By Kelley Currie, Special to CNN
Editor's note: Kelley Currie is a senior fellow with the Project 2049 Institute in Washington. The views expressed are her own.
Authoritarian regimes have traditionally relied heavily on controlling the flow of information that their subjects receive as a critical element of maintaining political power. The Chinese Communist Party is no different: they have an extensive and well-funded propaganda apparatus that’s integrated into all aspects of the Party’s operations, coupled with a sophisticated set of tools that are used to control the Chinese public’s access to alternative sources of information. After decades of maintaining a fairly successful monopoly on the flow of information, the party-state’s current approach is much more calibrated and nuanced. It seems to be based on the principles of modern flood-control techniques: allow a greater flow in certain channels when necessary to take the pressure off the highest risk zones. While these techniques are generally successful, recently we’ve seen how freak events and unexpected storms can overwhelm systems that are based on routine handling of high probability events.
The analogy to flood control is an apt one given the latest disaster to tax Beijing’s information management apparatus: the deadly floods that swept through the capital on July 21. The systemic failures that led to at least 77 flood-related deaths have been broadly commented on, and have recalled another deadly infrastructure disaster that occurred almost exactly one year earlier: the Wenzhou high-speed-rail crash on July 23, 2011.
In both cases, the authorities appeared unprepared for the disasters, responded poorly to the aftermath, and failed to provide adequate, timely information. The Chinese public quickly linked these disasters to the dark side of China’s economic boom, particularly rampant official corruption and the extreme prioritization of rapid economic growth. In the case of the Wenzhou crash, it was the link to the Ministry of Railways – whose former chief had been accused of massive corruption just months prior to the accident – and the triumphalist official propagandizing around China’s HSR network. In the case of the Beijing floods, commentary has keyed in on failures of the development model as well. Reports have highlighted the dramatic disparities between Fangshan – the site of the worst flood damage – and the much better drained thoroughfares of more prosperous areas of central Beijing. Some have also noted that the ancient drainage canals around the Forbidden City and other imperial sites worked well, while newer infrastructure failed to handle the floodwaters effectively. There were even wry mentions of the billions spent to prepare Beijing for the 2008 Olympics, while basic sewer infrastructure was left wanting in less privileged parts of the city.
The conspicuous failures of official Chinese disaster response are intensifying anger among the population, as citizens can increasingly compare the official version of events to local, on-the-spot reporting by average people using smartphones to post images and commentary to Weibo and other social networking sites. The gulf between the government’s pronouncements and the reports of these citizen journalists is often dramatic, and has served to validate long held suspicions that the government was hiding things from the citizenry to serve its own purposes.
Weibo, a Chinese clone of Twitter, has been particularly devastating to the authorities’ efforts to control the flow of information. It takes time for the censors to catch up to both direct reports and “memes” that emerge on the site, and in a matter of minutes a message can be re-tweeted thousands of times. The ability to cross-post messages to Twitter and Weibo accounts simultaneously also ensures that the messages live on even after Weibo has been scrubbed, because Twitter remains outside the reach of China’s net nannies (for now, anyway).
Even on an average day, Weibo is a compilation of the evident mistrust that many Chinese have toward official pronouncements. It has become the go-to source for breaking news – including breaking rumors – much like Twitter has for many outside China. Chinese authorities recognize Weibo’s power, and are making huge efforts to manage and control it, but are struggling to do so due to the enormous amounts of information that fly across the platform at any given time and the incredible ingenuity that users have shown in circumventing censorship efforts. Most of the time, their failure to control the flow of news and information amounts to relatively harmless leaks in the system. But even these small discrepancies between the official story and the Weibo version of events are continually undermining confidence in the party-state’s narrative. While these are small cracks, and the party-state retains many tools to patch them up, they appear to be fighting a losing battle.
And when a “freak event” happens, these small cracks can quickly develop into a chasm. In some instances, the credibility gap has forced the party-state to respond with more, and more accurate, information in an effort to calm public fury. But even this tactic has begun to backfire as the corrosive effects of long-term information management come into play. A case in point has been the effort to manage the narrative around the fall of Bo Xilai, a rising star in the Party whose wife has recently been charged with murder and whose own future looks increasingly precarious. The selective release of salacious details to an intrigued Chinese (and international) public has led to suspicions that those who are trying to end Bo’s career are intentionally publicizing information that damages him and his allies ahead of a major political transition. In this case, flooding the zone with information has only reinforced cynicism about the nature of the case against Bo and his family.
As other sources of the party-state’s legitimacy are looking weaker, particularly the economy, there’s reason for concern that the party state will become increasingly reliant on its other pillar of legitimacy: an assertive nationalistic foreign policy. The importance the party-state places on information control in portraying the Chinese Communist Party as the protector of the Chinese nation can’t be understated. From pre-school curricula to the work of top scholars, from village newspapers to the People’s Daily, the importance of a clear and centrally defined narrative on key national security issues is paramount. Yet here again, the credibility gap is increasingly undermining the party-state’s effort to control the narrative.
Since 1949, China’s foreign policy identity has been rooted in three core elements: the “victimhood” narrative, that characterizes China as having been abused and taken advantage of by colonial and western powers; the “salvation” narrative, that portrays the Chinese Communist Party as the entity that enabled China to finally “stand up” and begin returning to its rightful place in the international firmament; and the “non-interference” narrative, that depicts China as a benign power that doesn’t meddle in the affairs of other countries. Setting aside issues of validity of these themes, they have come to broadly characterize Chinese views of international relations at both an official and societal level.
Increasingly, these elements are overlain with a gloss that conflates the Chinese Communist Party and the Chinese nation, and an intimation that China’s return to its rightful international position means that it can begin to “right the wrongs” visited on it when China was “weak.” This more assertive, even menacing, narrative hasn't only rattled China’s neighbors, but is raising interesting and, in some cases, skeptical discussions at home. As Chinese people become more exposed to outside sources of information, and become increasingly distrustful of government pronouncements on all manner of domestic issues, it’s only natural that some will begin to question the propagandistic elements they have long been fed on China’s foreign and national security policy. Even on issues as sensitive as Tibet and the South China Sea, there’s some evidence of a growing diversity of thought and greater questioning of the official line. This is to say nothing of the broad skepticism that often greets Chinese pronouncements in the international arena.
Like the system of Mississippi River levees that failed to protect New Orleans from the catastrophic floods unleashed by Hurricane Katrina, China’s censorship system is likely to be severely challenged by unexpected storms. Even as the censors keep piling on the sandbags, the levees are springing new leaks. While China’s leaders are determined to manage the forces of globally networked information to their own advantage, such forces are notoriously unpredictable. Neither a good plan nor perfect implementation is likely to be enough to control them.
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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Evidently this Kelley Currie is another right-wing, China bashing fanatic. Then again, no country on earth has a perfect regime. Few people today remember what China was like during the 1930's and 40's when it was plagued by long and bloody civil wars, homelessness, mass starvation plus an invasion by the J aponese in 1937. People like this Kelley above need to get their facts straight!
I agree with your post above Quigley, the reason being is that I know the recent history of China and how the people there suffered throughout much of the last century. Unfortunately, most people don't understand the Chinese nor their plight but do sit in judgement nevertheless!
Your comment is a classic example of "victimhood" narrative.
How?
This was, all in all, a fairly level headed article about Chinese control of information and how the dam will break. Death by a thousand cuts, as they say.
How's the weather in Beijing Quigley? Did you have to row to work today?
Funny how 30% of the posts here are Chinese acting like they are from the US lol fail.
Must suck for Quidley & Company to not be able to shut down comments and throw up internet road blocks.
and 60% are americans that have no clue other than what they have been told to think about China.
HAHA, Seriously, how many Chinese monitors are posting comments on this website acting like Americans posting pro-China comments? The Chinese propaganda machine is working overtime!
Quigley, for all your labeling and anti-author sentiment that comes out loud and clear, your assertion that the facts need to be straight is overshadowed by your own lack of any fact presentation. China in the 1920's and 30's is irrelevant simply because the authors write up is about China today. The author spoke clearly about the party, the information and stranglehold they keep on it, while making references to the capital's natural disasters.
So, while I would entertain your criticism if you at least made a point, you have to come to the table with the same thing you demand from the author. Until then, you just look stupid.
China today is a result of China in the first half of the 1900's. If you can't recognize that then you need to go back to school.
Adam:
China today is the result of us giving them all our jobs.
Adam is right. I fear the US much more than I fear China and I am a Christian European. How many countries has China invaded or bombed in the last 30 years? How many the US? Oh about 25?
Well done X Man, well done.
Rilski: Vietnam, Tibet, they let the North Koreans starve a million plus of their people when they could and should have done something. Yes, U.S. actions have cost lives, but China's actions and inactions certainly don't leave them without blood on their hands.
Fine points, but the article has nothing to do with China bashing than to point out the obvious, that China, under the aegis of the Communist Party, is a victim of wanton censorship, and that the day will come when a great reckoning occurs because the government lies too much about an event for the people to accept.
You can say the same about the US. It's becoming a police state for sure...
@Rilski:
In the US, we have the far left version of events, the Democratic Party version of events, the Republican version of events, the far right version of events, then there's the foreign stooge's version of events, the government's official version of events, and finally the truth is buried somewhere, since the media no longer care and only parrot one of the other version's talking points.
Not sure which is worse; a unified view like China has, right or wrong – or so many rumors and variations that people accept as gospel that you can't possibly tease out the truth, like the American style.
You dont like the message, so you shoot the messenger.
Her story is dead on.
Your response was knee jerk stupid.
How is the right-wing "China Bashers"? I don't see them making any progress on getting us the tariffs we need against that country. Republicans LOVE China, since they provide a bottomless pit of wage-oppressed labor, which in turn oppresses our own wages. If you think either major US political party would ever allow anyone to speak ill of the slave-providers, then please think again.
I love it when Americans turn everything back to their own political parties. This has nothing to do with Republicans or Democrats. This has to do with an Anglo-Saxon mentality, imbued with the British tradition of ruling over less developed lands (the Brits never had much power among equals in Europe) and a deep believe of their own sense of right and moral superiority. That's what makes the US so out of step with reality. This is why they are so afraid of China.
Kelley Currie is just another typical American kwok zucking kwok zucker employed as writer to badmouth China.
Well put, Maersk. I couldn't agree more! Kelley Currie is no more that another mouthpiece for the right-wing hoods in Washington trying to brainwash the rest of us!!!
Than why dont you go live there if China is so great?
Oh, but be careful not to hold a protest in Tianeman Square... Or post words like 'freedom', 'liberation' etc on the internet...
I appreciate this article and what it says about China with a rotten core is so very true. You must be a Chinese with an American sounding name .....
i wish you can see my reply.首先，我是中国人。再次，我不会讲英语。最后，哈哈，my god，你们美国人原来和我们中国人一样。我们看到论坛上说美国不好的，就骂“中国这方面就好吗”；看到说中国不好的，也骂“美国这方面就好吗”。怎么说呢，骂骂更健康，。哈哈。
Americans are freaked out about China's rise. Pay no attention, just do whatever you are doing China! I can't wait to live in a multi-polar world. Perhaps then we could have international laws that have a meaning and apply to everyone. What we have now, is the law of what the US says is legal. This is why they hate China and are afraid of her. They know that soon they will actually have to consider their interests too... it kills them...
It's force projection capabilities are infantile. If you remember what happened the last time the world was a multi-polar stage maybe you won't be so eager for it. WWI or WWII didn't exactly go well for anyone. WWIII would set up WWIV to be fought with sticks and stones.
Why would Americans be afraid of China? A government built on corruption and fear that holds it's people hostage and thinks that they are too stupid or weak to do anything about it is a government that will crumble from the inside. It won't be the first time and sadly it won't be the last either.
Are you American, or Chinese?
Americans should ask a very simple question :
A government from hell had money for millions of victims of deadly earthquake.
A government of the people had no money for millions of victim of deadly hurricance.
Now start using your OWN brain, please stop taking whatever your "free" media tells you from your ears to your tongue directly.
What are you 12?
Honey, if you are talking about New Orleans than obviously you weren't there before the floods and you haven't been there lately. She is back and sassy as ever!
Where are you people getting this stuff?
anybody want some dog food...drywall......yeah we are scared of China...They fly their fighters the way they do everythng else.
Yes, those things happened in the early 20th century in China. But does that make communist rule ok? Of course not!
The Chinese Communist Party has murdered around 100 million people (and continues to) since it came into existence. In his article he didn't bash China only the Chinese Communist Party. How much did your masters in Beijing pay you to post this?
The cheap junk that China makes and sells to the world is a reflection of their Communist government and culture – maybe looks OK on the outside, but is hollow and worthless and doesn't function as advertised. As we will no-doubt find out here in the U.S. if people like Bark Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Dirty Harry Ried continue to be elected, Socialism is the lousiest possible form of government, and it can only be maintained if the government has an iron-fisted control over the people and is absolutely willing to kill as many millions of them as they need to to maintain order. The late Soviet Union is another example of the foolishness of the Marxist ideology, and socialistic control of business and commerce. Just as Chinese products usually crumble and become worthless, their Communist government is beginning to crumble at the base. Lots more trouble ahead for China.
An appropriate moniker I'm sure...you do realize that Archie was a fool, don't you?
You mean like you are acting like what you think an American would but in truth you are a muslim?
I did not write that post,
A muslim with a teenie tiny little picker stole my moniker because he could not win an argument without cheating.
Some say that China will be the next world leader in a mere 30 years. Must be doing something right?
like what?
Please, world leader? Ha ha ha ha. They have to be leader of most of Asia first.
Every government has some form of censorship and there is corruption in every country. The US government censors under the pretext of national security. Bribery is legitimized under the classification of lobbying and political contributions. The only difference is that the US press routinely get on their high horses and criticize others. Reminds me of the pot calling the kettle black.
All you must do is talk to a handful of Chinese citizens. They will share with you their distrust of the chinese governement. They are not fools nad it reminds me very much of how americans view their own government. I am an american and I spend much time working with chinese co workers in china. You can dispute the facts of different events the author mentions or the examples she uses to color her story but the narrative is certainly true.
The people of america and china have many things in common and these commonalities will bind us together in spite of our diffeernces. The governments of our two countries must answer to the people of our two countries and we must each continue to seek ways to drive our governments down the best paths for our future together.
Dearest Quigley, things must not have been that bad, back in the day. There's still a billion of them and counting.
I've been living in China for 3 years, and everything in this article is 110% true. Either you're spouting off the top of your head without any knowledge of what's really going on in China, or you're Chinese and in denial. What's funny is that this article is from a left-wing point of view, whereas a right-wing writer would focus more on the economic failures. No country is above criticism, in fact it is quite patriotic to criticize a government in defense of its people. What happened in China in the 30s and 40s is irrelevant; it is a completely different country now. The factors that China had to deal with then are not an issue now. The burgeoning population is not an excuse and in fact is another point of contention; Mao's generation were told to make as many children as possible, now they are told/forced to only have one child. The children today are growing up with the awful burden of having to take care of their grandparents, who are forced to retire at 60/65. The Party covers this up like everything else. They won't accept that authoritarianism is a dead system, that, in this modern world, if the government won't educate people, they will educate themselves; if the government relies on propaganda, the people will discover the truth. I see a bunch of people on this thread laying the empty rhetoric thick; but nobody with any real knowledge, likely nobody who has actually spent any time in China. Reading a magazine article from across the world does not make you a China expert.
We are climbing through the "History" of "Humanity", and "we" are just turning the latest curve on the "path" towards the future, where more, and more of the "shutters" will be taken down – it takes centuries, but "we" just need to continue on with the "Trying"!
-The Old Goat-
Those who "quote" too much are often trying to sound "wise".
Idiot!
Unlike you who sound petty.
Unlike you who is trolling.
Unlike you who needs to get laid!
Chinese government is oppressing its people. Leaders were not elected through democratic process therefore tyrannical and unjust. Yet the western world is feeding this red dragon for the sake of present economic convenience without giving much thought that there will be no more convenience in the future because the same dragon will eat them alive. Stop feeding the dragon now. The effects may be some minor economic distress for the west, but its better they suffer it through installment basis, then recover economically in the future, that rely on the red dragon that will usher in the end of western or Christian civilization.
Here goes another right-wing idiot posting on this this web page, vomiting out his ignorance over China!!! No wonder this country's going to the dogs with people like this voting at the polls!
I fully agree, J. Foster. That "dragon" that the idiot McDoom above was talking about is actually feeding us as it owns a hugh part of our national deficit. Only J apan owns more of it! Without these creditors, our economy would collapse overnight!
So throwing your citizens in prisons for criticizing its government is not government repression?
Marine5484: China buys dollars in order to keep their own currency from rising, as well as the fact that they have few other choices that are risk free like American debt. Also, China owns a very small portion of American debt. There are many others interested at this time that would purchase it. Take a look at the current bond rate. China does it for its own gain, not to help the U.S. Stop buying into Chinese propaganda.
"Dulles" sounds like yet another member of the 50 Cent Gang, paid to attack the CCP's critics & spread only good messages about the Party. Thousands of people in China & abroad are paid by the CCP to post online to defend the Chinese Govt.
Ah so, glasshopper.
Win
The West is currently suffering GREATLY from the feeding of this dragon. The refuse created is intolerable.
And do you think China is only interested in manipulating its own people such as the control of information? If you think that such tendencies to take advantage on human beings are only directed to local Chinese citizens, then the western world has really become dumb.
Let me cite an example. The west seems to be childish because their idea of warfare is military battles with physical weapons, and then their spies are the James Bond type carrying special pistol. China however, do not limit their idea of warfare with military actions, but include in their vocabulary economic warfare and many other things. Well, what about economic warfare? This means that they don't only have James Bond type spies, they have brigades of economic spies posing as legitimate businessmen, or chinese company employees assigned to each country of interest. They will plan how to take over the economy of that country, steal its vital resources, and copy whatever technology that can advance China's interest. The difference between U.S. and Chinese businessmen is that U.S. businessmen do not report to U.S. intelligence, while chinese businessmen report to a political officer and an intelligence officer. As you can see, their plan is succeeding. This is a lesson for the west who are preoccupied with carnal and materialistic affairs without watching their back.
Greg, you do not have the slightest idea how the west conducts war with an adversary short of actual shooting. Good examples are Stuxnet and Duku. In the west one hears a lot about Chinese economic and military spying because the press is free in the west. You will not hear about the fears of the Chinese leadership, nor are you privy to western intel on China, so you have absolutely nothing to base your statement on.
I am reminded of an article that was in Pacific Stars and Stripes some years back that told of a Seal Team op in Libya that involved the use of a US nuclear sub. The sub shut off it's reactor and used the auxhiliary diesel to motor in close to shore, so anyone who might be listening would thing it was a diesel sub and, therefore, not one from the US. The Seals blew up a couple of towers, then left uniform articles and cigarette butts from another nation in the region at the site to confuse the Libyans. All of this was done to mess with the Libyans minds. There was no direct miilitary value to it.
You have also never been to sea on a US combat ship to know what goes on with foreign adversary navies in the deep blue sea away from the press. Sometimes other navies don't always play nice. We don't necessarily back down either. I have seen Soviet ships sandwiched between US Navy ships at high speeds, close enough that their wakes blended together, a dangerous game when you have no way to know what is going on on the bridge of the Soviet ship and it is near midnight. Events like these don't make the press, but they get back to their respective nation's leadership.
Greg, you need to take a break from Fox News for a little while.
The writer needs to check around before opinionating. The Chinese Government is trusted by 85% of Chinese according to Edleman, whose firm specilaizes in trust, and Pew Charitable Trusts, which regularly polls China.
When faculty at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government doubted these results they sent a team to Chna to do their own polling. The result? Over 95% trust and approval rating.
And let's remember Henry Kissinger's opinion, "The Chinese are smarter than us". One of the reasons they're smarter than us is that they don't read the kind of disinformation that this article presents.
Godfree, this high trust reflects perfectly the huge effectiveness of Chinese propoganda. If you have heard the same story in Chinese newspapers, on TV form officials everyday, during your whole life, it must be true. Chinese people do become more exposed to outside sources of information, however it is a very slow process. When even my Chinese colleagues (a small group that can read, speak English, has access to the whole internet with their VPN's etc.) have never heard of Wukan or Chen Guangcheng weeks after things happened, I'm not optimistic on too much progress. If only all Chinese people would have access to the same information we have and if they had not been brainwashed for the last 60 years trust would be even below US/European levels.
LOL, and you think the US media is innocent, that's how brainwashed you are. Please educate yourself and watch medias from other countries then judge! I've watched Chinese, Taiwan, HongKong, Canadian and US media. The US out of all of them is the most bias, any opinion can become fact without back up evidence! -_-
In the USSR there was a high level of trust too. How'd that work out?
My Shanghai born fiancee would differ with that assessment strongly. Nobody there actually believes the tripe coming from the CCP, but they put up with them because the price of not putting up with them remains too high. Making money remains more important than cleaning up government. Enough botched disasters or a reallly deep economic depression could, however, change that.
I would say nice things about my government,
if they had a gun to my head.....wouldnt you ?
When NPR sent a rogue (illegal) reporter to China, and interviewed people anonymously, they found that Chinese people are only willing to criticize their government if they can be assured of complete anonymity. Calling them on the phone or sending a survey in the mail is not good enough. Their government has complete control over communications, etc.
and you know they were totally honest and felt no pressure..."to say the right thing"....and xu...you are forgetting a man called CHUCK NORRIS!!!!!!!
@Godfree, when you poll people who are constantly looking over their shoulder, you don't get accurate figures.
When Sadam Hussain was last elected, he won 99% of the vote. That doesn't mean that was the actual sentiment of the people of Iraq.
The once-in-a-decade- transition of power in October this fall will define the challenges and priorities for China. New members of the standing committee of the Politburo – main decision-making body of the ruling communist party, were be elected. It's uncertain whether reforms will be on top of their agenda now. Just like Hu Jintao who took over in 2002, it took time for him to show his political leaning. He's seen to be responsible for economic growth. Fighting against corruption has been a priority and he had promised to promote good governance, saying the fate of socialism were at stake. He has rejected Western-style political reforms, warning that they would lead China down a "blind alley". As his successor Xi Jinping was hand-picked by him, we would see no change, until Xi decides to set his own course.
"The importance the party-state places on information control in portraying the Chinese Communist Party as the protector of the Chinese nation can’t be understated."
Should have written – "...can't be overstated." Otherwise, nothing new here for those who've been paying attention.
Another ridiculous article in the Western Press. Did you know, 600 mm (that is TWO FEET) of rain fell in Beijing inside two days? Beijing is only 100 km (60 miles) from desert. What do you think will happen in any semi-arid American city if two feet of rain was to suddenly fall in two days? I am willing to bet you will come off worse.
By the way, when Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, did you see gleeful Chinese pointing the finger hoping your system of government will collapse? You have no idea what you are talking about. Get a clue!
Thank you. I couldn't agree more. The right-wing news media is working overtime to brainwash us and it's quite successful on those who can't think for themselves, sadly enough! This is disgraceful!
The fifty centers are out in force.
Fascinating to watch.
There are 6000 mine deaths a year in China. I think that is all you need to know, and that is just the beginning. No country in the world has a more atrocious record than China, and lack of respect for life.
When Katrina hit New Orleans, it was Americans who were pointing the finger, in outrage rather than glee, at the failure of our government. We were able to do that because we were allowed to see what was happening and the government did not censor the awful facts. We were able to do that because we were confident that we would not face prison for disagreeing with, or protesting against our government.
How's that work in your country?
When hurricane Katrina happened, the United States did not become the target of charitable donations and prayers. Quite the opposite, we saw our "trading partners" come right out and show their true colors. What did the US do when an island full of Asians had a natural disaster? We donated money and sent volunteers.
This author is calling a spade a spade.
(In reply to the allegation that America's trading partners did nothing to help after Katrina.)
Search and Rescue teams from outside of the US (Vancouver, BC, for example) were the first on the ground to assist in several parishes in Louisiana, following the catastrophe. How is that not helping?
Money was also sent, with the intention of helping those affected by the hurricane, but a large chunk of it was reported to have been diverted to other things in the States.
The report of the diversion might have been mistaken, but if it is alleged that it was never sent, it seems likely that the money didn't get where it was meant to go...what happened to it?
The essay is about media, not water.
We had Bachman, Romney, and Santorum as primary candidates for a Presidency. I don't think the US can talk about credibility anymore.
They are not elected, NOR appointed, credibility is fine. How was your last election in China?
Oops, oh ya...
How true that is, Brandon. The fact that the people nominated Mitt Romney over Ron Paul indicates a grave lack of intelligence among the voters yet we have the gall to criticize other nations. I think that we Americans had better clean house, by that I mean, educate the public before we throw stones!
Joseph:
And who do you propose do the educating? Should we appoint a minister of truth to tell us all what to believe? For the record, I was a delegate for Ron Paul in Arizona. I can see corruption in both our political parties. The difference is that I am able to do something about it. It's a long haul, but I am doing everything I can. In China, I would not have the opportunity.
The Republicain party voted for Romney, not the people. Only party members can vote in a primary. Notice when you registar to vote there are three decisions; Republican, Democrat or unafiliated.
Would be nice to see the two liquidated and form a third party with strong support of Independents.
Semantics101 Do some research because your statement is pretty uninformed.
The First Party System is a model of American politics used by political scientists and historians to periodize the political party system existing in the United States between roughly 1792 and 1824. It featured two national parties competing for control of the presidency, Congress, and the states: the Federalist Party, created largely by Alexander Hamilton, and the rival Democratic-Republican Party formed by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. The Federalists were dominant until 1800, and the Republicans were dominant after 1800.
In an analysis of the contemporary party system, Jefferson wrote on Feb. 12, 1798...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Party_System
While Chinese have become more skeptical about what their government tells them, they still have a long way to go to having the same information as their Western counterparts. Even if they do have more information, there is little they can do to make changes in their current system. There is danger in the fact that China is increasingly meddling in the affairs of other countries, since their publics opinion is basically ignored. What prevented the U.S. from leveling Iraq and killing more civilians during the war? The opinion of its public prevents such atrocities. What ended the Vietnam war? Changing public opinion. This will not be the case with China. They could level another country to the ground, and the general population might not even know about it, or have little ability to protest it. As China's military can reach other areas of the world, this is a major threat.
What a useless story.
Is the Chinese propaganda machine in full force today?
Choo typing live from a row boat tied to a railing at the steps of the Ministry of Propaganda in Beijing. Cao ni ma Choo baby.
China is a communists regime, totalitarian in nature and action.
However, when you have a billion+ people to manage, it works out pretty well.
Really? Over 80 million Chinese people have died due to the policies of the CCP since 1949. Is that a good thing?
Romney vs. Frankenstein (Obama)
Put simply, better the devil you don't know. Vote Romney.
We could all do with less idiots like you.
Judging by how the USA handled Katrina we have zero room to talk.
Jimmy:
Katrina was well-publicized. Heads rolled over that. The first sign of a dysfunctional government is when you are under the impression that there is nothing wrong. There is always something wrong, so if you don't know about it, then you are being lied to.
Sounds like our anonymous super PACs.
Dear Author,
You are throwing stones once again while in a glass house. No government system is perfect, but the Chinese government is more effective in handling disasters than the US. Katrina was a prime example, whereas around the same time frame SiChuan earthquack was handled with speed, effectiveness and unity of the nation in helping a reigon in need.
Politically wise, the US democracy currently have the trend of anyone could be the president, even ignorant, arrogant dummies. Like the conservative candidates, and Bush for two terms. The US congress is another mess of its own. So is there any point in pointing at another government's flaws when the current US government system is in need of improvements? I think not.
When the US's government system and social welfare reach the standards of Northern Europe then you can talk, otherwise hypocrite, ignorant and arrogant comes to mind!
Northern Europe is falling apart at the seams.
Let me think, distaters never happened in the US. OH, do you remember Katrina? Flooding along the great Miss. river? So, the conclusion is don't trust your government, This is a very stupid article.
No one should ever trust their government. The article was not about the flood; it was about the cover-up of the flood.
China is a commie dictatorship.
They prevent their people from free access to info on the internet.
And when the people get out of line, the dictators send in the military to butcher the defenseless civilians.
I confess I'm skeptical about anyting China says.
Perhaps it was the Tiananmen Square masacare that made me so cynical; perhaps it's the reports of human rights abuses; or, perhaps it is the fact they they restrict and prevent free speech and control everything that is said or reported.
Long story, short: I don't trust them.
By the way, how many innocent people did the Chinese goverment kill in Tiananmen Square in 1989?
Another big difference between the US and China – most people in the US do NOT trust the government. Lower trust = greater freedom.
In the U.S. you can express your disapproval and distrust for the government, and you probably won't disappear and be put in a labor camp, prison, or executed, as in China.
But the mayors of certain cities may use the power of government to keep you from opening business in thier cities.
The only growth left in India is the hair between the legs. Value of rupee has tanked, inflation is in the clouds, stock market has crashed, corruption is rampant, hospitals are burning, people are dying in scores, societal values have rotted, Microsoft and GE are pulling the plug on call centers...Dell and Delta Airlines have almost packed up and shifted the call centers to Canada.
Well said brother. We Pakistani's should collectively support China against this tyranical report.
I have one other issue with the article – it was not the levees of the Mississippi river that failed, but levees of the canals that were affected by Lake Pontchartrain.
Freak event and authoritarian government?
Forgot one little thing called Katrina already didn't we?
Katrina was a combination of CRONY government and black people. Different issues.
America had a N-word moment.
Sounds like the Obama Administration. Holder, the EPA, the White House, ... there is no truth from this Administration. Obama makes Clinton look like the truth!
yeah cuz there is YELLOW CAKE!
Osama is not the target anymore I am angry at Saddam lets start unpaid war #2 and 50,000+ injured troops I dont want to pay the healthcare for.
Tax Returns please. short form is fine as I am not ignorant enough to declare them invalid
Please keep aping the Romney misinformation campaign.
I have said for years, this is why China will not become a long-term economic or military superpower to rival the U.S. History has shown one thing above all others: unjust, autocratic regimes do not survive. Censorship and single-party rule are some of the classic hallmarks of an unjust autocratic regime, and ultimately, the Chinese people will decide that any seeming benefits of this system do not justify the loss of personal freedoms. It doesn't matter how much the government tries to censor. The biggest point of this article is entirely correct; the truth will get out, and people will respond to it.
Finally, a voice of reason. It must be lonely for you. Stay the course my lucid friend.
mittens wishes he could control the media so he can hide all his lies and cover up his past....
.
Hi I was a failed Governor of Massachusetts so I am going to try the Ross Perot approach
This article neglects to mention that polls conducted by Western organizations have found that the Chinese government has the highest domestic approval rating of any country in the world, at about 90%. Obviously Chinese people don't always agree with their politicians, but what country's people do? However, the US media is intentionally misleading the American people about the current situation in China. The vast majority of the people in China believe their leaders have put China on the right track, but the US media uses every trick in the book to make Americans believe otherwise. Also, the only reason this author mocks China's "victimhood" mentality is because she not only clearly supports the Western imperialistic actions that victimized the Chinese people in the past, but she is actively engaged in victimizing the Chinese people in the present.
Aw, are you defending the poor Chinese from being victimized by the mean writer?
Seems like your domestic approval argument agrees nicely with what she has written. I bet you North Korea's leader has a higher domestic approval rating than America's too. Hitler was popular. What's your point? Do you think the prom queen is the best girl too?
Pretty easy to get approval when you pull the trigger on all the ones that disagree.
In our dealings with China they have always been a crook
As a Pakistani French citizen, I object to this statement against China. Please verify your facts before bleating.
So how many goats did you Father buy your mail order French mother for?
Could these same points not be brought up about hurricane Katrina?
READ THE ARTICLE. There was no lack of free information involved with Katrina. Lack of government coordination, yes. Lack of personal responsibility on the part of BLACK people, yes. But people got fired over that because WE found out about it.
I read the article and you are still wrong!!! There was a GREAT lack of information involving Katrina. DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE GIVING YOUR RACIST OPINIONS!!!
Gary:
There was no lack of information. It was all over the news. I know because I saw it.
Several weeks after Katrina the Army Corps of Engineers came under fire for the many shortcuts made while constructing the levees in southern Louisiana.
Don't forget their horrible torture of children.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2182127/How-China-trains-children-win-gold–standing-girls-legs-young-boys-hang-bars.html?ICO=most_read_module
TEST
The Chinese communist "regime" is empowered by the very industries that once employed millions and millinos of Americans and Canadians post World War II. All those factories and jobs allowed the greatest generation ever to live a reasonably comfortable life style. That generation wanted to give their children the opportunities that they didn't have growing up. Unfortunately the Baby Boomer's legacy will be squandering all that and through a combination of greed, political corruption and utopian ideas of "spread the wealth," have doomed future generations of Americans to huge debts, 3rd world poverty and misery. They have allowed a Dictatorial, Anti-Civil / Human Rights Communits Government to 10 of millinos of once high paying manufacturing jobs via slave labor wages, little to no health benefits and no environmental pollution laws to speak off.
Basically, the Chinese are no longer starving anymore or living like cr@p because we have given them all our jobs. And it will get only get worse. Until our government and politicians stand up to industry and this regime there will be no recover for the USA, Canada, or Europe for that matter. We just can't compete no matter who is in charge (Democrat or Republic). I am tired of the excuses by both parties, DEAL WITH THE FREAKING PROBLEM!!!!!!!!!!!
Chinas media and our are the same. Officials statements from Gov. sources given to persuade the sheep about how dangerous Iran is or about how the poor rich people can't help out us surfs without more tax breaks. Get real Iran has 1/4 our population and 1/18 the defense we do. Bahhh Bahhh If you believe the news and our government after all the lies of the last decade from both partys and every news outlet then you should apply for a job with congress because they need people like you.
Every regime will change. The truth can not be hidden forever. People always tire of tyranical rule and take up arms. It has happened hundreds of times in many places throughout history, it will happen in China. It will happen everywhere given time.
LMAO, it sounds like our govenment has the credibility.
Whatever! At any rate, we will still vote for the U.S. as class president. China? Not yet qualified to run for election due to lack of human rights and good government credentials. Even if China is allowed to run, its not fit to take any position, not even sergeant at arms (they have dangerous tendencies)... not even class prince charming (its a dragon). OK class, no smoking inside the classroom. China, you are blowing smog, you are suspended.
It's great to hear of cracks in Chinas control of info
However folks, remember, it's a miltary dictatorship – with the leader choosen by a few at the top
Remember that there are over a billion living with little to no info besides the party line, who are dependent on the "system" to keep them alive, yeah, a peasant might grow the rice, but the oil and coal so they don't freeze to death, from the gov't, medical care, police, all gov't controlled. They can't care what the truth is, just what the gov't that keeps them alive says.
Even the realtive few with access to smart phone info networks, aren't 'free' to speak or act. They work in factories and industries controlled by party bosses, who were given the industries when the nation become "capitalist" – well they got that part right, get the gov't to cater to business, not the people. They might listen to the news, but aren't going to stand up and be counted, and loose their jobs and end up a peasant.
Finally
Remember, if there is a problem, you roll out the tanks, roll out the peasant army, and they'll kick the crap out of, shoot, and crush whoever they are pointed at. It's a peasant army vs city folk. It's a classic scenario, used by thousands of gov'ts for thousands of years to maintain control. Why? Because it works.
Since I was a child I keep hearing of the word "diplomacy" in the evening news. Then I wonder why these are always followed by armed conflicts and war. I studied extensively world history to find out the real meaning of the word diplomacy. Now, after hearing the same word in the South China Sea row, I have to share to you my personal definition of diplomacy. Here it is: DIPLOMACY IS THE POSTPONEMENT OF DEFINITE ARMED CONFLICT AT SOME FUTURE CONVENIENT OR FAVORABLE TIME (depending on who is the proponent). But there are successful use of diplomacy in history, but these are usually initiated by the west.
Diplomacy is the Art of saying 'Nice Doggie!' while you try to find a rock.
Really hard to believe that whatever "free" media and journalists say go from ears to their tongues.
American people should ask a very simple question :
A government from hell had money for millions of victims of deadly earthquake.
A government of the people had no money for millions of victim of deadly hurricance.
Does it make sense to you?
Now start using your OWN brain, please stop taking whatever your "free" media tells you from your ears to your tongue directly.
BTW, state-run media in China can't brainwash people because it doesn't enjoy enough credibility. On the other hand, did any of you say anything your "free" media doesn't like?
Unbelievably clueless.
No more Christmas if China will be the next ruler of the world. They will definitely outlaw Santa even if he wears red, unless he delivers chinese toys only for sale.
The idea that america can win against China is no longer a reality. It only exists in american media. Truth is, even in hand to hand combat, U.S. cannot win. Americans are fat for eating too much hamburger while Chinese people are healthy and well trained. You cannot prevail over us, we are Kung Fu.
True, Americans are very well fed. Remember that when you decice to become agressive. We also produce over 40% of the world's food. Have fun trying to march your billion-peasant army across the Bering Straights on an empty stomache. You start something with us and we'll starve you all.
If you think there can be any winners in a war between the US and China you are a fool. When such a day comes the whole world will cease to exist.
I totally agree with you, 2Bob. If there is a war between US and China, it is going to be a DOOMSDAY. There will not be a winner or loser, period.
reads like an arm-chair computer screen journalism than a journalist that dig real information or issue of importance.
Very good piece. I'm an American Ph.D. living in China nine years, fluent Mandarin. Especially like the three narratives identified by the author: victimhood, salvation, and non-interference. So true. The non-interference claptrap is especially insidious. China has had no guts to take a stance on Libya, Syria, etc. But a more mundane example: as a professor, I have debated my students on whether or not they are "better than Hitler." I have said "He killed people, you didn't: you are better than Hitler." They have resisted me hard. They say there were historical reasons for Hitler, i.e. it wasn't Hitler's fault he became Hitler. This is the result of the Marxist march of history narrative, in which everything is a function of economic progress toward socialism, and non-interventionist indoctrination: that North Korea and South Korea are both equally good, Obama is not better than Saddam Hussein, and of course Chinese leaders are no different from any others (except the ones from Taiwan or Tibet). And oh yeah, although Hitler had his historical causes, we still need jails for common criminals (who also have their causes presumably, but let's not get too bourgeois-sophisticated in our though processes).
The difference is that there is no cult in leadership like in Nazi.
This world is not 0 vs 1, it can be 0.25, 0.5 or 0.75.
The issue now is that you believe your system is democratic, but Chinese don't think so.
Cause everyone in here is Chinese diplomat and knows all about how China works. Well if everyone here has to choose sides on all these issues what makes any of different from the people in power who claim to have a solution or know what the problem is? There is lot of pseudo intellects here (In our opinion).
EYE LAAHV DA BEEMERS
It sure is easy to point fingers at other countries. What about Washington's "credibility gap" ?
The author's note "The views expressed are her own." is also laughable. Looks like even CNN didn't want to claim ownership of such a lame and obviously biased article. lol!
Why do I see Zakaria's face at the front page of every China bashing article? Looks to me like an Indian with bitter feelings (jealousy?) towards China, and who is spamming his views on U.S. media.
Getting a non-white to whitewash America makes the story more credible.
A non-white? Does that make him a N...nevermind.
Truth hurts, Jass! I understand your pain that China is being slowly deconstructed everywhere. The core is rotten, sick and weak; and the Olympic medals from your athlete farm and stealth vehicles will not the collapse. Free Tibet!
America has not forgotten Katrina.
Authoritarian regimes have traditionally ALSO relied heavily on pointing others and say how bad they are that their subjects should be happy as a critical element of maintaining political power. The Chinese Communist Party is no different: LOL
You know we all know the chinese and how they are. I had a teacher in my class who said she hated it there, hence she came here to U.S. The fact is every country has good and every country has bad, while some countries have more good and some have more bad. China IN MY OPPINION and not a fact or anything but in my oppinion is worse then we are as a country. You don't have to agree with me but hey it is America You can disagree or agree all you want I wont hurt, throw you in jail or kill you for it, I could care less if you liked or disliked what I have to say, and oh btw before you call me a demo or repub, im a indipendent, so I dont side, I go with what I like!
Dear Americans
As you know, our country is at a critical juncture. Growth has slowed to a crawl. Fourteen million Americans are unemployed, and three million have stopped looking for work. We are saving nothing and investing next to nothing.
Last year's national saving rate was 0.1 percent, and our net domestic investment rate was 4.4 percent. Saving nothing means we have nothing to invest in our country. Those investing in our country are foreigners, which explains our huge current account deficit. It's easy to blame foreigners for our problems, but without their investment, our net domestic investment rate would also be 0.1 percent.
Most Americans have experienced no growth in their real take home pay in decades. Those who are doing well are doing better, with income and wealth growing more unequal over time. And our government is broke. Based on the Congressional Budget Office's latest projections, the fiscal gap separating the present value of projected non-interest spending plus the official debt and the present value of projected taxes totals $211 TRILLION.
This is the mountain of obligations we ignore while focusing on the $10.3 trillion "MOLEHILL" of official debt held by the public. Decades of Enron-style accounting has permitted both parties to keep the vast majority of the government's debts off the books.
Our fiscal gap is 14 times GDP - a larger ratio than prevails in Greece or, it appears, any other developed country. Eliminating the fiscal gap without structural reform would require either an immediate and permanent 64 percent increase in all federal taxes or a 40 percent cut in all federal non-interest spending. Delaying such adjustments leaves an even bigger bill for our children.
The 2,300-page Dodd-Frank bill retained our "trust me" banking system. As a consequence, it stands poised to re-detonate, whether triggered again by fraud or by a collapse of U.S. or European government bond markets. Finally, our energy policy continues to endanger our children and our globe and enrich our enemies.
Our future lies in one place and one place only - in the well being of our children. Our sacred duty as adults is to protect their welfare. We have failed in that responsibility. Our politicians, in both parties, care, it seems, much more about the next election than the next generation.
Than vote the GOTPers out and see what happens when people who want to govern have the opportunity. But you can't say the current Congress is acting like a government when their biggest tactic is NOPE – No Obama Policy Ever.
NOPE...LMAO. I remember when he won and the news had stories of gun shops having great sales because white folks just knew that President Obama was going to enforce new gun control laws and take all thier assault rifles away. There are some folks in Colorado and now Wisconsin that wish he had made thier biggest fears come true.
Gary,
CCP understands the only threat to their rule is that Chinese people believe western style system can deliver, economically.
"Free" media and journalists have done great job to help CCP by messing up the economy. For example, when capital hill tried to pass some bills on illegal immigrants, look at what "free" media had done. Of course, "free" media will in turn ask why government don't (have the money to ) do this or do that, like they are genius.
It is unbelievable that American people buy such craps by mouth-bigger-than-butt morons.
china can lie ,cheat , contol their press " for the party" but in this day and age with freeflowing information, its just a matter of time before the truth exposes the big red lie!...look out iran your next to fall.....
Funny article. Being a Chinese, I think it just exaggerates things. People complain about the government all the time, that part is true. And also, people do turn to internet for additional information when anything big happens. But thats about it.
That's about it!!!...My friend you have very low expectations.
China is Pakistan's all weather friend and our friendship is taller than the mountains and deeper than the deepest ocean. China is a great power and all this article is about slander on China. We support China fully and completely!
Aren't the Pakistani's the ones that have been holding out thier right hand for American aide money and hiding Osama bin Ladin with thier left ? Naughty Pakies. Think this won't be forgotten when big brother India starts rattling his sabres.
China still permits slavery, the theft of ideas and technologies. They also routinely remove existing rights from their citizens. They have no problem with their wealthy murdering the not so wealthy. China is short is run by very evil people. Examples of all of this can be found on CNN's website. BUT as long as Wal-Mart keeps selling cheap chinese made tube socks we will forgive them their cruelty.
The Chinese must have hacked into your azz and stolen your virginity. Since you lost your cheery to the Chinese, what are you going to do about it? Are you going to sell your azz to your uncle at half price now, kwok head?
sad little guy arent you. cute comment but your spelling is a little weak. maybe have your mom check your spelling next time.
I wouldn't trust anything that comes out of china that isn't panda related, and even the pandas are on shakey ground with me.
So why are you still using that Chinese made dudo?
We are going to have to address your fascination with body parts...and your spelling. Everything you post has very...how do you say...fundalmentalist stench....yeah, you got issues, Maersk.
Hey, they are our best buddies now. No need to berate them. They're not Commies anymore.
Oh, wait.
Anybody else find it ironic that we are pointing fingers at an "Authoritarian regime" over an event that has cost < 100 lives when Katrina cost us nearly 2000 lives? Ludicrous war-mongering.
I still don't understand why American people trust their "free" media so dearly like media and journalists are parent-figures.
I'm not understanding your point. Our media was highly critical of our government's response to Katrina. We have a free press. China does not. The Katrina example shows this freedom of the press.
Wahaha, America is made up of people of all races, not just 'white people'. We have a free press here. There is more and more consolidation in ownership of the media but there are still small time reporters, internet bloggers, etc and things can't be hidden here by the government as easily as in China. We don't have propaganda departments actively trying to shut up people on the internet as China does.
Beth, have you ever had a thought that you might just another regenerated trash from the "Trash" that drifted across the Atlantic?
Maersk, sweetie, your attempts at being witty are a huge fail. Stop it, please. Your not impressing anyone and it's starting to make us uncomfortable.
Someone in the secret chamber of the Chinese capital is dreaming of world dominion. Its the lust for power and pride that closed his heart to the ideals of democracy, freedom, human rights, and justice. He now has the means to grab the world and like Hitler, he may no longer has the patience to wait for more time. A closed mind can only mean that armed conflict may be inevitable, its only a question of when.
We the Filipinos are at the front line of this conflict. We are the first line of defense of the free world. In the past wars and even today, we have demonstrated our courage to answer the call. We need weapons, please support us. It is wrong to brand the United States as the one behind the conflict to assert their hegemony in the area. We and Vietnam are the ones who called for the U.S., not the other way around. And to the U.S., I would like to say that no matter how bad your reputation is in some of your past foreign policies or interventions, you are still the champion of democracy. No other country comes close to what you have done in defense of freedom in history. Yes you have been bad. But other countries have also been bad. But you are the remaining beacon of hope in this terrible time. I urge you to wake up, look to God and help save the day. We Fillipinos will fight to the end, BECAUSE THEY MAY TAKE AWAY OUR LIVES, BUT THEY CAN NEVER TAKE AWAY OUR ISLANDS...I mean OUR FREEDOM!
And your only dream is to zuck another white kwok I suppose?
"The importance the party-state places on information control in portraying the Chinese Communist Party as the protector of the Chinese nation can’t be understated."
What you meant to say is either "...can't be overstated." OR "...must not be understated." It can most certainly be understated.
You're welcome.
I are everyday white christian American who think this author is liar! Communist Party is greatest thing to happen China. There are no revolutions in China every year, I bet it perfect place to vacation and live.
The Chinese Communist party is an abomination and an insult to freedom loving cultures around the world.
Kwok head, what about your uncle sending the U.S. soldiers to commit crimes against humanity in Iraq and Afghanistan?
Its okay we know they have a gun to your head.
I think the whole world other than the western countries think the US has an even bigger credibility gap.
For 50 years the US and the Soviet Union managed to avoid the catastrophe of nuclear war. Can China and the US?
China will never ever go to war with USA. However, the USA will find a reason to attack China. As you know, more and more Americans are very jealous and hate any NON-WHITE countries getting wealthier.
Attack China?? LOL
LMAO, one is JACK who is so unsure of himself he has to shout it and Name's name is Name. Lame. You both need to get out your translators, computers, Iphones, rosetta's stones or whatever else we invented to make the world a better place and get a less obvious moniker. Your taking all the fun out of trolling. Naw, I'm still having a good time. Go ahead and take yourselves seriously some more.
I hope one day the Chinese will live in a real democracy and not the current totalitarian government.
Beth, you should zuck your uncle's kwok and get another mouthful.
It's quite apparent that the Western world is engaged in a second Cold War. While the enemy is no longer the USSR, it can easily be argued that China poses an equal, if not greater threat. China is partaking in a Cold War characterized by subterfuge, grasps at economic superiority, outsourcing of labor, and espionage, as opposed to the age-old Soviet military doctrine. It isn't so much about nukes this time around as it is economic dominance. The sickening part of this whole thing is that the West appears to be blind to the threat China poses. If we were in the Soviet-era Cold War, we'd be endlessly preparing our militaries to combat any perceived threat and out propaganda machines would be in full effect. I think that it's about time that the Western world steps up to the plate and calls out China for what it really is: a threat to the West.
من هم با نویسنده موافقم و امیدوارم چینی ها بتوانند دموکراسی واقعی را تجربه کند
Do we all remember Obama's choice for White House Communications Director Anita Dunn? "Two of my favorite political philosophers: Mao Tse-tung and Mother Teresa." And who is the biggest Obama media supporter and endorses his political philosophy? The Communist News Network (this is CNN). But as long as there is a chance one of my posts might get through, many are 'moderated' even though no curse or hate words, I will give it a shot. The Democratic Party has been ambushed by 'Progressives' who even call themselves 'Progressive Democrats'. The Party is full of Anita Dunns and Van Joneses who do not have American interests at heart but rather a 'New World Order' mentality where communications are controlled. Controlled, as in former Obama Communications Director Anita Dunn's favorite political ("Power comes from the end of a gun.") philosopher, Mao Tse-Tung
I'm liberal and I find Dunn's talk about Mao troubling. I don't think it is a subject any more to joke about or speak ironically (as Dunn claims she was doing) than Hitler as Beck frequently referred to in his various anti-Democrat rants. I have zero respect for any American who calls themselves a 'Maoist'. They need to go read history and talk to people who lived through the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, etc. I do not think she is in any way representative of the Democratic party or Obama. I don't hear that type of talk at all among Democrats or liberals. Please give other examples. The Republican party is the one that scares me–giving up our rights, selling them off to the wealthiest of the wealthy. Where will that lead? When you go far left and far right they come to the same style of totalitarian government. Which side is going there faster right now? The right in America certainly is. Those who equate health care access for all to Mao's brutal dictatorship should also go take a history class.
It saddens me to see how most people care little to nothing about about other people's problems, and how they seem to think think everything is our fault or fellow americans thinking everything is the other country 's fault. the fact is the world is messed up as a whole that makes it everyone's problem. i'm tired of hearing what country can beat who's does it really matter when it's the common person dies not the leader who says " Its our right!" "Death to the godless people" "it is a threat to our freedom " and so on. All governments have wish to rule either by force or the illusion of freedom. This will not change because in the end the person power cares for its own power. And its us the people that suffer in the end thats the truth no matter where your from or what race you are we are all taught to hate each other so we turn a blind eye to what happens to people not our own and its wrong, Think about it how many people that wish peace for all with the means to do so and to help other don't get killed and live to see there dream come to pass, the reason is there is money and power from conflict and to many people desire it. I fear in the end world peace will only be achieved when the world is in pieces.
So sad?
Suicide is allowed for you muslims.
You sound as if you actually support the Maoists.
i'm not supporting any one i'm saying to many people are to concerned with personal gain and the thinking their way of of life and ideas are the right ones and damn any one else, live your life any way you want follow any religion you want there is nothing wrong with that. It's only wrong when it is forced upon others or punishing others for not accepting it and using it as an excuse to kill,that goes for any nation any religion.
As a Filipino, I remember the turn of the 19th century when the US stole our independence and massacred thousands to pacify our islands, their new colony. But you know what? I prefer American hegemony to crude Chinese imperialism. At least nowadays the US gets what it wants through subtle suasion and if you don't like it you can run to the UN or international courts. The Chinese just fabricate excuses and take what they want using military or economic force. They even damage nascent democracies by bribing government officials to seal lucrative deals for their companies. The US system of international trade, on the other hand, has allowed millions around the world to escape poverty since WWII -and, yeah, especially in China. Moreover, the US is a country made up of immigrants from different parts of the world, including Asia and it will be like a mini-UN, when the time comes that its demography and polity changes to become more representative of the world. I can't imagine another country more suitable to be a super power.
Are you saying you would rather zuck some white or black kwoks?
Dude, you must be hella old.
Authoritarian regimes have traditionally relied heavily on controlling the flow of information that their subjects receive as a critical element of maintaining political power. Next they'll be screaming to shut down talk radio an Fioxx news.
Wow; a policy wonk who finally shows that she has a clue. I was starting to wonder if all the "sky-is-falling" types would persuade American policy makers and the general public that the Chinese and the CCP were omnipotent and that we were toast. China has a lot of problems that will keep them very busy for decades, and the Chinese Communist Party is facing a Spring of its own one of these days.
Sadly their Spring will likely involve even more blood than the Arab Spring has because the CCP has such a huge policy/army sector. But the Chinese people cannot be expected to simply "take it" forever. At some point CCP B/S won't be good enough, and the Party's power won't be enough to hold back the flood.
Oh, oh you should meet facepalm28 or at least reply to it's post. You are both articulate and not crazy. Ummm, a breath of fresh air and a respite from the foreign posters and the lunatic fringe.
Thanks folks that was fun. Obama in 2012!
I am a useless piece of camel dung. I post anti American, anti GB, anti semite, anti India, anti modern anything because I am a good moooooslem. I steal people's monikers because I am so ashamed of myself and post the most stupid comment. When people get angry with me, I claim insanity. I am the same guy.