You can be the next victim!

After reading Wen Ho Lee's account of his incident, one of his messages reverberated in my mind. Before he begins to describe the details leading to his arrest, he states, "I want everyone to know that if these incredible things happened to me, they can happen again, to any American" (13). Looking back at these words in hindsight, I feel that they should not be taken carelessly. Lee chronicles his experience to warn Americans, especially those of color, that anyone can be a scapegoat for the government when the time is ripe.

Before reading this narrative, I have never heard of Wen Ho Lee, not even in my AP US History class or AP Government class. Perhaps, it is my ignorance that prevented me from learning about this controversial figure. Or perhaps, Americans are too embarrassed about this horrific mistake that they do not mention it in public. Either way, by just hearing of it, even though it was a recent event, makes it frightening.

Frightening can be an understatement for the power that the government exercise. Frightening is the way in which Lee was kept in custody even though he was presumed under law --from the land of freedom and opportunity-- to be innocent. Frightening is the way in which Janet Reno "coincidentally" appointed a Chinese American to prosecute Lee (6). Frightening is the way in which the FBI, a prestigious and organized institution, lost files and had to "reconstruct" the information (26). Frightening is the way in which agents of the government distort information to incarcerate an innocent man. Frightening is having a country turn against a life-long patriot and contributor of defense.

In addition, it is frightening and humiliating for one's face to be printed with ESPIONAGE on the front page of prominent newspapers. In class, we had a discussion about the limited appearance of Asian Americans in the media. From this incident, I guess the only way for Asian Americans to prominently appear on print media is through notoriety.

After reading this narrative, I was somewhat infuriated. Even though all the evidence suggested that Lee was innocent, he was still convicted and incarcerated for 278 days. Although a cliche, the time he lost is priceless. Even after his release, one can be certain that he and his loved ones were emotionally scarred.

This incident highlights the importance for a cohesive Asian American identity. If not so, Asian Americans should alienate themselves from national laboratories or just patiently wait to be the next victim on the cover of a newspaper. A cohesive Asian American identity may provide the needed political support to prevent similar incidents from occurring.