When I wrote my first commentary on this blog, I outlined three common myths that people frequently believe without question when they think about democratic governance. Obviously, an idea as blindly and fervently worshiped as 'democracy' will have far more than just three myths associated with it. I continue my exploration of this ideology by discussing another myth that is … [Read more...] about Yet another myth about democracy: “democracy+capitalism = prosperity”
history
The Cultural Revolution and Free Speech
PBS's Frontline recently aired a documentary of behind the North Korea scene. Among all of the images of the expected misery, poverty, hunger, want, there was 1 segment which I thought was greatly overlooked. A quick exchange between a few North Koreans behind closed … [Read more...] about The Cultural Revolution and Free Speech
Chinese Interpretation of Property Rights
This post is supposed to be respond to @ersim and @Black Pheonix but grow into the following: I want to note that before Qin re-united the country, the title of huang(皇) and di(帝) mean sage or saint. The Qin king combined that title and make it huangdi(皇帝) which becomes the title emperor. And I also want to say that before the Xia dynasty, leader in China is elected rather … [Read more...] about Chinese Interpretation of Property Rights
African Economist Dambisa Moyo: Is China the new idol for emerging economies?
Dambisa Moyo - Is China the new idol for emerging economies It is refreshing to see public intellectuals other than Eric X Li speak openly against the blind faith that most westerners place in their own brand of democratic governance and market capitalism (a faith that they attempt to impose on the rest of the world). However, I wanted to voice my skepticism on two of Moyo's … [Read more...] about African Economist Dambisa Moyo: Is China the new idol for emerging economies?
Thanksgiving, a celebration and a tragedy
For most Americans, Thanksgiving will be about a turkey feast and homage to people they are thankful for. I too celebrate this occasion. However, the real history behind it is of course extremely dark. I just searched on Google for images related to "thanksgiving", and there were only scant hints of Native Americans, let alone mention, as American writer, David Quammen puts … [Read more...] about Thanksgiving, a celebration and a tragedy