China Clamps Down on Internet News, Blogs - Los Angeles Times
Why do I consider this encouraging? A couple of reasons.
One, the government announced it. For the most part, gone are the days when the government is acting secretly. They know the word is going to get out anyway, so they are trying to "spin" the news themselves. (Remember the SARS coverup and then reaction?) What do western politicians say, stay ahead of the news cycle? They are trying to win the opinion wars with their citizens rather than just controlling what they hear (which they cannot do).
Second, they are developing regulations. For the most part, gone are the days when law enforcement is left up to the whim of local officials. Chinese citizens are demanding more of their government in controlling corruption and standardizing law enforcement.
This is another step in the move toward law-based public regulation, away from bureaucrat-based public regulation.
Are there many more steps to public involvement in shaping legislation? I think it is already happening as government takes into consideration the reactions of its people.
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Feng Shui Disharmony
Even in China, Feng Shui Disharmony - Los Angeles Times:
Much of what Overseas Chinese consider "Chinese-ness" was eradicated in China over the past 50 years. Sometimes they are surprised when they travel back to China to find that mainland people think and act differently than overseas Chinese, who have retained more of their cultural roots, including Daoist and Buddhist practices.
However, a lot of these practices are sneaking back in, in China. What was labeled "superstitious" and considered foolish and backwards by the government and more educated people in Chinese cities is now creeping back into everyday life.
This is a sign that government control is loosening over cultural life and beliefs in China (whether actively or passively), and a sign that old beliefs die hard. They may be dormant, but it's hard to eradicate worldview. You may outlaw practices, but the underlying beliefs are harder to get rid of.
"Mao Tse-tung denounced feng shui for its propensity for fraud. During the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s and '70s, it was derided as a legacy of China's feudal society. Practitioners often were persecuted. To this day, feng shui masters cannot get business licenses or legally advertise their services in China. People here understand that the practice falls in the category of superstitious activity, which is illegal."
Much of what Overseas Chinese consider "Chinese-ness" was eradicated in China over the past 50 years. Sometimes they are surprised when they travel back to China to find that mainland people think and act differently than overseas Chinese, who have retained more of their cultural roots, including Daoist and Buddhist practices.
However, a lot of these practices are sneaking back in, in China. What was labeled "superstitious" and considered foolish and backwards by the government and more educated people in Chinese cities is now creeping back into everyday life.
This is a sign that government control is loosening over cultural life and beliefs in China (whether actively or passively), and a sign that old beliefs die hard. They may be dormant, but it's hard to eradicate worldview. You may outlaw practices, but the underlying beliefs are harder to get rid of.
"Mao Tse-tung denounced feng shui for its propensity for fraud. During the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s and '70s, it was derided as a legacy of China's feudal society. Practitioners often were persecuted. To this day, feng shui masters cannot get business licenses or legally advertise their services in China. People here understand that the practice falls in the category of superstitious activity, which is illegal."
Friday, September 23, 2005
China's Yuppies
Here's a glimpse at the emerging young middle class in Chinese cities.
It's an anecdotal window on their worldview and aspirations, not comprehensive by any means, but still interesting. I think the rest of the world could really benefit from making friends with aspiring Chinese like this who will be the opinion-shapers of their country in coming years.
"Here, indeed, is the key. The "xiao zi" are not rebels; they are optimistic about China's future. But they know China still has huge problems, that there is a dangerous gap between urban well-to-do and the rural poor. They know China's headlong growth carries risks, and that they must compete in a market economy."
They are pragmatic and ambitious, idealistic in many ways but not political idealogues. They want their government to address social problems, but beyond that, they are content to improve their own lives and not get involved in politics or social action.
It's an anecdotal window on their worldview and aspirations, not comprehensive by any means, but still interesting. I think the rest of the world could really benefit from making friends with aspiring Chinese like this who will be the opinion-shapers of their country in coming years.
"Here, indeed, is the key. The "xiao zi" are not rebels; they are optimistic about China's future. But they know China still has huge problems, that there is a dangerous gap between urban well-to-do and the rural poor. They know China's headlong growth carries risks, and that they must compete in a market economy."
They are pragmatic and ambitious, idealistic in many ways but not political idealogues. They want their government to address social problems, but beyond that, they are content to improve their own lives and not get involved in politics or social action.
Monday, September 19, 2005
Shenzhen Rises
Just about anybody who has spent time in China could give you this quote from an article on the birth and growth of Shenzhen:
Said Rick Cui, a computer engineer who bolted Atlanta for a job in Shenzhen two years ago: "Here all anybody talks about is how to make money."
Said Rick Cui, a computer engineer who bolted Atlanta for a job in Shenzhen two years ago: "Here all anybody talks about is how to make money."
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Is Innovation Shifting to Asia?
Seems like more engineering breakthroughs are occurring in Asia. Is it true innovation, will it affect other domains like management and arts, or is it just a technology development?
What's So Great About Two-Party System?
This AP article questions whether the LDP's big win will help or hurt the Japanese political system.
My question is, in this age of globalization, where countries are competing against each other, do governments need internal competition to make them effective?
Can governments like Singapore's and China's and Japan's reform themselves so that their societies improve and citizens are more prosperous because it is in their self-interest, without pressure from a strong opposition party?
My question is, in this age of globalization, where countries are competing against each other, do governments need internal competition to make them effective?
Can governments like Singapore's and China's and Japan's reform themselves so that their societies improve and citizens are more prosperous because it is in their self-interest, without pressure from a strong opposition party?
Reactionary Government
We all know the stories of government waste, like these quoted in Monday's USA Today article, "Some Say Congress Going Overboard on Aid." Groups (like Congress) have a harder time being disciplined than individuals (like heads of agencies) do. There will always be this kind of over-reaction. The important thing is to prepare ahead of time so that the incidents that lead to it are minimized.
"The federal government has a long record of responding quickly to disasters, only to see money diverted for questionable uses that have little or nothing to do with its intended purpose.
"For example, Ervin's successor, acting DHS Inspector General Richard Skinner, is investigating why the government bought new clothing, furniture and appliances after last year's Florida hurricanes for residents of Miami-Dade County, which mostly escaped damage.
"There was waste, as well, in money spent after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to improve security. Small business loans meant to help recovery from the attacks went to a day care center, a veterinarian's office and a golf course hundreds of miles away in Georgia, the Associated Press found. Grand Forks, N.D., got more biochemical protective suits than it has police officers. And a contractor hired to help find airport screeners drew $5.4 million for nine months' work, according to a federal audit."
"The federal government has a long record of responding quickly to disasters, only to see money diverted for questionable uses that have little or nothing to do with its intended purpose.
"For example, Ervin's successor, acting DHS Inspector General Richard Skinner, is investigating why the government bought new clothing, furniture and appliances after last year's Florida hurricanes for residents of Miami-Dade County, which mostly escaped damage.
"There was waste, as well, in money spent after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to improve security. Small business loans meant to help recovery from the attacks went to a day care center, a veterinarian's office and a golf course hundreds of miles away in Georgia, the Associated Press found. Grand Forks, N.D., got more biochemical protective suits than it has police officers. And a contractor hired to help find airport screeners drew $5.4 million for nine months' work, according to a federal audit."
Monday, September 12, 2005
Rebuilding America
I've been a big supporter of de-regulation and downsizing of government ever since I started voting in the '70s. But like most Americans, I'm angry at how inept our government appears in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
This opinion in the LA Times criticizes Republicans for demonizing big government. We need to look to government to take the lead in rebuilding our cities, not only in New Orleans. While private enterprise and voluntary organizations are wonderful, we need more of an activist government marshalling their energies, not a passive government waiting for the initiative of others.
This opinion in the LA Times criticizes Republicans for demonizing big government. We need to look to government to take the lead in rebuilding our cities, not only in New Orleans. While private enterprise and voluntary organizations are wonderful, we need more of an activist government marshalling their energies, not a passive government waiting for the initiative of others.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
American Compromise
This article in today's NY Times illustrates one of the shortcomings of Ameican society - how debate and compromise on issues to try and please everybody sometimes leads to solutions that seem to please nobody.
Why do we find a shortage of bold moves by public leaders that create value for American society? Are efforts doomed from the start because of competing opinions in American culture?
Why do we find a shortage of bold moves by public leaders that create value for American society? Are efforts doomed from the start because of competing opinions in American culture?
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