I read the Sunday column by Nate Cohen in NYT with interest. Although it's not directly related to China, but in a way it's related with the question of democracy raised by Chinese dissidents about Hong Kong. Mr. Cohen says that Republicans has essentially a lock in the House for years to come , not only because of gerrymandering, but because of demographic and urban/ rural … [Read more...] about Why Democrats Can’t Win the House?
Hong Kong and Democracy
Calling it a “sad day for Hong Kong” one of the world’s prominent democracy scholars decried Beijing’s new restrictions on Hong Kong’s upcoming elections, saying they would fail to meet international standards for universal suffrage and could invite a public boycott. This seems to be about the worst outcome imaginable. No progress toward democracy, not even a timetable … [Read more...] about Hong Kong and Democracy
China Dream
For Americans the American Dream is a house in suburbia with white picket fences and 2 cars garage, which used to be easily reachable for the middle class family in the 50's and 60's. Now it's arguably much more difficult for young people burdened with student loans probably staying with their parents well into their 30s. When Xi Jinping used the phrase "China Dream", the … [Read more...] about China Dream
Paul Krugman
Despite my politics is far to the left I have always have a soft spot for Nixon. Maybe it's because of his opening to China, or his hard nosed politics and realism. Someone like Paul Krugman, a liberal democrat, with policies I have more agreements with, yet I dislike those idealistic cold warriors. This morning professor Krugman got me tee off again. I sent the following … [Read more...] about Paul Krugman
Rule of Law
When Chinese dissidents talk about democracy and rule of law, American media immediately start the echo chamber in criticizing China and provide the stage for whomever in the spotlight. It irks me to no end this fetish on rule of law is not based on reality but more on fantasy and rarely examined in depth. Wikipedia defines it as: "The rule of law (also known as nomocracy) … [Read more...] about Rule of Law