Letters to the Editor

Senior press officer, Information Division

Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Boston

Regarding your recent editorial, "Tibet's nonviolent path," which paints the picture of an oppressive and aggressive Chinese government cracking down on the peaceful Tibetans: You mentioned "police violence." What "police violence?" The police shamelessly deserted the streets, failing the people that they are supposed to protect. Because police presence was almost nonexistent, the Tibetan mobs, joined by some dubious "monks," violently attacked Han and Hui Chinese citizens, smashed stores, and set cars on fire. It was a riot. Any violent riot happening anywhere needs to be cracked down upon hard.

Regarding the statement, "Without a return to nonviolent means, Tibet could someday go the way of Kosovo, with violence leading to some sort of Western intervention": China is no Serbia, definitely not as weak as Serbia. We will never allow you Westerners to come and tear us apart the way you tore Serbia apart.

Whatever happens in China happens; you Westerners just stay out.

Fan Xiao
Beijing, China

Regarding your recent editorial on Tibet's independence protests: I congratulate the Dalai Lama for his "peaceful" condemnation of China's communist government and its efforts to suppress religious autonomy.

China's Marxist government falsely presents itself as the authentic spokesman for the hopes and aspirations of the people, and claims to be able, although by recourse to violent means, to bring about the radical changes that will put an end to the oppression and misery of the people.

In truth, atheism and the denial of the human person, his liberty, and his rights, are at the core of Marxist belief, which requires a total subordination of the person to the collectivity. Marxism ultimately subsumes the autonomous nature of all spheres of existence: religious, ethical, institutional, and cultural.

James Madison recognized religious freedom as a fundamental right that precedes the state and which cannot be severely curtailed or denied by it. The two spheres of church and state are distinct, yet always interrelated in order to stimulate greater insight into the authentic requirements of justice – to build a just social and civil order.

Paul Kokoski
Hamilton, Ontario

The Monitor welcomes your letters and opinion articles. Because of the volume of mail we receive, we can neither acknowledge nor return unpublished submissions. All submissions are subject to editing. Letters must be signed and include your mailing address and telephone number. Any letter accepted may appear in print or on our website, www.csmonitor.com. Mail letters to Readers Write and Opinion pieces to Opinion Page, One Norway St., Boston, MA 02115. E-mail letters to Letters and Opinion pieces to OpEd.

Previous

1 | 2