It was prudent in those conditions of actual or impending assault by either side, but it became doctrine over 60 years. China has been objecting to our monitoring its frontiers, in which the specifics of location and tactics are less important than our injury to China's dignity. Despite rhetoric about Taiwan, there is no imminent or credible threat of Chinese assault on our vital interests. Only the Bush administration's loose talk about China as competitor, not partner, explains its increased challenges to our flights. Our talk of a Chinese menace can be self-fulfilling with Bush enthusiasm for national missile defense, selling weapons to Taiwan, and breaking off talks with North Korea.
Strong states make their own disasters.
By way of contrast, a deafening silence surrounds the plight of Serbian Orthodox churches in Kosovo. More than 100 churches, many medieval, have been either destroyed or severely damaged since the start of NATO's occupation. As an individual whose community college studies eventually helped prepare me for graduate studies at a top business school, I have benefited first-hand from the quality learning environment, dedicated faculty, and committed students that you refer to. The lack of respect often shown towards community colleges is not justified. Calif. The Monitor welcomes your letters and opinion articles.