David Cay Johnston: “It is not what it says. It is what it leaves out. It is a subtle shift of ground. It is the mood of abandonment of the…”

“It is not what it says. It is what it leaves out. It is a subtle shift of ground. It is the mood of abandonment of the Shanghai communique and its progeny that are the problem here, and I wish we would just take some time in committee... to carefully word on a bipartisan basis a resolution that, yes, condemns the use of force in Taiwan; yes, reaffirms our commitment to a peaceful settlement of this problem but... one that... fully reveals the content of our policy with China. We are in this soup right now with two carrier groups in the Strait of Taiwan because we acted hastily and treated the visit of Li Teng-hui as if it were simply a visit to the alma mater. I think we realize now that it was a whole lot more. It has gotten us with two carrier groups over there. That is what led to it. And so, Mr. President, I say let us go slowly. I do not oppose what it says. But let us work it out so it truly reflects American policy.”