%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Editorial Board of CBS Incident Committee %%%%%%%%%%%%%%% Friday, June 3, 1994 (No. 2) ============================================================================= *** Part III. Suggestions and Discussions *** ============================================================================= Table of Contents # of Lines ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. The Roles of fcbs-l, the New Idea About Boycott and the Goal of This Campaign ..................................... 20 2. An All-out Effort to Get an Interview with CBS ...................... 124 3. The Draft of the Public Letter to Protest CBS ...................... 211 4. Seeking Lawsuit and A New Petition Drive ............................ 303 5. Boycott the CBS News ................................................ 370 6. Stop Talking, Just Have a Protest ................................... 391 7. Discussions: Short Term and Long Term Goals ......................... 449 ============================================================================= -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. The Roles of fcbs-l, the New Idea About Boycott and the Goal of This Campaign -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _From: NLUO@msvax.mssm.edu (1) Roles of fcbs-l and some considerations on specific actions (a) I'd like to view fcbs-l as the campaign network to reach out to as many people as possible. Once we get ourselves organized in fcbs-l and start to pump out products like news releases, sample protesting letters, protest action calls, etc., I would like to ask all the friends on fcbs-l to reach out and to pass the information to the friends around each of you, rather than to look at each other or some magic entity and wonder "why hasn't somebody made a move?" (b) CSS are one of the most proficient group in the world in e-network activities. We should make use of this strong point of us. Of course, we must be very careful about what image we want to present, because that is the ultimate goal of this campaign (I'll discuss in more detail about this in the following), and to whom mainly we are going to appeal. In comparison, street demonstration is much more costly and difficult to manage. I recommend that extreme caution be exerted on this move, unless it has been carefully planned and organized. A wrong move in public will take a hundred times of effort to undo. The probing on possibility and desirability of lawsuit has begun. We should keep constant consultation with professional legal services on this aspect. This is NOT something that we can proceed with "trial by error". Patience and respect to the law are absolutely required. I admire what Mi Mi has done on this direction and would like to ask we all give him support. (c) Boycott is another viable option. We must realize that Chinese community itself does not have much weight in against the media giant CBS. However, our purpose is to make public statement through boycott. We should probably not target entire CBS or Connie Chung as an individual, but the CBS Evening News. To make the public statement more effective, we should not only call all the people supporting us to boycott the CBS Evening News, but also to inform all companies doing commercials during the program that we are going to boycott their products, after a specific date if CBS has not made any apology or explanation in public. The idea is to push these companies to call CBS and ask "what's happening?" Again, the whole thing has to be planned and managed well: Who are coordinating it? How to initiate? How to keep the participants informed about which companies to write/call? How to tune the campaign in order to encourage those companies which have responded to our call? etc., etc.. (2) What is the goal of this campaign? This is the question we have to ask ourselves from the beginning. In my opinion, the goal is not "to show our muscle". This is not because we Chinese as a community has not built up any "muscle" yet, but because what we seek is justice and respect we deserve. The selling point of CBS Evening News for decades has been that it is "the advocate of the Liberals" in the US. Therefore, if we succeed in making the point that what the 5/19 program by Connie Chung was nothing less but a revival of McCarthyism, then we can make our appeal among the mainstream intellectuals and educated people in this country, and strike home hard on CBS. I am fully aware that the CBS program is a typical kitsch behavior toadying to the dark side of human nature exhibited in the anti-immigrant and anti-Asian sentiments. However, if we confront this directly, we may find that we do not have many allies, especially among labor and the poor sectors of the society. Moreover, we are in no position to defend Chinese government on its practice to recruit from ordinary Chinese people for espionage with threatening tactics. On the other hand, if we stand firm in defending the individual rights of an ordinary person, not just for Chinese, our campaign will have a solid ground. During the unforgettable time in 1989, Chinese people here in the US had experienced strong support from American people unsurpassed in history. Such support can only come from shared feeling of common destiny. By doing so, our weakness in population size will become a strength, because it demonstrates that our conviction in the founding principles of this nation is so strong that it overcomes our fear in potential repercussions due to our speaking out. Some people view that the strong support of American people to us since 1989 is motivated purely by their self-interests. If we do not believe at all that there is the side of righteousness and justice in this nation, we had better shut up and pack ourselves and go home, for no law could do justice without the justice in the heart of people. We must recognized that, although the underdevelopment of Chinese community in this country is mainly due to the racial discrimination toward Asians, in particular Chinese, in the past, to render this situation we can not rely on any one but ourselves. Only by standing up in defending the principles on which this nation is founded, not just when we ourselves are attacked, could we develop the self-awareness of our community in the right direction, and eventually be recognized by the other members in the society as a responsible member of the society, which is small, but not weak. In summary, we should not portray the campaign as "Chinese against CBS". Rather, we should present it as "principle of individual rights against the dark side of human nature --- fear, frustration, paranoia, and hatred". If we could succeed in contributing to the healthy development of our community by our work in this campaign, then we have already won the war against the prejudices among people, and gained a victory over our past weaknesses, even if we may lose some battles against CBS. ---------------------------------------------------------- 2. An All-out Effort to Get an Interview with CBS ---------------------------------------------------------- _From: LAI@CEBAF.GOV I have seen all the messages on this net, although I really could not spend too much time on each one of them. I have to say that I have learnt a lot about ourselves by thinking about many of the good ideas and suggestions. At the same time, I would also like to throw in my two cents. Before I do that, I have to say this first, if anyone finds that my thinking is too moderate, please forgive me, but please do understand that I am all-out with every one in fighting for fairness, if nothing more. Among the many good ideas, should we concentrate on one or two? That is my key point here. Experience told us "get hands on many things is not nearly as good as get one thing done". We have to consider how big a bility we have in handling this issue. Also, we have to consider what is the most effective way to have our voice heard. Let's take a look at the various actions suggested. 1. Protest letter. The IFCSS sent a letter to CBS, and we also have a letter in hand. These are all nice and easy jobs, at least do not hurt anything. But, they do not seem to me such effective means. After all, these letters could not be shown on TV. 2. Sue CBS. What to sue? Do we have concrete evidences that some of us are direct victim of this newscast? We have to remember that the court recognizes nothing but the hard evidence. You can not win a case by saying that there is such a potential damage to you. I asked some local lawyers specifically about this case. They all said that it would be a no-win case. One lawyer even told me that he doubt if any lawyer would be willing to take a case like this, which is aimed at news media. On the other hand, even if some one would, you'd better believe that CBS can find a much better one (money!) to defeat you (after all, the battle in court is really a battle between lawyers), don't even mention how long it could be and whether we really have the sustained ability to do that. Also, we have to know the practice in the US about news media, which are very sensitive entities in terms of freedom of press. We all see so many junks stirred up by new media about those public figures, such as Bush, Clinton and many congress men, but yet we do not see the slightest possibility of legal action against news media. (One exception was GM vs NBC, which was not actually brought to court, and GM had actual HARD EVIDENCE of being damaged by NBC's false presentation). 3. Boycott CBS evening news. That is a good move, but again, how effective is it? Does it serve the purpose of having our voice heard? Probably not. Please do not take me wrong as if I opposed this action (as a matter of fact, I do watch it at all!), I am just concerned with the effectiveness of this action. 4. Demonstration. Not such a bad idea, but how do we do it? I do not appose this either. The only question is: Are we going to be able to organize one, I mean an effective one (or many)? I am not sure about it. A demonstration really needs a lot of detailed organization if you want to attract some attention. Well, someone may say: "Shut up! Are you telling us to give up?". Not really. Please think again about our GOAL and the EFFECTIVENESS. Are we shooting Connie Chung? What about Connie Wang? Connie Brown? Connie Whatever? If we direct our anger to Connie Chung without a clear message, I guarentee you something like this will come out again from another mouth. The only purpose (as far as I understand) of this protest is to send out a signal: The Chinese community here feels that the newscast was a grossly misleading message, it is a distorted, unfair and unjustified presentation. Based on my observation, I suggest that we concentrate on one thing: An all-out effort to get an interview with CBS, AND demand such an interview be aired. This is well within our ability, will well serve our purpose, and yet will be much more effective than anyone of the above. If CBS rejects such a demand, we can go to the other two of the Big Three, or CNN, or PBS, or even local stations. I simply do not believe that we will be turned down everywhere. Should that really happen, we have no choice but to resort to some more radical measures, no matter whether effective or not then (better than nothing when no choice). One more thing I would like to say. I perfectly understand the emotions among many of us. But, please do not be overwhelmed by emotions when you are working on a serious issue. Otherwise, like we say, one step ahead of the truth would be a mistake. Let me stop here. If the majority agree that we should concentrate on such an interview, then the next step would be how to prepare and how to get one of us on the show, and we have to do it quick before things are cooled down. Thanks for your attention. Anzhi Lai -------------------------------------------------------- 3. The Draft of the Public Letter to Protest CBS -------------------------------------------------------- _From: Hi Mi Mi Sr., Thank you for considering me again. After talking about this incident with some American friends, I think the right way to protest is not to accuse CBS of lying --- after all, we do not have the necessary information to prove that they are wrong --- but rather, present CBS with the infomation we have, that we ourselves are innocent and were not "trained and paid to be a spy"; that the situation twenty-three years ago was very different from now, etc. But such information can only be provided on an individual bases, that each CSS can only speak for himself or herself alone. So I am convinced that being confrontational is not the best way. A more engaging approach would be more effective. And I am considering changing my draft letter. Since each CSS has his or her own opinion on this issue, I'd rather offer suggestions for the content of the letter as an individual, not as a committee member. Of course I would also like to help distribute the letter. And as a final note, I would also like to see the draft being broadcast to the mailing list and discussed. Thank you! Best Regards, Pei Cao ---------------------- (enclosed letter ) ------------------------------------ Dear Ms. Connie Chune: I read a transcript of your CBS news report on a Chinese spy on May 19th and I am very upset about your comments in the report. Your comments are sending a misleading message to the America that every person who has a Chinese origin is a potential spy. It is totally untrue and extremely irresponsible. I strongly protest your gross generalization in your report. Can you say that every American in China is a potential spy because a CIA agent has been found in Beijing? Can you say every Anglo-American is a potential racist because one white man was found painting anti-Semitic graffiti in public place? Can you say that everyone African-American is a potential rapist because one black man was found guilty of raping? No! Any sound-minded person would not think so and would not say, or even suggest such viciously irresponsible, racial-hatred provoking comments. As a reporter whom millions of people watch every night, you should have some basic professional ethics! In this country where human rights and equal-opportunity are highly treasured, do you realize your comments are incredibly racist? The damage your comments has done is serious and beyond estimate. How many jobs will be affected because of the "spying" suspicion? How many people will be rejected of employment because of this ridiculous allegation? How many children will grow up in a hostile shadow of this "spying" hallucination? How much racial hatred and distrust will grow due to this irresponsible allusion? How many families have been buried in grief since May 19th? ... I am very sad and indignant! I believe we Chinese students deserve an apology for what you said in May 19th CBS news report. I believe all people who believe in human rights deserve an apology from you and CBS. Sincerely, Pei Cao -------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. Seeking Lawsuit and A New Petition Drive -------------------------------------------------------------------- _From: zx11@postoffice.mail.cornell.edu Dear friends: From a forwarded mail to me, I know something going on in this net. Probably there were two ways undergoing: 1). Seeking lawsuit; 2). A new petition drive. Thanks for your hard work. I'd like to have several cents of considerations to share with you: 1. It seems there haven't been a news report on World Journal (someone told me there might be one in Xindao Daily). It will bring about wide social effects on and draw massive attention from Chinese society if this story could be on World Journal, which will also be good for coordinative action with other Chinese groups, like OCA. I talked with a reporter in World Journal on May 21 and she promised it would be posted. I wish it had been. Otherwise, could someone in this committee contact this newspaper and share our concern with them again. 2. Harsh argument usually doesn't work well. I talked with Ms. Qiu Zhao-qi, a reporter in World Journal, a couple days ago. She told me a similar essay was posted in New York Times in Feb. She was planning to study this subject and might publish a full essay on this issue. She was willing to seek cooperations in this regard from Chinese students and scholars, and try to get more complete information and data. I would recommend anyone who will be interested in this, to her for this cooperation. What I mean, theoretic studies on this issue from broader views are necessary. 3. The following-up of current letters to CBS is more important than a new round of protest letter. We 've letters from Li Xiaolin and IFCSS Vice-president Shi Heping, both of them are quite reasonalbe. The former was attached with individual's signatures and the latter from a nationwide organization. CBS should have replies to them. Given their already-made apology to Chinese Channel 26 TV in San Francisco, I believe CBS should seriously consider these two letters. Could this committee or just Mr. Li Xiaolin and IFCSS HQ staff contact the CBS headquarter immediately? 4. About the overall strategy. Some friends think the filing lawsuit will be a proper action. How about the alternative outcome? I mean, if CBS acknowledges its improper programing, and makes an apology, what should we do next? Do we still send the new round of protest letter to CBS, ABC, NBC, and somewhere else? What are our primary goal, miniamal and maximal? What could be the overall effects of this protest? We should discuss these at least along our taking actions right now. . 5. To avoid the action of an organization, like IFCSS, always driven by events in future, I would propose the formation of a sort of working council in the framework of IFCSS, which could immediately respond to the "incident events" relevant to the interests of Chinese students and scholars. The members of this council should be within our community very well and can sense any major or minor incidents which happen of a sudden in our community. It will be appropriate to engage many local CSSO leaders and other activists in, in order to accumulate promptly the information of incidents occurring unexpectedly. To care the community will definitely improve IFCSS' service to the community. We should make IFCSS to be well known with regard to this available assistance. People need help on these occasions, and no one can deny that an organization could act stronger than an individual! Xing Zheng form Cornell University ------------------------------------ 5. Boycott the CBS News ------------------------------------ _From: <9406010154.AA18255@ifcss.org> _From: <60872893@WSUVM1.CSC.WSU.EDU> I have two suggestions: 1. Let's boycott the CBS Evening News. This will send a message to Dan Rather and Connie Chung that if you do not care what you broadcast, your audience have every right to abandon you. Peter, Tom, and CNN will deliver a better service. 2. Write letters to New York Times, Washington Post, L.A. Times and other national newspapers to exprees our concern. These papers have Open-Ed or Editorials/Letters page to print views from the readers. However, letters must be well-designed, carefully worded, and convincing. But, please mention Connie Chung's name to make her learn a lesson how much unfriendly to her brothers and sisters will cost. ----------------------------------------------------------- 6. Stop Talking, Just Have a Protest ----------------------------------------------------------- Hi, I have been following this new group for 48 hours (?). What I have read is discussion, discussion, and nothing but discussions. My two cents are (1) Given the fact that there are more than 80,000 chinese students and scholars in USA, have a few of Mr/Ms Li's opinion is really nothing. We really do not need to spend time to educate them or to align the thought of everybody. (2) Can we just stop talking and debating and arguing, and just have a protest, in DC or NYC? Say the coming weekend? Is there anyone who knows how to organize one and can send a mesg to this newsgroup about the schedule? Having 500 participants is good, having 50 participants is OK, too. I am not that patient, either do someting now, or forget about it. I just do not enjoy reading those arguing, reasoning and understanding. If chinese is discriminated badly here, you really do not expect to change it overnight, anyway. Let's just do a little thing and contribute a little to improve the situation, in that sense, it does not have to be perfect, lawsuit or protest. JS --------------------------------------- _From: <0005678497@mcimail.com> Yes, let's do somthing NOW! Count me in if you organize the protest. Could you, JS, organize the protest if enough people respond to your appeal? Xiaohong ---------------------------------------- _From: Shi Jingping made a good point. The CBS incident is not like the CSPA campaign in which you have a clear cut win or lose situation (if the bill passes, we win, if not, we fail). In this case, a show of indignity and protest is more important. If we file a law suit, it may take a few years to have results. For short term plans, I think sending protest letters, issuing statements to news media, some protest rallies are more effective. As Jingping pointed out, we may seen another incident any time in the future. At that time, people would pay attention to the new incident and forget the CBS incident. Zhang Qingsong ------------------------------------------------------------ 7. Discussions: Short Term and Long Term Goals ------------------------------------------------------------ _From: XIAO@scri.fsu.edu I joined the list late and don't know who the committee members are and what they are doing. Would Mr. MiMi or whoever take a lead: 1. Define a short term goal. 2. Determine what actions to take to achieve the short term goal. 3. Organize people to do the research before taking actions. 4. Organize people to take actions. 5. Define a long term goal. 6. Determine what actions to take to achieve the long term goal. 7. Organize people to do the research before taking long term actions. 8. Organize people to take actions toward long term goal. I think the short term goal is to get CBS apologize in public. So other news organizations can learn a lesson and stop shitting on Chinese community. The long term goal is to prepare and file a law suit. And please stop discussing everyone's minds and start doing something for real. Where are the committee members? ------------------------------------------- _From: tao.tao@stjude.org I read the posting to this list for ~3 days. I am sorry to say that I grow increasingly impatient and pessemistic. What I would like to see are the followings: 1. Short-term-wise: we should have some grassroot organization effort so all the css organizations can be motivated to write, phone, fax to CBS to protest its irresponsible act. What I have to stress here is that EVERY CHINESE, NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE FROM, ARE AT RISK. The naive americans will not distinguish where you are from. 2. Long-term-wise: some organization should assume the leading role to file the class action law suit against CBS. The suggestion of ACLU is a good thing to bear in mind, it is by far the most influential organization in the public mind (even though it may not be linked to good things all the time). What we need is the publicity and the damage of CBS' image and business interest. agenda. My 2 cents worth of opinion. Tao %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% % Executive Editor of CBS Incident Committee: Miao Ye % % Sign on/off at listserv@ifcss.org, with mailbody as: % % sub fcbs-l Firstname Lastname, or signoff fcbs-l % % Post at fcbs-l@ifcss.org % % Anonymous ftp at ifcss.org:/ifcss/cbs % %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%