Enough is enough
When is enough is enough? How many more lives have to be wasted before a painful lesson can be learned? The fact that China Airlines (CAL), once a national pride, has now become a national disgrace -- with one of the poorest safety records in the world -- is both disheartening and outrageous.
The influence of politics in CAL's management has long been the biggest problem plaguing the airline. But what's even more disappointing is that efforts to rid CAL of this long-term problem turn out to be little more than lip service two years after the DPP government came into office.
Let's hope that Saturday's tragedy will finally force the government to deliver on its promises to make CAL free of political interference.
Pat Su
Taipei
As a Taiwanese expatriate in the US, I would support the privatization of CAL into a real company with competitive employees, rather than continue as a government subsidy to KMT cronies, their relatives and friends.
Just like Taiwan Beer and Long Life cigarettes are glaringly inferior to private brands, CAL is a socialistic monstrosity that must be made extinct. Surely there are enough wealthy Taiwanese who can privately buy CAL and turn it into a real airline such as EVA, which I frequently fly.
The age of government-supported industry must end. It is another distasteful remnant of the fascist oppression of the KMT, when it ran Taiwan full of official corruption.
I applaud your editorial ("China Airlines a huge headache," May 27, page 8).
KPC Lee
Seattle, Washington
Gurkha story off base
I am writing to protest an article in your newspaper, ("Nepalese Gurkhas fight against Britain's colonial model," May 27, page 6).
You really should not rely on the New York Times News Service to report on matters pertaining to UK affairs. Actually, you shouldn't rely on the The Guardian either -- it is the most unread newspaper in the whole country and renowned for its left-wing, republican bias!
But back to the story from the New York Times. I challenge you to provide evidence whereby any Gurkha soldier has ever been subjected to, to quote your article, "... the condescension and contempt from his British commanders."
Do you think Gurkhas, who have served the British crown since 1815, would continue to serve in the British Army if their officers held them in contempt?
The British Army is a wholly professional army, ie, every soldier is a volunteer. This is the case with the Gurkhas, except the competition to get into the British Army is quite fantastic. For every 100 applicants, only one is successful. Last year there were 28,000 applicants for 230 places.
Gurkhas are considered to be some of the most loyal and courageous warriors in the world. No surprise then that they have won 13 Victoria Crosses.
No doubt there are one or two disgruntled individuals who have suffered unfairly and may have justification for some recourse in the courts, but it is absolutely untrue that their officers treat them with condescension or hold them in contempt.
Patrick O'Sullivan
Tienmou
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