Letters | A sanction-happy, small-minded America will never be great again
- Readers discuss the petty China-sceptical politicking that goes on in the US, why tourists aren’t coming back to Hong Kong, and the need to take responsibility for outdoor workers’ health
Over 50 years ago, I was honoured to be awarded a rare fellowship of the American College of Surgeons. Half a century later, on September 22, the College informed me that my fellowship has been revoked. Apparently, as I am a resident of Hong Kong and therefore of the People’s Republic of China, the college took this action to “avoid issues with the PRC laws governing the operations of foreign organisations in the PRC”.
I am sure a number of my colleagues will have received the same message though the robust medical establishment in Hong Kong will regard it as a fly in the ointment.
However, by taking this step, the college is brushing aside the practice of medicine as a noble, unifying, global brotherhood. This concept is lost on the college, having given way to petty, small-minded politicking. With this craven mindset, the college should not have found it necessary to revoke my fellowship – I would have swiftly resigned with disgust.
Policing actions of this nature, small in themselves, and perhaps in other areas, ensure America will never be great again. It will have to rely on lesser triumphs, such as Campbell’s tomato soup.