Clinton's policy on China forsakes vow

Well, here we go again. The guy gets re-elected to a second term as pres o' these United States and his true colors start to show.

Or maybe we just never looked beyond his sparkling eyes, charming banter and his affection for Elvis. In any event, Wild Bill has turned his back on the very foundation bricks that built our constitution which protects human rights and the rights of the individual.

Billy Boy has unabashedly warmed up to China -- the same people who brought you foot binding -- in the name of trade.

What is wrong with this picture? Everything.

China, the land of the oppressed and the home of the fearful, wants the big bucks. As undercover capitalists, this communist nation, once the scourge of every true blue American, is now our business partner.

Again I ask, what is wrong with this picture? And what happened to the human rights promises made by Clinton during his 1992 campaign?

He's blowing a different tune on his sax now and it is not a pleasant one. But it is not unpleasant for the millions of Chinese who are being exploited by this situation and who continue to live in below-standard housing, eating meals that do not meet nutritional needs. All the while, they are trying desperately, and failing, to raise a new generation that is better off than they are.

Sounds almost like a dictatorship, doesn't it?

Basically, China is run by a handful of greedy, patriarchal, power-hungry mongers seeking to empower themselves through the subservience of the masses. It mimics the very same scenario our European forefathers and mother sought to overcome via the Revolutionary War.

The actions of the United States in this matter have set flame to the wick of a stick of dynamite. Internationally, this makes us look like a nation whose leaders can effortlessly talk out of both sides of their mouths. Today China, tomorrow Libya. That makes me feel real comfortable about the next four years.

But more importantly, the message that Clinton is sending to the world he seemingly longs to rule is that America can be bought and the price is not worth quibbling over the spilled blood and lost rights of the victims of political violence and unrest.

This is an issue that must be dealt with by the civilized nations of the world in order to make international business moral, above board and beyond reproach.

Lives should not be for barter and nations that do not uphold the basic principles of human rights should be ostracized until they are willing to admit their trespasses and play by the rules. Money talks and it makes even the most brutish despot sit up and take notice.

This should include countries in South America, Africa, Eastern Europe as well as Asia. We are speaking of the future, our future. As technology makes the world smaller, an international business community is more and more likely to be apart of our lives. It is our task to ensure that it operates upon a humane foundation.

As for Bill, I bet a lot of folks are going to be saying,"Don't blame me, I didn't vote for him." And in this instance there are many more who are probably wishing they hadn't.

But, look on the bright side. No matter what happens, we are assured there will only be four more years of Slick Willie.

And hey, he may come to his senses on this issue, there's time . . . miracles do happen.

Jana Pendragon is a guest columnist for the Daily Forty-Niner.