海角大神

鈥楻ight to work鈥� and unions
Regarding the March 23 Briefing, 鈥�Behind the clash on 鈥榬ight to work鈥� 鈥�: The article presented both sides of the issue. It states that union workers earn about $6,000 more than workers in states with right-to-work laws, and yet it also quotes an economist who says it is 鈥渧ery difficult to tell what the impact of a right-to-work law is.鈥� What really caught my attention was the last paragraph, stating that some economists believe 鈥渋t鈥檚 no coincidence that income inequality has been rising in America at the same time.鈥� What is also no coincidence is that middle-class America has lost approximately $5,000 of purchasing power. The latter has everything to do with the oppressive governmental regulations and laws that stifle the free enterprise system, which creates jobs and thereby increases income levels. So while unions do have a place in certain environments, the right-to-work states, as is being proved in Wisconsin, will do much to address income inequality.
John Winton
Auburn, Calif.
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Taiwan鈥檚 diplomacy with China
Regarding the March 23 online article 鈥淎s China diplomacy twists in the wind, Taiwan鈥檚 students press for reform鈥� (CSMonitor.com): The results of Taiwan鈥檚 local elections in November 2014 were caused by multiple factors rather than any single issue. The Taiwanese government strives to promote institutionalized negotiations across the Taiwan Strait to develop positive relations with mainland China based on the principle of putting Taiwan first for the benefit of the people. These efforts have won the support of the majority of the people of Taiwan as well as the international community. The Taiwanese government鈥檚 mainland China policy is not 鈥渇rustrated,鈥� as stated in the article. The student protests of 2014 reflect the concerns of a segment of Taiwan鈥檚 society, as seen in any vibrant democracy. The Taiwanese government has listened to opinions and taken these into account. My government will continue to pursue establishing a foundation for sustainable peace.
John Chu
Director of information
Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Boston