[Editor: this piece was co-written by Charles Liu and Allen] To the credit of "This American Life" - a popular program on Public Radio International - its producers over the weekend officially retracted its January airing of a version of Mike Daisy's popular monologue titled “The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs,” in which Daisy described first-hand terrible work … [Read more...] about The Retraction of Mike Daisey’s one-man show “The Agony and the Ecstasy of Steve Jobs” from ‘This American Life’
politics
Throwing the baby out with the bath water
I have mentioned in previous blogs that I believe people around the world value much of the same basic things such as freedom to express themselves (their opinions, religion, etc) and some control of the political climate of their society. There may be plenty of other freedoms people value to varying degrees over the world. Some groups may value these more than others due to … [Read more...] about Throwing the baby out with the bath water
Should Chinese be Allowed to Vote on the Upcoming US Presidential Election?
Firstly, this author is not questioning whether US citizens of Chinese descents should be allowed to vote. Successive US administration has repeatedly chided the People's Republic of China for violation of human rights. The lack of "direct" leadership election is cited as one violation. So should the US government put pressure on the Communist Party of China by allowing Chinese … [Read more...] about Should Chinese be Allowed to Vote on the Upcoming US Presidential Election?
Wen Jiabao Urges Political Reform and Praises Internet Criticism of Government
The Fifth Session of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC) has just ended. Here are two stories about Wen that I found interesting. I have no personal insights beyond what is reported, but I thought it is helpful to bring attention to such stories to balance the distorted view in the West that the Chinese government somehow has in its DNA a fear of criticisms and a … [Read more...] about Wen Jiabao Urges Political Reform and Praises Internet Criticism of Government
Democracy Is Ruining Capitalism – Does China Do Capitalism Better Than America?
Slate/Intelligence Squared appears to be planning an interesting live debate on March 13 - with Orville Schell and Peter Schiff arguing for the motion in the title and Ian Bremmer and Minxin Pei against. Details of the debate can be found at the slate and intelligence squared websites. The intelligence squared site - in particular - features a good and interesting set of … [Read more...] about Democracy Is Ruining Capitalism – Does China Do Capitalism Better Than America?