Dear Editor, I was surprised to read in W.S.N., dated Feb,19,1993 about numerous fund raisers for Congressman Dan Burton (R) from Indiana at various places in California. Congressmen Burton is an honorable friend of the Sikhs; He belongs to the conservative block of the Republican Party. He has one vote in a 435 member House of Representatives. He is also considered to be a candidate for a gubernatorial post in 1996 in Indiana Congressman Burton in a speech at a Gurdwara in California sincerely emphasized that he alone cannot effectively change events unless other Congressmen join him, the point I want to make is, Congressman Burton deserves our support, and however, he alone cannot help us. While Californians are active in fund raisers for him, in the same areas they are not making active efforts to get the support of local Congressmen. I think Sikhs all over the US should make concerted efforts to inform the elected Congressmen of their respective areas about the oppression of their community in India and win over more Congressmen to help our cause, Recently, United States Congress began to scrutinize the $15 billion foreign aid program. President Clinton’s proposed budget would trim about $2 billion from this program, about a dozen hearings are scheduled between now and June to deliberate this program with emphasis on promoting the projects that foster Democracy. Sikhs should be aware in case any self-proclaimed leader takes undue credit from these proposed changes in the U, S. foreign aid program due to budgetary constraints.

Now we Sikhs have advantage of hindsight and the vision of the foresight 10 see and find the path of our future. Our meager resources and valuable time should be channeled where it is most effective. A strong movement for Khalistan and Human Rights in Punjab is the most important priority. As Clinton administration has emphasized that foreign aid will be guided to promote Democracy and Human Rights. Sikhs should enlighten their local Congressmen about decay in Indian Democracy and plight of Minorities in India. This will increase our sympathizers in the U.S.Congress. Guru Fateh. Gurjit Singh Dhariwal California.

Article extracted from this publication >>  March 12, 1993