"Let Taiwan join health organization." 

Washington State Columbian

The mysterious Severe Acute Respiratory Syndromes (SARS) is a threat to the lives and livelihood of all of us as it spreads from China and Hong Kong to other parts of the world, wrecking havoc to businesses, tourism and our routine daily activities. The democratically elected government of Taiwan has taken strong measures and mobilized well-trained medical professionals to effectively contain this deadly disease. Taiwan's actions forcefully contrasted with those of China, where autocrats tried desperately to cover up the SARS epidemic, and helped to worsen its effects on China and the rest of the world. 

Recently, China began to take SARS seriously. But another important step China should take is to stop its unreasonable opposition to Taiwan application to join the World Health Organization (WHO). China's continued objection to Taiwan's participation in the WHO effectively blocks Taiwan 24 million people from receiving vital WHO information about SARS; it also prevents Taiwan from contributing to the international effort to stop SARS and other diseases. 

It is high time for China and the WHO to recognize Taiwan as a valued member of the world community and accept Taiwan's WHO membership application. 

Sincerely, Kim Lee