Cristy Li

On the 04 March, an advocate for Pantano for Congress committee contacted me asking for my support and requested that I post information about the GOP Congressional Candidate from North Carolina

Before posting anything about any candidate, I have two important questions that too often go unaddressed by Congressional Candidates. My questions were not challenging nor were intended to trick the Candidate for Congress.

My two question inquiry for the North Carolina Republican Congressional Candidate Ilario Pantano were: (a) What is Pantano’s position on Taiwan? (b) Why?

This morning I received a reply to my inquiry, which stated, “I got an update from Pantano for Congress about his views on China/Taiwan. As I thought, he’s definitely in our corner on the issue. He posted his thoughts on China in the “Issues” section of his webpage. It says:

Recognize China as a Potential Threat and Act Accordingly

In my reply to the Pantano advocate I said, Huh?

Taiwan is not China—Taiwan is a free and independent country and ally of the United States.

So sad…the Pantano advocate does not know the difference between Taiwan & China. While Obama Surrogates Link Taiwan With China they do so because the Obama Administration supports Marxist totalitarianism in Taiwan otherwise known as the One China Policy which would deny freedom, human rights, civil liberties and democracy to our great American ally Taiwan.

Washington does not need another politician that does not support freedom and democracy for Taiwan and the world. I am very disappointed that the Pantano for Congress advocate did not know that Taiwan is an American ally and is not part of China. I will not endorse or otherwise support some Congressional Candidate just because they have an “R” behind their name.

Update: Since my post, Ilario Pantano has written to me asking that I either I delete this post or post his comments. In my reply to Mr. Pantano, I said “I’ll be delighted to post your comments but I am wondering why you haven’t done it yourself?”

From: Ilairo Pantano–IlarioPantano@gmail.com
To: Cristy Li–CristyKaiRuiLi@gmail.com
Date: Wed, Mar 24, 2010 at 9:13 pm
Subject: Taiwan

Hi Cristy:

Please allow me to clarify my China position: I am a staunch supporter of Taiwan amd the U.S. Commitment there (including the $6 Billion Arms sale)
Furthermore, as a China watcher, I am deeply concerned by the “One China Policy” that PRC forced on Latin American trading partners inorder to secure military and economic cooperation (see PRC white Paper on Latin America 2008) As the number 2 trading partner in the region, China is using its cash reserves to build(buy) an international base of support in its efforts to alienate Taiwan and ultimately undermine the U.S.. This violation of the Monroe-Doctrine is bad for the U.S. because of the Anti-Taiwan/Anti-US sentiment that China is cultivating through direct investment in UN member nations that will hinder U.S. efforts in other regions.

If this doesn’t satisfy you than at the very least withdraw your erroneous post about me not knowing the difference between China and Taiwan. That was materially inaccurate and frankly damaging to someone like me, who is in fact a friend to the Taiwanese cause.

Thank you and Good luck in your efforts.

Ilario Pantano

Censorship: Republican Congressional Candidate Ilario Pantano sent a follow-up e-mail suggesting that I take down this post.

From: Ilairo Pantano–IlairoPantano@gmail.com
To: Cristy Li—CristyKaiRuiLi@gmail.com
Date: Thu, Mar 25, 2010 at 3:16 am
Subject: Taiwan

Cristy. Thank you. It doesn’t serve me to have the comments posted as a thread underneath an incorrect report on my stance. I was hoping you would amend the original post and or take it down.

Ilairo Pantano

Candidate for U.S. Congress
North Carolina District 7 (NC-7)

Pantano for Congress.com