evening, Oct. 8,
and called the HQ people immediately - still not signed.  The HQ has
been working day and night, busy on coordinating nation wide lobbying and
monitoring the satuition.  I left another two messages no Zhao Haiching's
answer machine, later learnt he was also busy on lobbying.

9:00am Friday morning, it was raining, like "cats & dogs".  Arrived at
the first law firm on time.  Unfortunately, the contact person flew away for
an emergency.  Since the meeting with Arent Fox was schedule at 10:30am, I
ran to the IFCSS HQ office.

9:40am, the HQ office.  Mr. Shi Heping, IFCSS Government Affair Committee
Chairman, has been calling around the capital and answering phone calls
from local students all morning.  Not signed.  During the 30 minutes I was
in the office,  Shi answered at least 10 calls, tried to explain
to and coordinate local organizations.  The ring simply did not stop.
Other staff members were busy on many related matters.

10:45am, finally arrived at the law firm after being lost in the rain and
DC's confusing streets for about half an hour.  Mr. Burton Wides rushed
to meet me before going to another already delayed meeting.  Before I had
a chance to thank them, he started to make quick and important points.
Left the lobby details to be discussed with his assistance later, he
emphasised on the working relationships between the law firm and IFCSS.
Arent and Fox supports the cause of IFCSS - for a democratic China and
protect CSS's interests in the US.  We work together on a professional
basis and enjoy great pleasure of friendships with many bright individuals.
I agreed, and got a chance to show our thanks by giving him traditional
Chinese paintings as gift, same as to the other staffs.

11:00am,

-- to be continued