Former spy suspect shares his book, past

  TYSON EVANS Journalist Helen Zia and
former Los Alamos laboratory worker Wen Ho Lee
sign copies of their new book, "My Country Versus Me."

By Gina Turpel
Daily Bruin Contributor

Once-suspected spy Wen Ho Lee and journalist Helen Zia promoted
their book, “My Country Versus Me,” about Lee’s
experiences since the FBI arrested him on charges of espionage,
during a Sunday book signing sponsored by the Asian American
Studies Center.

While working as a scientist for the U.S. nuclear weapons
department in Los Alamos, NM, Lee was arrested in March 1999 by the
FBI and charged with 59 felony counts ““ with all but one
charge dropped later.

“The American system is the best system in the whole
world,” Lee said. “However, if the system is handled by
the wrong person, life can be miserable.”

The last three years of his life were a nightmare, Lee said,
adding that he still does not understand why he was put in the
situation.

After nine months in solitary confinement, the government
released him and cleared him of almost all charges, except the
allegation that he copied government files.

Copying files is a common procedure among scientists to prevent
losing files and data codes, Lee said.

Though Lee’s trial is over, the government is still
watching and recording his words, and some lawsuits are still
pending, Zia said. Other speakers at the event emphasized the need
for governmental change and the dangers of stereotyping people.

“This is not an isolated incident,” said UCLA
history professor Henry Yu. “The United States has a long
history of differential treatment among Asian nations.”

Jeremiah Lee, a fourth-year neuroscience student, concurred.

“This is a problem (for) all people of color,” he
said.

Pauline Chu, a UCLA alumna and administrative assistant at the
Anderson School at UCLA, said she came to the event mainly because
she identifies with the Asian American population.

“I wasn’t aware people were so concerned about
racial profiling,” Chu said. “It makes me ask more
questions.”

Stewart Chang, a staff attorney at the Asian Pacific American
Legal Center, said a lot of people are in the same position as
Lee.

“There are many that don’t know their rights and are
detached from the rest of the world,” Chang said. “Not
knowing much of the English language allows injustices to
happen.”

Throughout his ordeal, Lee said to the audience, he never lost
hope that the government would release him one day.

“I knew I would get out. A lie can’t last
forever,” he said.

Nevertheless, Lee said he cried several times during the first
few months in prison. He was only allowed to talk to his family for
an hour during visiting hours under the supervision of two FBI
agents, Lee said.

“I know we are all damaged deep in our hearts. There will
always be a scar there,” said Lee, who has applied for a
teaching position in science and mathematics.

He advised the youth among the audience to speak out.

“We want people to respect us,” Lee said. “You
must respect yourself first.”