American people should deliver message to China

While it is now Day 7 of captivity in China for the 24 crew members of a U.S. spy plane, it is still too early for the Bush administration to begin rattling sabers or threatening economic sanctions. But that doesn't mean the American people should sit idly by while diplomats attempt to defuse a potentially explosive situation.
We all can strike a blow for freedom, the rule of law and Democracy by refusing to buy products made in China until the Communist leaders in Beijing release the crew and also return the U.S. Navy surveillance plane. Their insistence on an apology from the United States is not only laughable, but suggests that the Chinese have an ulterior motive in prolonging this impasse.
They no doubt want to have as much time as possible to examine the technologically advanced EP-3E andmake the sole superpower in the world walk on diplomatic eggshells.
But while President Bush is well advised to explore every diplomatic solution, the American people should let the Chinese leaders know through their words and deeds that their patience is wearing thin.
With the Iran hostage crisis still fresh in the minds of many people, what is happening in China today does give pause.
Military hard-liners: The Chinese military hard-liners are calling the shots -- in Iran it was the ultra-conservative Ayatollahs -- and the potential for an escalation from a war of words to actual harm being done to the Americans is ever present. That is why the Chinese government needs to understand what the ramifications would be if even one of the 24 crew members is harmed physically or mentally.
A moratorium on the purchase of Chinese goods would get China's attention.
Ohio Gov. Bob Taft's decision not to appear with a trade group from Hong Kong sends the right message.
"Until the return of the 24 American service men and women ... who are being detained in China, it is inappropriate for me as governor to participate in an event promoting trade with China," Taft said.
We applaud the governor's principled stand and urge other Ohioans to likewise demonstrate their solidarity with the men and women now being held in China, at least two of whom have ties to Ohio. One, Shawn Coursen, is the son of James and Susan Coursen of Warren Avenue in Niles.