I understand some readers reaction to Slate's point, but I have a different one. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it is my understanding that the U.S. owes China money. What right do we have sending money to our lender? I am sympathetic regarding the human suffering, I just don't understand why the U.S. has a part to play in giving supplies to a country to whom we owe money.

We have what you might call a trade enforced peace with China.

Both sides are desperatly trying not to kill the golden goose, and
for as long as that's true our leaders will not be able to take many
clear stands.