Kirk's long record on human rights

I am writing to commend Congressman Mark Kirk for his exceptional work on human rights around the world.

In Iran, people of the Bahai Faith face consistent and pernicious government oppression every day. Bahai students are prohibited from attending college. Bahai businesses face harassment and even Bahai cemeteries are bulldozed and desecrated by government thugs.

Congressman Kirk authored and forced Congress to pass a resolution condemning Iran for oppression.

Earlier this year, protests by Tibetans seeking independence from China were violently suppressed by government authorities. All journalists were expelled from the region and diplomatic personnel were turned away as well.

Kirk secured funding to build a U.S. consulate in Lhasa, Tibet's primary city. With U.S. diplomats stationed there, China will be unable to violate the rights of Tibetans again without the whole world seeing.

As staff director of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus and chief of staff to former Congressman John Porter, Kirk authored the legislation that helped free Soviet Jewry.

Now, 20 years later as a member of Congress. Kirk continues to lead. Earlier this year, he introduced HR 5152, the Former Soviet Union Minority Relief Act, to help fight the rise of anti-Semitism in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.

His legislation is endorsed by the Chicago Action for Soviet Jewry and the Nation Council on Soviet Jewry.

The rights and dignity of all human beings are everyone's concern. When any person, anywhere in the world, is oppressed we are all lessened by it.

Kirk is an excellent representative because he recognizes this truth and works tirelessly to combat injustice.

Monica Frenkel

Northbrook