Note: This post is a translation of an article written by Deng Wangjing 邓王景 and published on China Youth Online 中青在线 on July 31, 2008. It is a response to an essay "public opinion is not always correct" written by Chen Jibing 陈季冰 on the same site two days earlier. In turn, Chen's essay, which is already translated by ESWN, seems to be a response to some even earlier articles. … [Read more...] about The value of public opinion does not depend on its correctness per se
democracy
(Letter) Where does China fit in the West's understanding of the world?
Mainlanders often feel exasperated by constant Western criticism, as if no matter what China does and no matter how much China accomplishes, it's never good enough in the eyes of Western nations. The poem "Chinese Grievances" (aka "What do you want from us?") expresses this feeling well. I think what's shared below will help us better understand this problem. … [Read more...] about (Letter) Where does China fit in the West's understanding of the world?
Use Democracy to avoid a "Bottleneck Lake" in China
In the aftermath of the Sichuan earthquake, a "bottleneck lake" (堰塞湖) formed as a river was blocked by a landslide. Collapse of the dam posed a tremendous danger to those down-stream community, and the Chinese government spent huge resources and risked many lives to erase the lake. Guangdong provincial party secretary Wang Yang started a mini-landslide of his own, when 3 days … [Read more...] about Use Democracy to avoid a "Bottleneck Lake" in China
(Letter from Bob) China to set up designated protest zones for Beijing Olympics
Saw on ESPN.com AP reports that Beijing will set up specially designated zones for protesters during next month's Olympics ... Liu Shaowu, director for security for the Beijing Olympic organizing committee, said Wednesday that areas in at least three public parks near outlying sporting venues have been set aside for use by demonstrators. … [Read more...] about (Letter from Bob) China to set up designated protest zones for Beijing Olympics
Lee Kuan Yew lashes out at critical human rights groups
Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore has never been shy in defending Singapore's political system or his own legacy. During the recent Economic Society of Singapore's annual dinner, Lee gave a stern rebuke to some human rights organizations that frequently picked on Singapore for not being a liberal democracy. Mr. Lee charged such criticisms as "a conspiracy to do … [Read more...] about Lee Kuan Yew lashes out at critical human rights groups