Posted on 08/07/2008 2:02:50 PM PDT by dragnet2
Radio report, broke this as breaking
Mark Knowler with KFI is stuck on the aircraft...Not being allowed to be left off the aircraft.
Well, I actually agree with you. But your comments are rather absolute. Do you mean a high tech information economy where China will have a global reach as significant as the aggregate Western World? Yes, eventually, China will have to be a fully democratic country to handle that sort of position. But in the early stages, is it necessary? Today's China exports in one day what they did in all of 1978. So, it must have worked so far. But as its econimic power begins to approach parity with the entire Western World (and I'm guessing around 2040 or so), then yes, they will need to begin that transition into democracy from now and until then.
And there is some push already. You realize there are tens of thousands of protests in China every year. And much of the global focus on China's human rights (though many in China deem it unfairly), in some ways is a blessing in disguise (though that's not the intention of the media for it to be a blessing). There maybe an overthrow, I can't predict, but if there is one, it won't be bannana respublic style or like what happened in Thailand recently. Probably more like S. Korea style in the late 80's.
But my beef has always been: what if China meets the qualifications of a respecter of human rights and eventually develops into democracy? Will those on the FR be supportive of it even if it means China gains parity with the entire Western World? I don't believe so.
Look what's happening in the world right now. Russia just invaded Georgia. I can tell you, had it been China invading Taiwan, the response on this board would have been swarmed with FReepers like never before. As it stands, alot of the responses to Russia's invasion of Georgia is rather tame. Even when compared to detaining of journalists at a Beijing airport :)
I think folks assume that during the Mao years, all vestiges of prior china were wiped out and forgotten. That is not the case. Under the table there was the old, veryold china that was a nation of small businesses.
Many fled the mainland to Manila, Singapore, Jakarta where they became the Overseas Chineese. They establised large and powerful businesses. Some would say they came to control business. This was certainly true in Manila.
The notion that change in the largest society on earth can come quickly is ridiculous. They haven’t determined yet what they want much less how to go about getting it. They are using what they have to hold things together while consensus is developed.
The resurgance of business and strong capitalism is de facto proof that old line communism is faltering. It is being replaced by both the ancient and completely modern.
Even though you guys are out of your minds on this issue, I must admit, you both make good and interesting arguments. Well done.
Yes, I agree. But I would like to add it is more than just holding things together. China is planning to spend trillions of dollars on infrastructure in the coming decades. And large scale public works can only be done expediciously under an authoritarian government. Look at Shanghai's subway system. They began building in the early 90's and expect to be comepleted by 2020 or so. It is expected to be the most extensive in the world. This can only be done in such a short time if public authorities can move people without it being bogged down with public hearings. And most people in Shanghai accept this reality.
People in China realize how important it is to continue building unabated. Whether it be subways, airports, freeways, railways, ports, power plants, office towers, etc. The authoritative powers to move people, in the long run, will turn out to be a blessing in disguise.
You are right, the old capitalistic China was always there. With adequte infrastructure (and hopefully, someday an abundance), they could really excell onto the global stage in business.
we had a good discussion.....
One last thought. I just saw Bret Baird give a report on the olympics. There were staged events and unstaged street scenes. Prominent in both were many smiling faces of very pretty young women. They look happy and intent on what they are doing. They are dressed in western stylish clothing of bright colors. They are not the dour gray communist faces of days of the not to distant past.
I would ask you to look and see.
I've reached the stage in life where the small fries are all I should be eating, anyway. Since the refills are free, I don't really need a large drink. And the burger is the same size. So I do a cost analysis. At some McD's the Happy Meal is the most cost - effective combination.
Fair enough. People always give me crap when we’re out at the bar pounding a few down and I order a kid’s burger with those smiley fries. Ya know, you don’t need a whole meal, but you do need a bit of a drinkin’ base.
Thanks. Have a good weekend everyone :)
What’s with the Chinese, our press will be praising the commies to the sky!
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