Tell China to Protect History, Not Destroy It!

We the undersigned are writing to ask you to please draw public and international attention to the fact that China is currently planning on razing and rebuilding approximately 85% of Kashgar, an ancient and historical city in Xinjiang that is %u201Cthe best-preserved example of a traditional Islamic city to be found anywhere in central Asia,%u201D according to architect and historian George Michell, who wrote about the city in his 2008 book %u201CKashgar: Oasis City on China%u2019s Old Silk Road.%u201D The ostensible purpose of this destruction is to protect the local Uyghur population from earthquakes, yet residents are neither being consulted fairly nor compensated appropriately for the loss of their ancient family homes.

As president of the United States, you carry enough clout on the world stage to bring attention to this cultural and archeological disaster and the potential to help stop it before it is complete. We are fully aware of China's role as the major holder of our national debt and a hugely important trading partner. However, its status as such should not stop us from speaking out against the destruction of a cultural heritage that belongs to all of us in the human family.

Please, find some time in your busy schedule to speak out on this issue. It is our duty to protect the world's cultural heritage for our descendants and for future generations.

For more information on this issue, please consult your advisers on China and Central Asia, or read the New York Times article on the issue at the following URL: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/28/world/asia/28kashgar.html

Thank you in advance for doing the right thing, and we look forward to hearing your public remarks on this immense disaster.

Sincerely,