Whatever your views on the proper role of government in societal, cultural, and economic affairs, few would argue against the government's role (if not duty) in helping to confront the myriad environmental problems facing modern industrialized societies. … [Read more...] about Beijing's New Air Pollution Control Measures
The Value of Being a Chinese on the 59th Anniversary of the PRC
Today, on National Day, some 190 thousand passers-by, strangers to each other, packed the festively decked-out Tian'anmen Square to watch the Flag Raising Ceremony. Although 2008 doesn't make a "round number" anniversary, so much has transpired in this troubled year to make it almost seem like one. On this day, we translate for you the following editorial published in the … [Read more...] about The Value of Being a Chinese on the 59th Anniversary of the PRC
Chinese elitism versus American parochialism (aka Sarah Palin-style "democracy"): Musings on how different political systems function. Part I: The Chinese story.
Prologue: On my last trip back to China I brought back some reprints of Republican-era books. The following musings are based on my hasty reading notes. Abstract: The Chinese society functions well when the stuff of its elite works. The American society functions well when the stuff of its elite works and is embraced by its masses (which is far from automatic). The challenge … [Read more...] about Chinese elitism versus American parochialism (aka Sarah Palin-style "democracy"): Musings on how different political systems function. Part I: The Chinese story.
(Letter from skylight, Opposing Viewpoint) Does Hu Jia deserve the Nobel Peace Prize?
Six chinese has recieved the Nobel Prize (seven if you include Dalai Lama). This year there is some speculation that the Nobel Peace Prize may be awarded to a Russian or a Chinese. According to the director of a Norwegian peace institute, Stein Tonneson, the chinese environmental activist Hu Jia is a top Chinese contender. … [Read more...] about (Letter from skylight, Opposing Viewpoint) Does Hu Jia deserve the Nobel Peace Prize?
(Letter) Some Chinese Satire: Sanlu Incident Provoked by International Anti-Chinese Imperialist Reactionaries!
A Mainlander uses the Made in China dairy scandal to spoof arguments commonly made by the Chinese government, fenqing, and other blindingly patriotic Mainlanders. … [Read more...] about (Letter) Some Chinese Satire: Sanlu Incident Provoked by International Anti-Chinese Imperialist Reactionaries!