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Letters: The US' `democratic' ideal

I agree that Taiwan need not always kowtow to the US (Editorial, June 21, page 8).

Former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger betrayed Taiwan by adopting the "one China" policy.

Former secretary of state Colin Powell labeled Taiwan as a non-sovereign state.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice demands that Taiwan abide by the "status quo" and opposes any referendum in which the Taiwanese would express their desire to join the UN.

Which side is the US State Department on?

On the other hand, US President George W. Bush praises Taiwan as a model democracy. He advocates democracy throughout the world, including Iraq, and believes democracy will prevail.

What the State Department has been doing is against Bush's vision and against its own conscience in that it oppresses democracy and freedom.

The "one China" policy, imposed against the will of the people of Taiwan, is worse than dictatorship, martial law and the White Terror combined. China has used this as an excuse to threaten, isolate and intimidate Taiwan. The US has ignored China's offensive actions against Taiwan. It is time for the US to reassess this inhumane policy against Taiwanese.

Taiwan meets all the conditions that define a sovereign state. The US' Taiwan Relations Act is clearly about Taiwan as a country, not about a province of China.

It is time for the US, China, Japan and the rest of the world to recognize Taiwan. As a political giant, China should learn when to give.

A referendum is a democratic process that the US should endorse rather than condemn.

It is a right and an obligation for any country to join the UN, the WHO and other world organizations.

As a vibrant democracy, Taiwan cannot be left to suffer the "status quo." "Taiwan" is the only appropriate name for Taiwan.

It is time to let this "Asian Orphan" grow up and be accepted by the world.

Charles Hong

Columbus, Ohio

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