Political Quotes

“the South China Sea has always been an area of constant stress for our men and women in military uniforms, especially the cat-and-dog fights that have gone on, really for many of the past years. That is why an accident was bound to happen. China believes the U.S. plane caused the collision by making an abrupt turn while two Chinese fighter pilots shadowed it. Give me a break. The EP-3 is a lumbering turtle, while the Chinese J8s respond like nimble jackrabbits. Colin Powell has stated, ``A tragic accident took place. We regret that the Chinese plane did not get down safely. We regret the loss of life of the Chinese pilot, but now we need to move on. We need to bring this to a resolution.'' Make no mistake, the planes were operating in international airspace. By international law, the EP-3 is sovereign U.S. territory. Earlier today two U.S. diplomats were allowed to visit 24 U.S. crew members. The detained Americans looked healthy, but China has given no indication as to when they may be released. Among these are two Illinoisans, Seaman Jeremy Crandall of Poplar Grove, Illinois, and Sergeant Mitchell Pray of Geneseo, Illinois. The Chinese Government is treating this like we are still in the Cold War, and we are not. Our concern is we do not want this to turn into another period of constant tension and struggle and a return back to the Cold War era. But make no mistake, the United States is not a Nation to be trifled with, and our patience will only last so long.”