This is Viewpoints for Monday, Sept. 21, 2015
Increased trade ties good
The article headlined “Taiwan-China tensions are on the rise as elections draw near” (9/14) stated, “Many people have concluded their country (Taiwan) is far too dependent on trade with the mainland.”
People may have reached such a conclusion, but it is not based on facts. Although Taiwan does trade heavily with mainland China, Taiwan is far from the only country in the region that does so. Of the 23 countries surrounding China, 17 have China as their largest trading partner. Trade with China in 2008 accounted for 40 percent of Taiwan’s total exports, up from 24 percent in 2000. Since 2008, that pace has slowed. Taiwan has been developing other export markets than China. Exports to ASEAN countries increased from 16.7 percent in 2011 to 18.4 percent by July 2015.
Furthermore, economic ties between Taiwan and China are beneficial to the Taiwanese people. Increased ties of trade and tourism lessen conflict between Taiwan and China, thus contributing to regional peace and prosperity.
-- Cynthia Hung
deputy director
Atlanta
Safer school locations
With all the horror stories that have been associated with winning the lottery, you would think some of the money could be used for more important issues.
Many people who have won had their lives fall apart instead of their dreams coming true. Some of them end up murdered and targeted by thieves and would probably be alive today if they had not purchased that ticket. Some of them end up divorced and many end up broke not long after winning because of lack of financial planning.
Some of the money could be used to provide a safer location for the exceptional children who attend school on Second Street, which is a busy street. The school is too close to the street. They have proven how exceptional they are by the amazing Christmas performances they give year after year. Their lives matter also.
-- Renee Lee
Macon
Animals in entertainment
I am a Mercer University student. Myself and three other classmates have created a nonprofit organization called Mercer’s Ark. Our goal is to educate the public on the cruelty endured by animals in the entertainment business. We chose to represent these animals as they are often forgotten amongst the sea of other organizations -- forgotten due to their entertaining appeal. We have created an event to raise awareness.
This event will encourage our fellow students to educate themselves further and eventually take action. We are striving to foster a generation that is more aware of the world around them. We are willing to step up and do our part. Just by reading this entry, awareness is spreading at even the smallest level. We strongly encourage you to conduct additional research on the subject and carry out your duty in spreading the word.
Our Mission Statement:
We aim to unveil the exploitation of animals burdened with constant, inhumane performances. Our goal is to ameliorate the daily regimen of the maltreated creatures by providing insight on proper treatment and living conditions.
-- Tyler Kahale
Macon
Tired of excuses
Let me mention just one foolish excuse our president, politicians and frankly our GOP and Democratic presidential candidates use every time our immigration laws come up. “We cannot separate families.” There is no separation of family mentioned in our U.S. Immigration Laws. It only calls out illegals who are breaking laws, and deportation should be enforced in the event that an individual is discovered to be residing illegally within our country. If illegals refuse to take their family with them, they are the ones who are separating the family, be it their illegal children brought with them or their U.S.-born children.
To me this is a big problem in many areas of our society. We refuse to hold parents responsible for their children. Politicians could enforce laws the same for all, change the laws, but to continue to use excuses that are caused by the possible deportees themselves, should not be an excuse for doing nothing.
One more point, we claim illegals fall under U.S. jurisdiction meaning they receive equal protection of our laws. Well, let me blow a hole in that. Two illegals enter the U.S., one is deported and the other is allowed to remain. In my opinion, U.S. citizens are tired of any and all excuses our government and politicians come up with.
-- Faye W. Tanner
Macon
Flu shot cost
Regarding the article in the Sept. 18 Telegraph about the Macon-Bibb County Health Department offering flu shot clinics. Anyone with Medicaid, Medicare or private insurance will not have any out-of-pocket cost. If you are paying cash, the cost is $25 for people 64 and younger. The cost is $55 for people paying cash who are 65 and older.
My question is: Why does the flu shot cost $30 more for people who are 65 or older? What does age have to do with the cost of a flu shot?
Vicki Strandmark
Byron
According to the Health Department, people older than 65 receive a higher dose of the flu vaccine than those younger than 65.
-- Editors
This story was originally published September 20, 2015 at 11:05 PM with the headline "This is Viewpoints for Monday, Sept. 21, 2015 ."