December 10, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2373 

a group of human rights advocates about her 

recent visit with her imprisoned father, the heroic Chinese democracy activist Wang 

Bingzhang. Dr. Wang is a founding father of 

the post-Mao Chinese democracy movement; 

he personally founded or co-founded a magazine, a movement, and a political party dedicated to promoting democracy. 

Dr. Wang is an incredibly brave man who is 

serving a life sentence in China for ‘‘espionage’’ and ‘‘terrorism’’—these are the Chinese 

Govermnent’s words for promoting democracy. 

In fact ‘‘espionage’’ and ‘‘terrorism’’ come 

close to describing the Chinese Government’s 

own behavior in pursuing Dr. Wang, a permanent U.S. resident whom Chinese Government 

agents abducted from Vietnam in June 2002, 

smuggled back into China, and secretly held 

incommunicado for 6 months, before subjecting him to a ‘‘star chamber’’ trial in January 

2003. The U.N. Working Group on Arbitrary 

Detention has ruled that Dr. Wang’s detention 

is arbitrary. 

Madam Speaker, any father would consider 

himself extremely blessed to have a daughter 

like Ti-Anna. When I first met with her, a few 

months ago, I was deeply moved by how determinedly she has been working for his release. I’m sure the love she is showing for her 

father is bearing fruit in his life, comforting him 

while he is in prison. 

Today, Madam Speaker, is the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human 

Rights—an inspiring document, much of which 

remains a promissory note, unredeemed by so 

many governments of the world. It is our duty 

to continue pressing the governments of the 

world, including our own, to live up to this declaration. Let’s keep working, and keep praying, 

in solidarity with Dr. Wang and Ti-Anna and all 

those denied the rights that the Universal Declaration promotes. 

Madam Speaker, I would like to introduce 

into the record Ti-Anna’s report on her recent 

visit with her father and his condition. 

I would like to start by thanking everyone 

here, on behalf of my family, for taking the 

time to come to this event. Since I started 

my work in DC, I’ve been lucky enough to be 

surrounded by supportive, generous and kind 

people who are genuinely concerned about 

my father’s case. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been involved in his fight for freedom. More specifically, I would like to thank Dr. Yang, Congressman Wolf, Congressman Smith, Congressman Ros-Lehtinen, and Senator Feinstein for their recent work on my father’s 

case. It is the compassion of every one here 

that gives my family hope and reason to believe that the unlikely is possible. 

I’m here today to tell you about my recent 

visit with my father just two weeks ago. To 

give a little background, my father’s sentence allows for only one visit a month. Each 

of these visits last about 30 minutes. 

The standard procedure is that my family 

receives a visitation notice in the mail that 

lets us know the date of the visit. 

As my whole family lives in North America, we usually have a very short amount of 

time to make the necessary travel arrangements for a long trip to China. Once there, 

we have to go through a lengthy authorization process before we are allowed to see 

him. For my latest visit, I had some difficulties getting my visa as scheduled, and didn’t 

have the proper paperwork, which added a 

lot of additional stress to this already difficult process. 

The visit takes place in a bare concrete 

building that borders the gate of his remote 

prison, several miles away from the closest 

city. It is so secluded that we have to be 

driven there by the prison officials, as some 

of the terrain in that area has yet to be 

paved. 

Right before we can meet, the prison authorities remind us of the rules and regulations, which include only speaking in Chinese, and staying away from topics that will 

cause my father anxiety. These visits are 

conducted in visitation booths and are monitored by four prison officials, two standing 

behind the each of us. 

Separated by metal bars and two layers of 

Plexiglas, my father and I can only communicate using a telephone. 

I was very nervous about seeing my father 

this time. It had been over a year since my 

last visit, and my family had lost contact 

with him for two months without any clear 

explanations from the prison, so I was worried about the state that my father was in. I 

was so relieved when I was finally able to see 

him, cheerful enough to smile. 

My first concern was his health. My father 

said that while he is stable, his chronic allergies and severe phlebitis continues to plague 

him. We talked mostly about my family, my 

educational future and the work that we are 

doing on his behalf. As we spoke, it was clear 

to me that my father’s untreated depression 

and psychological health continues to worsen. 

He had difficulty making steady eye contact and sometimes repeated the same sentences several times. The prison officials 

monitoring our conversation were kind 

enough to allot us an extra 10 minutes. 

My father wanted me to let everyone know 

that he is eternally grateful for all the work 

that has been done on his behalf and that he 

remains hopeful that justice will prevail. 

As our conversation came to an end, my father began to cry. He said the thought of 

never seeing his ailing 87-year-old mother 

again often brings him to tears and that his 

only wish is that they will be reunited before 

it’s too late. 

It has now been over 6 years that my father, now almost 62 years old, lingers alone 

in prison. I come here today in hopes of conveying the message that my father’s situation has become ever more critical and his 

time is running out. This is the third time 

I’ve visited my father, and it is obvious that 

both his physical and mental health are deteriorating. He has aged so much in the last 

few years, and his depression is becoming 

dangerously severe. The prison authorities 

have told my family that my father’s only 

chance of receiving medical parole is if he 

admits guilt to the charges of ‘‘terrorism’’ 

and ‘‘espionage’’ . . . but I know that my father would never, nor does my family want 

him to confess to claims that are not only 

false, but that will comprise his dignity and 

values. 

As we commemorate the 60th Anniversary 

of the Universal Declaration of Human 

Rights, I just want to remind everyone that 

it is because of my father’s unwavering commitment to this cause that he is being so unjustly punished today. 

As the founder of the Chinese overseas prodemocracy movement, there was nothing 

harder that my father fought for than the 

values of human rights, freedom and democracy for the people of his homeland. 

His contribution to his beliefs has now cost 

him 6 years of solitary confinement, and possibly his life if we do not continue to fight 

for his freedom. 

So I would like to close today by asking 

the present and new administration to call 

for my father’s immediate release on medical and humanitarian grounds. 

I also invite everyone here, along with 

your friends and family to visit 

www.initiativesforchina.org to sign an online 

petition addressed to President Hu Jintao, 

also calling for my father’s release. 

Lastly, I would like to work with congressional leaders toward the goal of obtaining 

honorary U.S. citizenship for my father as 

recognition of his lifelong service to democracy and as a statement of America’s recommitment to making human rights a priority 

in its agenda. 

On behalf of my family, I would like to 

thank everyone here for coming and for your 

sincere concern for my father. 

f 

IN HONOR OF COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR THEODORE N. 

TANCZUK 

HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH OF OHIO

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wednesday, December 10, 2008 

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise 

today in honor of Command Sergeant Major 

(CSM) Theodore N. Tanczuk, as he retires 

after 26 years of service in the U.S. Army, and 

in recognition of his outstanding dedication to 

our country. 

CSM Theodore Tanczuk was born in Cleveland on December 6, 1948, a few years after 

the end of World War II. In 1971, while in his 

early twenties, he enlisted in the Army. Commander Sergeant Major Tanczuk quickly 

moved through the ranks and graduated from 

nursing school, becoming a licensed practical 

nurse (LPN). In 1982, his vision and dedication to developing the medical department in 

the U.S. Military led him to set up a nursing 

school program through the U.S. Army and 

local nursing schools in Northeast Ohio. The 

program was sponsored and funded by the 

U.S. Army, and students who completed the 

program graduated in one year. 65 of the 68 

people who completed this program went on 

the graduate from nursing schools and work 

as LPNs in Ohio. Commander Sergeant Major 

Tanczuk served as a guide and mentor to 

each of the students throughout the entire 

process, until they too went on to serve our 

country in local hospitals all over northeast 

Ohio. 

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join 

me in honor of CSM Theodore N. Tanczuk, 

and in recognition of his outstanding service to 

our country. May his work as an LPN and 

mentor to other military servicemen serve as 

an example for all of us to follow. 

f 

HONORING JAMES FRANK 

POLLARD 

HON. KEVIN BRADY OF TEXAS

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wednesday, December 10, 2008 

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Madam Speaker, I 

rise today to honor a larger-than-life Texan, 

James Frank Pollard. This afternoon in San 

Angelo, TX, Frank will be laid to rest. I ask my 

colleagues and all those present in the chamber to join me in offering their thoughts and 

prayers to his beloved family, daughter Lisa, 

son Jim, daughter-in-law Wendy, and his 

grandchildren, Charless and Sophia. 

Born to Charlie and Grace Pollard in Coleman, TX in 1931, Frank’s ingrained Texan values, can-do spirit, and a healthy dose of pragmatism drove him to make his mark in many 

E2374 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 10, 2008 

arenas. A graduate of the University of Mines 

in El Paso and a member of the U.S. Army 

Corps of Engineers during the Korean War, 

Frank jumped into the family business just in 

time to play an integral role in some of the 

most storied oil discoveries in Texas. A lifelong student, he always had a book handy to 

feed his quest for knowledge. 

It was during his wildcatting days that Frank 

embarked on the biggest adventure of his 

life—his 35-year marriage to Martha. They settled into the life of a west Texas ranching family moving to Fort Stockton and then Alpine to 

raise their three children. The tragic death of 

their oldest child, Mark, only served to 

strengthen the Pollard family’s bond by encouraging them all to live every day to the absolute fullest. 

A man who could play devil’s advocate on 

any issue, ‘‘Daddy Frank’’ was one of a kind. 

No matter the topic or the audience he could 

offer opinions and hold court. With a largerthan-life personality, he could enjoy himself in 

a roomful full of oilmen or children. He knew 

when to lead, when to inspire, and when to let 

someone learn their own lessons. 

If Hollywood had ever wanted to put a real 

Texas wildcatter and rancher on the silver 

screen, a casting director could have struck 

Texas gold with Frank Pollard. Always armed 

with a story, a joke, a way to draw people in, 

Daddy Frank was the epitome of the proud 

Texas wildcatter from the tips of his boots to 

the top of his cowboy hat, and we can all 

learn from his example of what it means to 

have Texas integrity. 

On December 6, Frank was reunited with 

his beloved Martha and their oldest son, Mark. 

He leaves behind for his family and friends a 

lifetime of Daddy Frank stories to tell and a 

legacy of the Texas spirit. Once again, I thank 

those in the chamber and all Americans for allowing me to share Frank’s story of the importance of family, friends, and living life each 

and every day to the fullest. 

f 

TRIBUTE TO JUDIE BOLAM 

HON. LEE TERRY OF NEBRASKA

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wednesday, December 10, 2008 

Mr. TERRY. Madam Speaker, I rise to 

honor the accomplishments of Judie Bolam, 

Judie recently celebrated 10 years of service 

in my Omaha Congressional Office. She is a 

dedicated servant to the Second Congressional District of Nebraska. She works hard 

and deserves accolades. 

Judie serves as staff assistant for my 

Omaha Congressional Office. Judie has the 

unofficial title of ‘‘director of first impressions.’’ 

She starts every day taking the time to speak 

to each staff member face to face. She is a 

dedicated worker who always has a smile and 

her face and knows everyone by first name. 

Judie, thank you for your positive attitude. It 

has made a difference in every project you 

worked on over the past 10 years. I am lucky 

to have found you, and I know the staff believes the office is lucky you found us. Hard 

work and patience pays off, and we could not 

have done it without you, Judie. Thank you. 

IN REMEMBRANCE OF 

KRISTALLNACHT 

HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH OF OHIO

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wednesday, December 10, 2008 

Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise 

today in honor of Congregration Shaarey 

Tikvah in Beachwood, Ohio as they commemorate the seventieth anniversary of 

Kristallnacht—The Night of Shattered Glass. 

Kristallnacht was a series of events that 

began on the night of November 9, 1938 in 

which the Nazi Third Reich in Germany and 

Austria destroyed over 200 synagogues, thousands of stores, hundreds of homes and a 

number of Jewish community centers in what 

is widely considered to be the beginning of the 

Holocaust. I stand with the members of Congregation Shaarey Tikvah and all members of 

the Greater Cleveland Community in marking 

November 9, 2008 as the official 70-Year Remembrance Day of Kristallnacht. I also rise in 

recognition of the organizers of this important 

interfaith program as all members of our community join in remembering the lives of those 

lost during the Holocaust and in commemorating this historical night. Their contributions 

exemplify the diversity and culture that our 

community is so fortunate to possess. 

Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join 

me in remembrance of Kristallnacht and in 

honor of Congregation Shaarey Tikvah as they 

join with members of our community in commemorating this historic event. 

f 

HONORING DENNIS RAINIER’S RETIREMENT FROM MURFREESBORO PARKS AND RECREATION 

HON. BART GORDON OF TENNESSEE

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wednesday, December 10, 2008 

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam 

Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Director Dennis Rainier on his retirement after over 

37 years of service. 

Dennis grew up in Maryland and came to 

Murfreesboro to play baseball for my alma 

mater, Middle Tennessee State University. 

Like many MTSU alums, he never left 

Murfreesboro. 

In 1971, Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation 

Director Ray Duffy noticed a young man working with children in a gym at Hobgood Elementary School. Dennis Rainier was holding a 

basketball camp, and Mr. Duffy must have 

liked what he saw because he offered Dennis 

the position of Assistant Director that day. 

Nine years later, Mr. Duffy retired, and Dennis 

was appointed to lead the fledgling 

Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department that would become one of the best programs in Tennessee. 

Under Dennis’ direction, the Old Fort Golf 

Course was constructed, as was SportsCom, 

StarPlex, Barfield-Crescent Park, and Patterson Park Community Center, each offering a 

variety of fitness opportunities for everyone in 

Murfreesboro. 

Dennis and I worked together on making the 

Stones River Greenway and the Discovery 

Center and Nature Trail at Murfree Spring a 

reality. Tens of thousands of people use the 

Greenway, and an estimated 100,000 children 

and families explore the Discovery Center’s 

exhibits each year. 

In addition to fitness complexes, golf 

courses and greenways, Murfreesboro also 

hosts a variety of State high school sports 

championships. These events bring millions of 

tourist dollars into the city, and Dennis always 

worked hard to make them a success. 

Dennis, I’ve enjoyed working with you and 

have always appreciated your ‘‘can-do’’ attitude. I hope you enjoy a long and happy retirement with your wife, children and grandchild. 

f 

TRIBUTE TO CROOK COUNTY 

JUDGE SCOTT COOPER 

HON. GREG WALDEN OF OREGON

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wednesday, December 10, 2008 

Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Madam Speaker, 

It is with great pride and gratitude that I rise 

today to pay special tribute to an outstanding 

public servant and community leader from Oregon’s Second Congressional District, Crook 

County Judge Scott Cooper. Scott has chosen 

to conclude his service as county judge at the 

end of this month, and I would like to share 

with our colleagues some background on this 

special leader. 

Judge Cooper was elected to his post in 

November 2000, and has served two terms in 

office. Before taking office as county judge, 

Scott was a member of the Prineville City 

Council, serving from 1997–2000. 

The position of county judge triggers memories of Oregon’s great frontier history, but the 

role is not one of living in the past. Judge 

Cooper’s colleagues will all tell you one thing 

definite about him: he gets things done. Shortly after coming to office and learning that the 

historic county courthouse had been without 

hot water for years, Judge Cooper decided he 

was going to get that fixed. Naysayers told 

him that it had been tried before, but it would 

cost too much and couldn’t be done. A call to 

a local plumber and a mere $20 later, folks realized the Judge wasn’t one to take no for an 

answer. This isn’t the only example. Technologically speaking, he brought Crook County 

into the 21st Century. When Judge Cooper 

came into office, many recall that the Crook 

County system of government had many moving parts. Thirty different departments worked 

separately of each other with little formal interaction. Without this formality among the departments and residents, county administration 

and budgeting tended to be a little chaotic. 

Judge Cooper’s vision led to a computer network being created so departments could 

interact and set up a county Web site where 

residents could keep track of county services 

and business. Reflecting Scott’s core beliefs 

that public service is about fiscal responsibility 

and making customer service a priority, Crook 

County now works as one body for the betterment of the whole. 

Judge Cooper has served not only Crook 

County well, but has looked out for the interests of central Oregon and the State as a 

whole in a wide variety of positions during his