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US throws weight around

I was disappointed to see that China Airlines decided to split its order for new aircraft between Boeing and Airbus. It is no secret that China Airlines was going to buy Airbus aircraft, but it was persistent lobbying from US members of congress and threats to the government that an Airbus order would place in doubt future trade agreements between the two countries which led China Airlines to order Boeing craft as well. What is more disappointing is that Taiwanese officials fell for this cheap trick.

In the last few years, Boeing's share of the commercial aircraft market has shrunk as many airlines feel that Airbus is offering better products to meet its needs.

I have no doubt that the economics of it all convinced China Airlines to go with Airbus. Despite China Airlines spokesperson Roger Han's denial that the eventual purchase was to placate the government, it is obvious to all that it was political pressure that caused this compromise. Taiwan needs to be careful that it does not pin all its hopes on the US, and alienating Europe in the process.

The US is only here to help Taiwan because its own interests are at stake. Taiwan needs to cultivate relationships with the EU and individual countries in view of America's fickle nature and Europe's emergence as a power bloc. In this whole aircraft issue the US has shown itself to be no different from China in that politicians from the US forced on an airline a political decision. Taiwan should recognize its right to say no to such political blackmail.

Brandon Stoltenkamp
Kaohsiung

Take Cesareans in context

In Andrew Wilson's churlish letter on Cesareans (Oct. 12, page 8), Wilson writes as though Taiwan is exceptional in its demand for Cesareans. History shows, however, that as Cesareans become more reliable, they become more popular.

For example, there was a massive rise in the 70s in the US, prompting a conference on the topic in 1980. The ostensible reasons for choosing Cesareans may vary across cultures, but the reality is that the convenience for both patient and doctor makes it attractive.

One reason for C-sections Wilson ignored in his attacks on Taiwanese is physician pressure on pregnant women. I have heard anecdotal reports of this here, and academic studies confirm that this is a problem in other countries with high C-section rates (see Hopkins, Kristine. 2000. "Are Brazilian women really choosing to deliver by cesarean?" Social Science & Medicine 51(5): 725?740).

More disturbing than Wilson's one-sided view is his complaint of the "prejudices, superstitions and downright voodoo that passes for folk custom in Taiwan." Such language verges on ethnocentricity.

Chinese folk beliefs are certainly irrational, but they are no more silly than developed country beliefs in pyramid power, ancient astronauts, or the obsessive scheme of Bible reading outlined in the Schofield Reference Bible, a widely-read book in the US.

"First cast out first the beam from thine own eye ... ," Mr. Wilson.

Michael Turton
Taichung

Give the military a break

I disagree with your editorial calling on the Ministry of National Defense to "fix" the defection problem ("Apologies not enough," Oct 17, page 8).

Lets not be too harsh on the MND. It is good that MND apologized. Imaging trying to get an apology out of the old MND under KMT rule. What an improvement!

The reasons you presume for inadequacy -- forged documents for one -- are dubious. You even go so far as to say a military officer has left the country "under the ministry's nose"

Let's face it, a criminal act is a criminal act. Crime happens regardless how much prevention and supervision is afforded by authorities. Particularly in a democratic and open society where personal liberties are to be cherished and guarded. Yes, criminals do have the upper hand in an open society, but such is the price Taiwan has to pay for freedom.

"Egregious discipline" and "a crisis over national identity" among military personnel are not the fault of the MND. It is the fault of the old KMT regime, who trained these men and women to serve the party, instead of the people.

In this regard, the new government and the new MND have done an admirable job of promoting professionalism and putting the armed forces under civilian control. That means the military is gradually being handed to the people, not the party, not a figure head and not even a country name. It has become the strongest contrast between Taiwan's military versus that of China, or the old KMT.

Seventy years of wrong takes a little more time to rectify. And it takes the effort of many. The opposition, the old KMT guard, the press andsome legislators have all given the MND a hard time. The MND cannot shoulder all the blame.

As long as the MND is doing the right thing, doing it sincerely, and with due effort, I, for one, would like to praise it and offer whatever realistic suggestions I can.

Chen Ming-chung
Chicago, Illinois
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