Focus on business, not on human rights

As President Clinton readies for his trip to China at the end of June, much debate surrounds the approach he should take with the most populous nation in the world.

Human rights activists feel Clinton should withhold "most favored nation" trade status until China adjusts its track record on violations against freedom of speech and the occupation of Tibet.

Yet these kinds of threats will get us nowhere.

If the United States' domestic and foreign policies had been honestly centered around the general welfare and well-being of the world at large, then perhaps China would listen.

However, our past is packed with illegal and unethical actions as well.

From the offenses committed against the Native Americans and Native Hawaiians, the United States has accumulated quite a list of dirty laundry.

Let Clinton work out his trade agreement with China and forget the human rights issues.

The only thing the United States would be able to preach to China is hypocrisy.