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Some legislators want Taipei Economic Cultural Represen-tative Office head Chen Chien-jen's (程建人) resignation because first lady Wu Shu-chen (吳淑珍) had to go through an airport security check during her September visit to the US ("Trade, not security check, focus of envoy's visit," Nov. 22, page 2). I sympathize with the first lady. The procedure can be quite annoying and occasionally even humiliating.

But all travelers endure it, and there is no implication that anyone who is searched is culpable. It is the terrorists who should be blamed for making the procedure necessary.

That legislators should demand the resignation of an outstandingly capable and dedicated diplomat like Chen over such a trivial incident calls into question their wisdom and good judgment. It is they who should resign. And if they do not, Taiwan's voters should consider terminating their time in office when elections are next held.

June Teufel Dreyer
Miami, Florida

Daily direct links a turnoff

The operation of direct charter flights across the Taiwan Strait over Lunar New Year is a satisfactory proposal for those who travel to China on business or for Taiwanese businessmen in China returning for the holidays. However, many people disagree with this motion, especially the Chinese government because they would like the flights to take place every day.

China wants this because it could help to improve the economy, with Chinese products getting to Taiwan more quickly. Although this may be an ad-vantage to China, it is a disadvantage to Taiwan.

Taiwanese citizens do not want daily direct charter flights to be approved because it will result in strong negative effects on the economy. Daily flights will enable China-made products to be easily sent by plane to Taiwan for sale.

Products made in China are a lot cheaper than in Taiwan. Therefore, the factories that produce Taiwanese products could possibly shut down resulting in job losses.

Direct charter flights should only operate on major holidays. This way, the economy of Taiwan won't be influenced and Taiwanese businessmen can save money when returning to Taiwan during holidays. The economy in China will not be influenced but stay the same.

Maple Chen
Bangkok

Police are out of order

I think it is shocking that Taipei City Police Department Director Tsao Chin-huei (曹晴輝) said it was the police's "responsibility to issue fines" to street vendors ("Police plague Taipei street vendors," Nov. 20, page 10).

Have the Taipei police forgotten why they signed up? In what way does issuing fines to poor street vendors constitute "protecting the people?"

If vendors really are a nuisance, why hasn't the government set up programs where a vendor will be offered an employment opportunity?

After all, it's the government that expects Taiwanese to join the army. Taxpaying Taiwanese expect something back! God knows, Taiwan could use some road repairs!

Kevin Lee
Taoyuan
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