For all the talk about democracy leading up to the Olympics, perhaps it is time - in the wake of the Olympics - to take a step back and ponder about what democracy really is. An interesting article appeared in the New Yorker earlier this month about the process of politics. Digging under the hood of democratic politics, it tries to explore two strains of forces that in real … [Read more...] about Understanding Democracy
Analysis
Tony Blair's New Op Ed on China in the Wall Street Journal
I thought I'd bring to people's attention to a recent Op Ed from Tony Blair in the Wall Street Journal on the Rise of China and the Olympics. I think the piece is interesting as a genuine attempt by a Western Leader (or at least a former Western leader) to understand - in good faith - the Rise of China and the Olympics. … [Read more...] about Tony Blair's New Op Ed on China in the Wall Street Journal
Beijing Olympics a learning experience for all involved
It is said that the Beijing Olympics was a big draw, perhaps proving the adage that no publicity is bad publicity. Did the worldwide protests before the Olympics ironically serve as a big advertisement for the Beijing Olympics? And now that a record number of people have watched the Olympics, what have they learned about China? … [Read more...] about Beijing Olympics a learning experience for all involved
Falsifying Documentation and Its Impact on International Public Opinion: "Underage Chinese Gymnasts" and "Bogus Americans".
ChinaWatcher's response to my last post has struck me as particularly thoughtful and reasonable. However, I have a different view on the following statement and feel the issue is important enough to write a separate post, to ensure sufficient attention. My writing is 99.9% dead serious and 0.1% over the top satire. The Olympics have been criticized for being uptight and lacking … [Read more...] about Falsifying Documentation and Its Impact on International Public Opinion: "Underage Chinese Gymnasts" and "Bogus Americans".
(Letter) Lots of us want to love and respect China, but right now China isn't helping
This will probably make some people angry, or at least get people's emotions fired up. But that's not what I'm trying to do. This is a totally honest Western perspective from a Westerner who is usually very positive toward China (we are learning Chinese in China and want our kids to grow up here). I'm writing this hoping we can have a real conversation and understand one … [Read more...] about (Letter) Lots of us want to love and respect China, but right now China isn't helping