Battling against a Beijing demolition

Dan, San Diego, California — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 21:03:55 GMT

With the current economic recession in the United States and abroad it is not likely that the U.N. will delve too deep into China's affairs. If they do it may only be a few isolated cases of jailing or public repression.What kind of oversight will they bring to bear? Will the thousands of repressed citizens of China ever see justice or freedom to live? I will keep my hope for them.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Randy, Graham, Texas — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 21:04:09 GMT

I am so sorry for the oppressed Chinese people. I am so incredibly grateful to be a free American.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Warren Chu, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 21:27:20 GMT

Kudos to correspondent Adrienne Mong for bringing to attention these kind of injustices that Chinese citizens are suffering. Corrupted government officials are the major obstacle to democratic reforms in China. Dong Jiqin is looking at us for help so we must all get involved and voice our opinions.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

aaron — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 23:54:02 GMT

forget the olympics. this is the real china.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

mh columbus Ne — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 23:58:05 GMT

this is a good exampale, why the second amendment must not be comprimised, by the corrupt politions in this county

Battling against a Beijing demolition

James, Pittsburgh, PA — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 00:20:43 GMT

hmmm... I'm starting to notice a pattern in these type of articles. It's always one sided, no effort was even made to get the story from the other side. sometimes it reads more like thinly viled propaganda than journalism. Then again, i guess when you are preaching to the chior, you don't need to be objective.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Peter R. Stricker — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 00:25:31 GMT

The people of China are up against terrorists that run the country. There is no freedom in China. The ruling party even terrorizes Buddhist monks, the people of Tibet. All this while the world watches and does nothing. Of course the reason is money. Americans want cheap items and they do not care where, how or who makes it as long as they get the cheapest price for their tvs and other electonics. The 2008 Olympics showed the world just how cruel China really is. They are no better than the North Koreans, Iran and the butchers in African countries.
If anyone thinks the US or other western countries will do anything about this, you head is in the sand.
Money talks!!
Peter R. Stricker

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Land of Jimi H. — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 01:00:20 GMT

What a disgrace the government greed has brought upon itself!

Battling against a Beijing demolition

J MacFarlane — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 01:06:42 GMT

Keep up the pressure for a decent replacement home for Dong. The hutong is a loss, but there are hundreds of thousands of apartments being built all over China and he deserves one at the very least. He deserves support from the UN.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Frank, Wuhan , China — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 01:50:00 GMT

The reporter should do a story on how the government & prosecutors are abusing their prosecutorial powers and using RICCO laws to dispossess Americans of their housing and assets. A similiar story of corruption, is it not?

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Steve, Minneapolis — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 02:02:44 GMT

How else would China build so rapidly and completely change the face of all of their cities. This just hasn't been published....there must be millions of people with the same story.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Peter Melbourne Victoria — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 02:15:45 GMT

It is so stupid and a shame the olympics came and gone and this is getting worse for china, all the developments they do without thinking about the people and enviroment and they still treat their own and their neighbours like . It is an insult by the greeks who did not stop or threaten to stop the olympics. This is the truth behind the olympic city

Battling against a Beijing demolition

L.Fair, Dalian, PRC — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 02:23:03 GMT

Another example of biased and slanted reporting of events in China. Dong does not own his home...no private individual owns land in China. At best an individual can purchase a 70 year lease on property. The government is probably only exercising its legal right as the owber of the land in demolishing Dong's home. Get your facts straight! As to the other issue relatibg to the incarceration his wife, I can't comment except that dissidents anywhere in the world (including the USA) are often denied basic civil rights.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Randy — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 02:42:20 GMT

Didn't we do something like this here? They went all the way to the Supreme court and lost? I think they built a shopping mall for the "puplic good" rather than let a run down neighborhood (people's homes) stay as the property was near a river. This report does not suprise me in a land that is still 100% communistic. I feel bad for those people, but, it's their country, not mine.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Jim, Vancouver, Canada — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 03:14:37 GMT

This is indeed one-sided reporting. The vast majority of these people never owned these homes nor paid a dime for them, the accommodation was provided by the state owned enterprise they worked for. As these people are moved out of these areas they are offered a deeply discounted price on an apartment in a new building and a very good rate on a mortgage for whatever amount they cannot pay for. The new apartments have all the modern amenities while the homes in the hutongs are usually a single room not much bigger than a typical western bedroom and there is one water spigot for everyone and communal toilet facilities down the road that are just holes in the floor. The mens' side has an added trough for urination.

When almost every area is demolished there are a few holdouts that try to hold up the demolition in an attempt to extort some money out of the developer who doesn't want to face costly delays. These people have learned to use the western press as a tool to further their efforts at extortion.

Often these same people will decry the destruction of the traditional hutongs but while the hutongs are traditional the accommodation these people live has only existed since 1949 when thousands of people from the countryside were moved into the cities and extra rooms were built into the traditional homes, really just shanty towns. Most of these buildings were never maintained and are completely beyond restoration. The few that were restorable have been and are beautiful relics of a time past and are protected by government regulation from destruction or alteration.

Yes, the old hutongs had much more sense of neighborhood and density was so high that your neighbors were more like family but they were also terribly unsanitary. There is good reason that one of the most common flu bugs is referred to as "Beijing Flu."

This is not to say there is no corruption nor other problems. China has many problems to solve but over the 15 years I have been involved with China, most of them living there, I have seen the living standard of everyone, even those in the countryside, improve dramatically. Sadly, I have also seen the quality of journalism decline to a similar degree.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Alex, New York, NY — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 03:33:28 GMT

First of all, let me say that I feel extremely sorry for the man losing his wife. However, after seeing many cases of one-sided arguments, I personally want to know the other side of the story. There is no doubt that the treatment the guy got is vile, but is that the end of the story? Or was there something more to it that the guy didn't mention? For those of you wondering, no, I am not a communist. I am just broader minded than some.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Daniel Berglund, Surprise, AZ — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 03:46:29 GMT

How about we stop feeling sorry for these poor people, and after examining the labels, STOP, STOP, buying anything made in China.

This is the only way that we-the-people- have any "say" in what the heck is going on.

When our say is gone, they will not let us speak.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Myron Traveller, Cambridge, England — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 04:04:40 GMT

It is sad that China allows these injustices perhaps in its great leap forward it has forgot the ordinary people who are the mainstream of all nations. It seems justice is a very distant cousin of the law in Bejing.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Local Reporter/Activist — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 04:04:47 GMT

The majority of the people are still oppressed by the government and corrupt officials with no rights or freedom of speech. The only people who say they are not oppressed are rich city folks who are just as corrupted, their voices are easily heard by outsiders which covers the truth about china.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

eric, Seattle, Wash — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 04:07:16 GMT

Having been to China and staying in Beijing many times in the last year I have seen the demolition of many of the hutongs and the developement of modern housing and shoping areas, I have not noticed the homeless people. I live near Seattle and see many homeless persons on a regular basis. The standard of living is increasing in Beijing for all of the people that I witness. The small street food vendors that had wooden carts to to prepare their foods on one year ago have been provided with modern aluminum food preperation stands to do the same tasks. China is only doing what every city in the United States completed many years ago and removed the small downtown neighborhood and replaced them with more conventional downtown buildings including apartments. I think that James has it right.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Bill Brooks, Portland, Oregon — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 04:36:44 GMT

Interesting article but still just an article. We need more information and a method to verify any and all information we can see or hear.

I look at the lies and exaggerations spewed forth by George W. Bush during his illegal lying to Congress while listing phony stories up to secure signatures from Congressmen to invade Iraq, and other such lies such as all those rejected by United States Citizens, as told by McCain during his failed and disgusting effort running for the office of President.

What ever happened to our pride in country and true honesty?

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Jersey Dave, Ocean City, NJ — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 04:51:16 GMT

We should stand up for human rights no matter where or with what country.

One thing GWB and Bill Clinton both did - Clinton in Bosnia and Kosovo, Bush in Afghanistan and Iraq.

With China, Darfur etc. Obama has his work cut out for him. I hope he is OK for the sake of all of us and the people who are in danger in those places.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

R E Shanghai, China — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 05:15:28 GMT

I am an American currently in China. Believe it or not, stories like this are broadcast on the English speaking television stations here in China. Most Chinese are well aware of the corruption and they support the "Party" out of necessity only. A change is coming but it is a long ways off.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

John J. Garcia, 535 W. Vassar Avenue, Fresno, CA, 93705 — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 06:09:07 GMT

Anyone heard if "Manifest Destiny" and "Eminent Domain" in the U.S.? Research before making unwarranted assumptions.

A Native American teaching and living in China.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Bjornson Aloha Oregon — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 06:15:57 GMT

"Will the thousands of repressed citizens of China ever see justice or freedom to live?"

Free. Free of anxiety? Free of a web of debt, paying "interest" just to live. Every system has its own yokes to harvest the energy of its continuance. Here it is interest, there it is power. And this story could easily, with a few minor modifications, be transferred to America. We hear the stories often, "They're pushing us out!?". We don't pay attention.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Ivan, Pittsburgh, PA — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 06:37:57 GMT

James, I might point out that attempts to inquire about this sort of issue usually have one of four possible results:

A) The government official tows the party line and states that the person being held does not exist and that there are no problems in the workers paradise. The prisoner is then killed.
B) The government official states that they do exist, promises to look into this matter, and then does nothing. The prisoner may enjoy an increase in beatings from guards.
C) The government official admits the person does exist and tries to shift blame to his subordinates. The prisoner may remain in prison or is killed.
D) The government official tows the state line and then investigates the issue and attempts to do something about it. If they're lucky, they will only be demoted/fired/forced to flee. If they're unlucky, they're killed, and the prisoner 'disappears'.

Welcome to the gulags, tovarishch.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

L. Sansone, New York, NY — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 06:43:46 GMT

My lord! If China does not wake up and "smell the coffee", it will have an uprising at some point in time. My heartfelt sorrow to those like Dong Jiqin who will be displaced without any alternative housing provided by the government. If China thinks it is the equivalent of the Roman Empire - well we all know that it crumbled in the end.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Someone in China — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 07:25:21 GMT

James, Pittsburgh, PA- A response to your statement.

Although in America we are quite familiar with biased media and thus prone to look for the other side of the story, this is a totally different setting my friend.

I'm Canadian and have been living in China (Beijing) for nearly 5 years. I am very familiar with this type of situation. I know many locals who live in such traditional Beijing Neighborhoods and were evicted from their homes, my friend actually owns a house in such a state. Although they do not live there anymore (only one uncle does), they do still own the house. The government is forcing them to sell it for not even a fraction of what the property is actually worth. This is China. The government owns the country, and consequently owns YOU (Chinese citizens)

The reason why they don't get the other side of the story is that there is no other side. To a totalitarian government, there is only one side, theirs. If you do not conform to this, they either intimidate you or imprison you. Nothing here is by the book, and the regulations are not an obligation. They depend and apply only to whom you are connected to. If you are lucky , you know a government official and he will help you get a better price on your house, that's it.

After the all traditional housing is out of the way, they make new apartment buildings. The folks that used to live in those houses are given a small amount (% of the house value) and are sent out. They cannot live in the new apartment buildings unless they can pay the insane price attached to them.(They would of been able to if they would have been appropriately compensated for their property loss). Look at how much a Square Feet is worth now in Beijing. The traditional houses are in the center of the city's inner 2nd ringroad (highway) which is the most expensive area of the entire region. New apartment buildings in these areas sell houses for about 12 000 Yuan per SQUARE FEET. Thats about 2000$ USD for a Square feet. Most apartments are about 100 to 200 in such a building. Can you afford that? Most people here can't. Specially not people such as this man in the news article who's whole family lived in one property and that IT was their main fortune.

No there are not millions in Beijing in this bad situation since these kinds of traditional housing projects are very rare now. However in the country side there are millions of farmers having their lands taken out from under them and transformed into industrial compounds, manufactures and apartment complexes. These people have no other work, they have no education and not enough saving to cover the expense of a whole family living in new project housing with no work. Not enough money to send their kids to new school and assure a place to stay. No, school isn't government funded like in canada and other civilized countries.

Trust me, the injustices go on and on. One day the world will take notice of China, hopefully and will give it's people the human rights that they deserve.

I'm sorry I don't say my name, but I wouldn't dare to do that while still living here.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

John Doe, Chicago, IL — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 07:38:49 GMT

We live in a world of national sovereignty. People have only those rights which their governments give them. There are very very few fundamental human rights to which all people are entitled, and this story does not regard any of them. The idea that everyone, everwhere, is entitled to a degree of justice that amounts to "fairness" is simply wrong. China does not have the same kind of justice or priorities as America. Get over it, you California hippies.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Jordan, Seattle WA + Beijing — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 08:45:54 GMT

What the western media forget to mention is how much MONEY ($$$) the Beijing govt is paying to this lady to 'evict' her from her home. It will be in at least the 6 figures US$. Xicheng. My grandmother was one of the happily 'evicted' residents of these 'flat houses' as they call it. The Beijing govt wrote a check for 780,000 RMB (That's $125,000 USD) for her 1000 sq share. And my grandmother was in the outskirts of Beijing. This woman's home is near the city center, and she will be compensated at least over $200,000, money she can use to buy a place elsewhere in the city.

She should not be complaining.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Gone.native in Tianjin China — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 09:32:50 GMT

James fr PA has nailed a valid point. As a sponsored American academic living near Beijing since 2004, i've been truly amazed at the WESTERN propaganda machine which fills reams with such incitements, while propounding 'truth' from its inevitably ethnocentric pov. While Mr. Dong's plight may be an example of the multiple 'waves of mutilation' continuing to wash over China, there is a very telling quote hidden before our eyes: "Of the...people...who used to live in the traditional courtyard house, he is the last one holding out in this...hutong." There is no mention of the repeated government attempts to provide compensation commensurate with the 'inflicted suffering' - and if You were to walk through many of the hutong areas, you might wonder that anyone could find comfort in such conditions. This is the push factor moving government services to use new-found prosperity to relocate such persons in an ongoing effort to revitalize cities like Beijing. We have only the words of a stubborn old man and a disenfranchised lawyer fighting perceived injustice for our sources here. Where is the 'democratic' notion of displaying another pov, or providing even a representational dialogue? My heart goes out to Dong and Ni, but please be cautious when passing snap judgments on a whole nation in the throes of change, the likes of which the West can scarce imagine. Where was your voice when the USSC destroyed private property rights? Or while the Bush League rendered so many other 'sacred' rights obsolete? An ancient proverb; before you admonish your neighbor's infidelities, make sure you know where Your wife is!

Battling against a Beijing demolition

JWF — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 09:48:45 GMT

Have any one of you posting your silly comments here actually been to China? Just as I thought, so shut up. Me? Oh, I live in China and it isn't what the US media always spin it out to be.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Shaun huang Louisville Ky — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 10:19:38 GMT

The reporter has no ideal the true story, Beijing has been move residents for development since 1992, there is no way Mr.Dong don't know he has to move.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Ron, Vancouver, Wa — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 11:42:05 GMT

I spent a week in Beijing visiting my son this past spring, and yes, this is going on. The government is tearing down these small, sprawled developments for space and because the multi-story apartments look better to visitors. It displaces a lot of people, but at the same time, employs a lot more.

Yes, it is bs, but what do you expect from a communist government?

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Nancy, Orlando, FL — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 12:23:13 GMT

So sad - what is extremely more sad is that this may soon be happening in the United States with our change from being a republic to a socialist country.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

C. E. Sylvester, Dewey, AZ — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 12:26:08 GMT

I was in Tianamen Square, Beijing, China when students had their confrontation with the Police. There are very tight controls over all activities in China. The "Rules of the Day" are very harsh and the people take the brunt. I do not know how much longer the Chinese People can put up with a system that keeps them under the thuimb of a supposed leader at every turn of their life. Chinese citizens need to be free. They are good people.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Jon Smith, Greenville, NC — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 12:53:39 GMT

Obama, the new president elect will learn from China and SHARE THE WEALTH. Don’t be so concern with things that Berry Obama can’t correct the US will soon have many more problems then she herself can handle.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Joe Doaks, Long Beach, California — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 12:57:28 GMT

What un-socialist conduct from a purportedly socialist country. The government there practices all of the most dark and sinister aspects of robber baron capitalism. The government can no longer call itself socialist. the Communist Party of China no longer serves the interest of the people or workers. It should change its name to the National Socialist Party of China! Shame on them!!!

Battling against a Beijing demolition

111 st st — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 13:01:24 GMT

Free American? We do the same thing here, but we use the fancy big words term of "Eminent Domain". As usual, a bunch of comments from alot of woodchucks who never been to China and only believe what they have seen or read from the media.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Jeff, Shanghai, China — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 13:02:23 GMT

I think we should be concerned about the homeless Americans first. I currently live in Shanghai and don't remember the last time I saw what I would consider a homeless person. However, when I lived in the Minneapolis/St.Paul area I frequently saw numerous homeless people. Many lived under interstate bridges and in caves along the river. Also, I lived in Hawai'i on the island of Oahu. At times, I felt as if there were more homeless people than tourists. I do feel bad for Mr. Jiqin and his wife, but know that there are people in the US that I should also be concerned about.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Mike Stamets, Round Rock, Texas — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 13:07:44 GMT

It is obvious that Adrienne Mong did try to get the story from the other side, but no one would admit that they were responsible, including the government. It is a brave person who questions the corpulant, gassy leaders of the communist party. Great job Adrienne Mong. It's too bad that Chinese communist party running dogs insist on voicing their opinions in these forums.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

WC, NYC,NY — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 13:13:36 GMT

The jailing of people without notification or answering to any family members is a true occurence in China. Their legal system is rifted with many inconsistencies and archiac political-backed influences-it not whether a person committed any crimes, it's more if the person is a hinderence to the country's proud "economic" push to become a powerhouse on the world stage!

Battling against a Beijing demolition

John D, Durham, NC — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 13:22:30 GMT

So, China violates human rights as they try to develop their country and improve their standard of living, which they do by making and selling material goods to us. Then, we get upset when they do bad things to their people and their environment in an effort to meet our material demands. Maybe our hunger to maintain our standard of living, a standard which the Chinese are also seeking, encourages or even requires the behavior that we depise. We are not blameless in their current behavior or in our own history. That said, I hope Mr. Jiqin and his wife and daughter are soon reunited and safe.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Sahar, Rhode Island — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 13:23:41 GMT

Preaching to the choir? If we are the choir we are not singing loudly enough! More articles like this are desparately needed; not just covering China but other areas of the "developing" world like Venezuala, Egypt, and Mexico. And we also need to look over our own shoulders where we DO need development so that our people can live in safety and comfort. Areas still damaged by Katrina perhaps?

Battling against a Beijing demolition

William Olson — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 13:44:18 GMT

There are many other stories which is favour of government reconstruction plans. The majority of Chinese people are for the plan and not against it. This article is nothing but one-sided and bias. Most of these people who are against the plan are greedy and asking for more money that is already a lot more than they needed...Please people here in US, don't jump into conclusion that Chinese government is evil. I feel sorry for you in Amercia, only hear one-sided story and you are being fooled by your media.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Ivy, Corona, California — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 14:08:03 GMT

Remember T SQUARE, when China rolled out tanks and sent soldiers to stop their citizens from demonstrating...and what about the continent of Africa with all the policies of death and destruction inflicted on so many by just a few. This man and his family are the casualties of the tyrannical policies of the few. How else can the few effectively control the may.
MAN'S IN HUMANITY TO MAN knows no bounds.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Dennis, Minnesota — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 14:08:24 GMT

Didn't I read a report last year about improper use of eminent domain on the east coast of, hm, I believe it was the U.S.A. I guess corruption is not isolated to the Chinese government.

I also wonder why Dong is the only one in his neighborhood that is left. Have the others found alternate housing? Are the others that passive, or have they been treated fairly? Does the government normally provide housing in a different location? New housing once the area is developed? Obviously a city that is developing so fast is going to have to use eminent domain, it's just a question of whether or not they are fair in the process. This blog leaves many questions unanswered.

Most disturbing, however, is that a citizen can be held for 200+ days without some kind of legitimate court action. This brings out the need for a just legal system, as well as a free press.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Andrew, Statesboro, GA — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 14:19:28 GMT

I read a poem many years ago by Martin Niemöller it goes like this, "In Germany, they came first for the Communists, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Communist; And then they came for the trade unionists, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist; And then they came for the Jews, And I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew; And then . . . they came for me . . . And by that time there was no one left to speak up."
If the Chinese want to live like the west they have to speak up. I don’t mean one or two lonely voices now and again. Not a few thousand activists marching in a square. It takes millions knocking down palace walls and government buildings. It will take idealistic men who will seize power from the unjust and being men of such unshakeable virtue they willingly give it back to the people and not become the next Dictator in a line of Dictators.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Jim, Orlando, Florida — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 14:21:13 GMT

Hmmm, James from Pittsburgh. I've been traveling to China about 7-8 times per year since 1995. Firt, the stories are one-sided because no Gvt official is going to comment on something "that is a totally untrue fabrication". Second, I've met many of these people, been in their homes (hovels?), and stayed in the Marriott constructed on the same piece ofd ground a couple of years later. It may appear there is some reporter "dramatizing" of these situations, btu from my detailed experience, let me say "it ain't much".

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Jim, Orlando, Florida — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 14:22:32 GMT

Hmmm, James from Pittsburgh. I've been traveling to China about 7-8 times per year since 1995. Firt, the stories are one-sided because no Gvt official is going to comment on something "that is a totally untrue fabrication". Second, I've met many of these people, been in their homes (hovels?), and stayed in the Marriott constructed on the same piece of ground a couple of years later. It may appear there is some reporter "dramatizing" of these situations, buu from my detailed experience, let me say "it ain't much".

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Malcolm, Tucson, AZ — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 14:24:11 GMT

Hmmm....what was it that our president -elect said about China? Nothing but admiration for what they had built in such a short period of time. And that he could understand why corporations would want to be based in China. America beware.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Bruce Yip — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 14:46:58 GMT

That just goes to show that The USA is not the only place needing drastic change. If they had the right to bear arms? due process?

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Doyle, Houston, Texas — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 14:56:26 GMT

Then there is the FBI report that it appears China was hacking into the McCain and Obama websites to gather information on their policy leanings with regard to China. Therefore I would not be surprised if Chinese money in the tens of millions were used to send to chinese partisans in this country to send to the Obama campaign after they decided his and not McCains policies favored their government. Obama campaign has never explained where all that $100,000,000 at the end of theri campaign came from.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Pete — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 15:06:11 GMT

I feel very sad for these people and for China. China has such great potential, with it's history, culture and human resources to be a good force in this world. It must first be a good force for it's own most humble people if it is to take on the mantle of a world leader. The leadership of China must find a way to protect it's poorest citizens, otherwise it will not stay in power for very long. They must find the wisdom to deliver real enforceable property rights for their citizens.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

rick lab poquoson, virginia — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 15:11:33 GMT

no country should be allowed to be a member of the united nations if they continue to abuse, torture and falsely imprison thier citizens.when the chinese government violates the rights of their own people with such attrocities, it is the united nations responsibilty to step in and sanction them into compliance. their treatment of their people is inexcusable and something must be done...now

Battling against a Beijing demolition

kate, Turks — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 15:14:26 GMT

The Olympics are over, so why are the Chinese Gov still trying to oust people from their homes, what they should be doing is help these people by redeveloping their homes, not trying to throw them out and leave them desolate, i really can't believe that in this day an age that this is still happening throughout the world and not just China.
The UN is a joke.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Angie, Tucson, AZ — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 15:22:27 GMT

I came back from a visit in China two weeks ago, and while I was visiting a similar neighborhood in Xi'an, I could hear a message being played over and over again on a loudspeaker in the streets. I asked our tour guide what they were saying on the loudspeaker and she said it was the government "persuading" the people there to move so they could demolish the houses and build large apartment buildings to beautify the city. I don't know about you, but I think "persuade" is an awfully gentle term for a message that is played over and over again, very loud, day and night in this community. A more appropriate term would be "torture."

Battling against a Beijing demolition

John Doe, Seattle, Washington — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 15:36:12 GMT

chinese authorities sicken me.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Jim-Denver, Co. — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 15:56:39 GMT

And the lying, cheating, immoral, communist regime of the governing body of crooked China continues on its path of repression of its peoples and the manufacturing of lying evidence to achieve its goals.
That being to scr-w over any and all Chinese citizens who dare say or to get in its way of communist nation building.
What a despicable government.
China not only lies to the rest of the world on a regular basis, but has the rest of the world so scared of its murdering government that the OIC won't even call them on the lies about their gymnastic female athletes.
Doesn't matter though, the Olympics will never ever be held in their stinking nation again.
The only thing the Chinese government does on a regular basis, and something the rest of the world can count on, is for China to continue lying to the rest of the world about anything and everything.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Lon Mathis Hammond, Oregon — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 15:58:55 GMT

Now people should begin to understand why our constituiton allows us to keep and bare arms." To protect the populace from our own government" These poor people have no hope in fairness of any kind from their own government. Isn't communism grand? NO recourse, no guns, no way to escape.
LOn

Battling against a Beijing demolition

jae — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 16:10:34 GMT

this has been very interesting reading. I am trying to figure out why this is international news. there are so many atrocities happening here in our own country, but i guess it's not important if it's not happenong in a foreign country, and someone can make a "cause" out of it. Has anyone noticed that causes are more important to everyone if you never really have to touch those involved? Think about it. Try making a difference outside your own front door, maybe the ripples will carry out, and more eople will feel the need to change things.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Dan, Lihue, HI — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 16:14:16 GMT

They don't have First Amendment rights and a Second Amendment to guarantee the First.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Esperanza Cordova — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 17:10:37 GMT

We need to boycott items imported from China until China stops its oppression.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

James, pittsburgh, PA — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 17:56:16 GMT

Jim, from Orlando. I can't speak for anyone else, but my grandmother who use to live in one of those hovels, and I have lived in that hovel for 3 years as a child when she was taking care of me. She was given a new high rise apartment as compensation when they came and torn down her one room, 300 sqft hovel, with no indoor plumbing, heating system, and fire hazard electrical wiring. Her new apartment had a living room that was bigger than the hovel, and all the modern amenities. She was extremely happy, so was all her neighbors, who got similar compensation, cept for one. The one that held out demanded 5 times the compensations of what others got. I immediately knew who that person was. He was the neighbor that had no job when the communist China really had 100% employment rate before the "opening up". Nobody knew exactly what he did for a living. Despite having no job, he was the first on the block to get a TV set. All the neighbors wispered that he was shady and underhanded. anyone who deal with him always end up on the lossing end. so it was no suprise that he was the last hold out. The truth is he already was living in a high rise apartment, that nobody knew how he got. Of course the local police knew all about him, so they put him under arrest and tored his house down while he was in jail. He got the same compensation as everyone else, but all the neighbors think it was more than what he deserved. I'm not saying the person in this article is the same, but just that the story is extrmely one sided. it's totally based on the words of this one person who had a vested interest to appear as a victim. I don't even see the reporter making an effort to talk to this guy's formal neighbors and check into his true financial situations. But of course, when you are writting to an audience who have no interest but to affirm their belief in the worst of Chinese government, then you don't really have to fact check or exercise journalistic integrity.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Bydand — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 18:09:30 GMT

James, did you expect to get anything other than one side? The chinese government does as it pleases and offers NO explanations. Rather it simply makes those who complain, disappear to be "re-educated" But then I have no doubt you voted for "change" as well.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Shawn — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 18:12:51 GMT

I'm Chinese and I know a thing or two why kind of stories keep happening.

It is definitely true that "in general" the government is trying to give the residents reasonable, and sometimes favorable offers for existing tenants to settle elsewhere.

The problem is that this is only true in "in general" and there are many exceptions. Given how many thousands of such projects are going on, given the lack of constitutional protection of the rights of property owners, given that the government doesn't even consider them "owners", given that the government can define at its will what these tenants really own (as of now, they don't own the land, they are merely given right to use this land for 70 years, starting when? I don't know), given that some officials in the government are indeed bullies (because they have unchecked powers), such things happen.

Both sides can genuinely claim that they are victims. Maybe they are both right from their own perspectives.

The tenants see that their prime location of residence is moved far off the center of the city and see the values changed so dramatically over a few years.

On the other side, the government officials are so "tired" and even afraid of demonstrations - an official can easily lose his post if large demonstration happen in his/her jurisdiction. When they are indeed too "tired" then they get angry. When they get angry, bad things happen.

There is no win-win mindset here. I think the real solution still is for the government side to improve its genuine interests in seeing its people benefit from such development.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Bon McInlao San Diego,CA. — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 18:13:36 GMT

The story like this one is everywhere in the World.For China,it's just a normal routine because the Government is so rich of US Dollars.Don't blame the Chinese Government because we are sending them the $$$$.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Republic Of Texas — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 18:34:29 GMT

All countries need to boycott China completely or put high tariffs on ALL of the goods they export to the entire world. The few rich in China are capitalising and exploiting the middle class and poor of their own country. For starters , don't buy anything made in China if at all possible, however I know this seems impossible at this point because it seems like evrything you pick up in a store is made in china but we must try as a country. China has already taken over the USA and other countries finanacially. So whats next? Open your eyes America or should I say Obamination!

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Shashi Vasan, MA — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 18:54:59 GMT

You know with Bush having some 60days left in the WhiteHouse, you'd have thunk that this President's impeachment would have been better for all Americans and the rest of the world in general. Hey, have you ever seen the US making aggressive policy making boycotting Chinese consumer products. We are so dependent on the cheap labor & production of China that, we are slaves to that country and nothing would be done very least said, in fear of alienating China. Given our umitigated gluttony and greed for material goods, the superpower has become inadvertantly a SLAVE OF CHINA. This is such a painful reminder of how the Chinese Olympics came to be....in the displacement of thousands and thousands of their own people who were neither compensated nor relocated to a better land for what they sacrificed

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Wendy, DC — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 18:57:35 GMT

It's stuff and nonsense! Chinese government will distribute a big sum of money before let people vacate, which means people can buy better apartment. This man must want to charge more money from the government.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Peter Crimes, Acton MA — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 18:57:46 GMT

I notice that most of the negative opinions expressed here are from people who cannot spell even simple, common English words. I wonder whether this also correlates with their knowledge of world history as well ?

Human settlements in general, and in the U.S. in particular, are and always have been, in the process of renewal and modernization. Who could honestly disapprove of the modernization of places like the Gorbals (Glasgow, Scotland,) at one time one of the worst slums in Europe ? When transferred to modern housing, the former residents used their bath tubs for storing coal. What precious local community loss exactly was anyone supposed to lament ?

Battling against a Beijing demolition

czer — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 19:04:29 GMT

So the 'Spotlight on China' is focusing on one unlucky person and uses that to create an image for the whole country? yeah, that sounds fair. Even a great nation like U.S. has homeless people and unfair lawsuit. Going into a country collecting individual story and exaggerate it 10 times just shows that how bias sometimes the media can be.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Lara, Manila, Philippines — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 19:14:08 GMT

china is now suffering due to the revisionist that had smashed the democracy that Mao Zedong had led. we must remember that China has been a good country since the Cultural revolution had it's victory but now since Mao died, his legacy to China had been smashed out.. it's time for them to rebuild their society and start reading again Mao's Red book...

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Joe, St. Louis, Missouri — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 19:15:14 GMT

Realize it's for the "good" of all Chinese that the government allows this. And this woman simply is a "trouble-maker" impeding process. Our Supreme court has passed similar immanent domain laws recently, which allows corporations such as Walmart to overtake private property with the support of the government. Wake up folks. This is the system we're voting for. All of China's policies-- "spreading the wealth," "affordable housing," and has "universal health care"-- come at expense of personal liberty and life.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Wu Ming, Los Angeles, CA — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 19:53:39 GMT

The property rights gap between China and the USA is closing fast. I think the Chinese are copying East Coast and California Eminent Domain practices. The big difference here is we get a full day in court and get to whine briefly before losing our property to the gov't. If the Chinese propagandists look at the Kelo Decision and over 10,000 eminent domain abuse cases right here in the 'good old USA' (source: Inst. of Justice) - this will give them a more level playing field.

Still, the big difference between the two countries is we totally have the right to publicy bash and trash talk gov't here in the US. This is maybe our greatest right.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Ho Yu,Brooklyn,ny — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 20:13:18 GMT

It's pure politic. I do feel bad if anyone who still belived it. Let me ask you these. Is any of these what so called home owners ever pay for there house that they've lieve there for all those years? Or own it legally? come on! It is china! Not USA! every property is own by the government.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Jim Murphy, angola, NY — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 20:21:55 GMT

Has anyone noticed the gentle subversion of health and human rights by China in the recent past . For example tainted toys flooding the market with poison lead content . Poison milk for their own children . To name just a few . WHY is it we will not trade with a communist country 90 miles away ,but we trade with a communist (totalitarin) country thousands of miles away . One in fact that has tried to poison our children, and in the case of the poison pet food of not long ago our pets . It seem as if a country that makes use a lot of money or has something we really want cheap we fight to the death for . Think Iraq, oil, think Veitnam, cheap labor .I think that if Samolia or Dufar made us as much money as the asian and middleastern countrys do or any other countrys in Africa we just ignore we would be on the ground in 24 hours to protect the cheap shoody goods the aforementioed countrys provide to the rich in the US. We have ,if you have a brain and have been alive 20 years, for way too long ignored these injustises . All who have read the book " Animal Fram" will understand this next passage . It seems the pigs (rich) make the rules to benifit themselves (not the sheep). Wake up people THE PIGS ARE SLEEPING ON SHEETS !!!!!!!!

Battling against a Beijing demolition

RON — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 20:41:34 GMT

YOUR RIGHT BRUCE. IF THE CHINESE HAD THE RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS, THEN THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE A LITTLE MORE RESTRAINED. I SPEAK CHINESE AND HAVE SEEN PUBLIC EXECUTIONS IN XIAN, CHINA. IT HAPPENED IN AN ATHLETIC STADIUM IN FRONT OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE. I WAS IN THE FOREIGNER HOTEL OVERLOOKING THE STADIUM. OUR BEST TACT IS TO ENGAGE THE CHINESE THROUGH MUTUAL INTEREST SUCH AS BUSINESS AND ALLOW CHINESE TO TRAVEL FREELY TO THE US. THEN EVENTUALLY THE CHINESE WILL CHANGE FROM THE INSIDE OUT AND THE PRESURE WILL BE ON THEIR GOVERNMENT TO CHANGE ITS COMMUNISTIC, TOTALITARIAN TACTICS.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Kimberly, Rexburg, Id — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 20:44:09 GMT

I have lived in China a couple of times, and these things are real. The things China did to get rid of the olympics was interesting. The closed down factories and put people out of jobs for months. Houses have been torn down to make the city look better. I have noticed that usually they give the residents new places to live, but I don't know with this particular situation. It's tough to tell.
There are, however, good things that are taking place in China. It isn't just a horrible place where the government is inhumane. There are many sides to things.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Matt Brooklyn,ny — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 20:53:18 GMT

Amazing! Oh my god,citizen have property ownership in a communist country? like China? Or you are trying to tell me that China is not a communist country?

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Tom B — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 21:16:03 GMT

The same sort of eviction could happen here in the US, due to the Supreme Court's Kelo decision. But, here, it shows a pattern of authoritarianism in a very, very evil country. Nixon's biggest mistake was prolonging the Viet Nam war; his second biggest mistake was opening the door to China. Unchecked, they could have more world influence than we do in a few decades.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Chris — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 21:28:05 GMT

We are all grateful to be Americans, and yet we still shop in stores that carry "Made in China' in nearly every corner of their inventory. We constantly gripe about job losses, yet we allow corporations to operate over there because we feel the extreme need to purchase our toilet paper for 5 cents less. Meanwhile, the Chinese workers are nothing but disposable people to their bosses, and the corporate executives sail off in their bonus-bought yachts. Shame on us.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Jim, Tacoma WA — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 21:35:16 GMT

Sadly, Hu Jintao's promises of Rule of Law and a Harmonious Society have been shown to be empty. Progress may be being made in China, but it seems that China takes a step back for every two steps forward.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Toby in Brady TX. — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 21:36:50 GMT

I know a man who is in jail right now in TX. for not paying income tax years ago. They took a ranch away from his parents, brother and sister supposedly to settle the debt which was not even 1/3 the value of the ranch and now he has been jailed again and now one knows where the money from the ranch went. He has been held for way beyond the legal time to stand trial and when he tried to use it the judge wouldn't even hear him and locked him back up. This is happening all over so Americans be aware times are changing.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Pamela Rosen — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 21:48:40 GMT

The October 2008 issue of National Geographic Magazine has a multi page spread about the wildfire growth in India and how eminent domain is taking land from the farmers to build roads and factories. Many of these farmers are not receiving a fair compensation for their land either. Seems that progress cannot be bothered with such niceties as due process, just get outta my way I'm coming through. The UN cannot and will not interfere.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Beth, Minneapolis MN — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 22:10:02 GMT

Dennis of MN, yes, the government does move the people into other, usually highrise, housing. Dong probably stayed passed the window of moving time and now really has no place to go. These hutongs are beloved historic neighborhoods, cherished by the Chinese and many people around the world. But Beijing is over-populated, and many more people need housing than can fit into a traditional hutong. It's a sad trade-off. Some hutong have been preserved, but many more are gone. Yes, people have been relocated, often to buildings on the outskirts of the city that lack the neighborhood ambience of the hutongs. As bleak as this relocation is, the loss of a way of life that used to define this city, and the architecture that created it, is devastating.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Rob, Shelton, CT USA — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 22:48:56 GMT

James from Pittsburg obviously has some concerns about the objectivity of this report and makes a good point that there does not appear, at least, to be any attempt to get the other side of the story. Regardless, I doubt any reasonably informed person could doubt that this sort of thing is going on in China, just as it is to a lesser degree here in places like New London, CT. This is all the more reason to fight for our constitutional rights to freedom of speech and to bear arms. Let us not forget that these rights were written into the US Constitution to protect us from despotic dictator governments.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Brooke, Columbus, OH — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 23:28:40 GMT

This article is an example of just one of many reasons the world should not trust China.
The day will come, when American companies can say good-bye to the money they invested in China. Mark my words, they will nationalize our foreign investments over there. Then how will American companies compete in the world market when there is no manufacturing plants here?

Battling against a Beijing demolition

boredwell, san francisco ca — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 23:37:47 GMT

Sounds like GITMO! Forced eviction-imminent domain-is a ruthless policy. It's impositon in China is tyrannical. Prior to the Olympics,there were 4 years of unremitting wholesale evictions. Swaths of Beijing were sacrificed to the making-modern mania.In 1997 100,000 people in Hubei were forcibly evicted from ancestral homes to make way for the 3 Gorges Dam project. Today, that figure is 1million adn encompasses 4,000 villages along its 317miles stretch. Many have been rehoused in makeshift cities; many are still without shelter. The great snowstorm during last Chinese new year resulted in stranded millions who were forced to seek shelter outside: the authorities closed the train stations. Forced evictions on a grand scale are part of China's imperial history. Ni Yulan's plight is another footnote retailing China's avaricious internal policies.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Marissa Zhang-Lewis — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 00:08:02 GMT

I am not schocked by this as this happened to my husband's aunt's house as well. She was given a year to live and the government wanted to kick her out of her house to make way for a new wider road. They already started knocking down houses all around her months before she passed away. With lots of pleas, the government let her pass away in her house and then knocked it down soon after. I believe they didn't receive any money from the government.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Haywood jablomey — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 00:26:08 GMT

And thank China for hogging all the oil, and poisening us with lead toys and contminated milk products! Thank you!

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Gregory A Young, Sterling Heights, MI — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 00:38:37 GMT

I've always looked to both sides of any problem, why not have the contractor build new homes in a country wide setting for retired people with shopping centers and hospitals, this way both sides get pretty much what they want in the end results. dong if that is his real name can't fight city hall by himself , but if he comes up with a reasonable plan of action, there are winners on both sides of the fence. Grant you China does have a different standard of government then the United States does, but reasonable people can work their differances out to suit everyone concerned. Going to jail or prison serves no purpose for either side, but by working together problems are solved for the benifit of both sides. screaming murder get peoples attention but doesn't bring the two sides together. Now that is strictly my opinion on how things should be handled.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

China Mike, Honolulu, Hawaii — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 01:38:20 GMT

I feel I am an expert on life in modern China, having lived there five years non-stop, and I will return in 2009. Believe the writer, believe the Mr. Dong. If you want a true accounting of this extreme situation in China, read "Out of Mao's Shadow" (author, Philip Pan), and go to the chapter entitled, "The Rich Lady".

It goes into much more detail of people just like Mr. Dong who had their homes destroyed so they could put in some pretty new roads, at the expense of losing one of Beijing's historical hutong districts. Hope you enjoyed your view from the Marriot, it's a shame you don't appreciate the historic value of the area Mr. Dong's house, and thousands like him (a quote from the story I mentioned above, page 165:"It took us twenty-eight days to demolish the houses of 2,100 families," Wang Shouyuan, a former city official whome Chen hired as the general manager of the project, told me. "This was unprecdented at the time. We finished the demolition and relocation work on the street, and it caused a sensation in Beijing. There were no appeals, no negative reaction at all." Meanwhile, hundreds did appeal, to no avail.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

david w — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 01:53:58 GMT

there are billions of chinese and while the number being tortured and treated this poorly may be few it should not be insignificant. boycott walmart and the chinese imports through the peoples buying power and have your congress person know how you feel...maybe a boycott or ban on imports..we need to make their government see that if their economy is faltering now- they will have an even rougher time ahead unless they instill some fairness and laws to protect ALL their people.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Pablo, Colorado Springs — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 02:26:14 GMT

Just like the reporting of all the bad things happening in Iraq. There needs to be some objective journalism. Like Iraq, there are good things happening in China, and many people benefit. Growth has it's cost and this article raises legitimate issues but only from one mans perspective. Two sides to the story and the truth lies somewhere in the middle

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Pablo, Colorado Springs — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 02:27:29 GMT

Battling against a Beijing demolition

william R Vance- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 02:37:04 GMT

C'mon people, tht's the way it is in most uncivilized countries, and China, despite its riches is still a third world country.The laws and standards we have in the US or Britain or France do not apply to China, Africa and some middle eastern countries, Reality there is different from what we have here.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Mary, Wauwatosa, WI — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 02:39:27 GMT

There is a good book on this subject by Minnestoa author Michael Meyer. The title The Last Days of Old Beijing. It is a eye-opening read. I can't see how this much change could occur anywhere but in a communist country. I was in Beijing in April '08. There is so much building going on I can only imagine how land acquisitions for "development" are made. The urban landscape was ultra-modern buildings and infra-structure meets bombed-out WWII Germany. Rubble and debris, garbage in the streets

Battling against a Beijing demolition

D Nelson, Edmonds, WA — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 03:23:49 GMT

I have spent much time in China and have a home and family there, in Beijing. I have walked the streets of Beijing and the neighborhoods all around Beijing.

Many of these homes are hundreds of years old, with no running water or sewage.

Until recently, most of China was at least 50 to 100 years behind the west in infrastructure.

Can you imaging still having slums right in the heart of Washington DC?? Would not happen in DC and will not happen in Beijing or any other major Chinese city.

Americans need to grow up and face reality, and understand the facts instead of always thinking what China does is always suppressive. It is just not the facts.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

curious Seattle WA — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 03:28:50 GMT

"The End Justifies the Means" as they should say in China - what a corrupt government that claims to represent the people. What a cruel laugh by those who run China. The masses are stepped on continuously there. And they thought communism was democratic - Ha Ha

Battling against a Beijing demolition

alex J, philadelphia, Pa — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 03:52:24 GMT

hey guys, all politicians are corrupted from all over the world, think about it. American president supposely make about $400k a year, senators around $200k, and I bet they all are multi-millionares with 100s millions in their bank accounts. where all those "extra" money came from??? I know for a fact that the Chinese gov't provided those people with new built housing complexes for FREE. is those people decided not to leave, so the American journalists can have some stories to tell about China. Remember the infamous trail of tears in American history? that how US expanded, and that is how China grow into a powerhouse. Remember the images from hurrican Katrina? what housing do those people lived in, even though they are in world #1 country. I think you guys should think for both sides, don't just read, read and think and search b4 u judged. China is not a bad country as you might think or people said.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Robert Garross, Woodinville, WA — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 04:09:09 GMT

Well folks we have now sent our ability to make the very things americans depend on for daily life to a government that treats its own citizens like crap. How long do you think it will be before you and I are up for the same..

Battling against a Beijing demolition

MaKe (Mark Repesh) Xindu, Sichuan PRC — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 04:38:14 GMT

Comments to articles like this never cease to amaze me. Evidently, the people in the west have been duped by the opening of China, thinking the apparent economic freedom equates to personal freedom. People here have little freedom in relation to what we consider common in the west. The Chinese who read these articles always say it is the slanderous press of the west who protray China in a negative light. China doesn't need the western press to do so, there plenty of negatives that occur everyday. It's just that the Chinese press is unable to print articles such as this, because it depicts the corruption of the government. No one here is allowed to depict the government or the 'harmonious' society in a negative light, not the press or individuals unless behind closed doors....this is not a democracy, rather a socialist police state!!!

As for Dong, it is likely he will become one of the millions who must live in the few remaining hovels. Since he is retired and on a fixed income, he will be unable to afford the high rise apartments that will replace his current housing. It's truly a despicable situation where a government supposedly created for the benefit of the poor and disadvantaged has abandoned them for those intent upon profit.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

wolfgang zoeller los angeles /ca — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 04:46:59 GMT

here is the point,the us gov will never do anything for the simple reason we own the chinese to much mony so buisenes gos on as usual and to hell with human right

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Daniel Portland, Oregon — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 05:15:37 GMT

China has one of the best drug treatment programs, if the first tree treatments do not work you are out.... forever! I don't think I have to remind everyone that China also has one of the largest organ donor programs in the world either.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

jane shanghai china — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 05:36:41 GMT

just a pack of nonsense,just look at the gauntlet face of the man,he is more a farm worker than a so called education administrator,i dont believe such a story is of too much credit.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Ron, Miami, FL — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 06:56:49 GMT

We could talk about relevant past issues and point fingers, but does anyone know any avenues to help this man? The obvious underlying point of articles like this are to seek out people who are willing to do something. If no one there is willing help, shouldn't we?

Battling against a Beijing demolition

J. C. Johnson, Friendsville, Tenn. — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 07:30:00 GMT

This is a prime example of socialist / communist governments in action. You have the few wielding vast power over the people. Their main goal is to retain their power and wealth forever (at the expense of the people). Their main weapon is silence. No free press, no right to bear arms, no free speech, no religious freedom, no right to protest or address wrongs committed by the government or their agencies against the people.

Discover how Christians are treated in China. Only a handful of (basically) state run "churches" are approved. If you are caught meeting for prayer in an individuals home you will be arrested and sent to be "re-educated" (same as jail) for several years. No trial, no representation, no nothing. Many Christian ministers and their followers are now in this situation as this is written. Our government has been asked to address this situation however they have kept their silence. The Chinese government dosen't want to let any group grow to the extent that they could direct the power of the people against them.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

g.linqui reno nevada — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 07:35:15 GMT

this is the great chinese goverment? and the usa it's helping this goverment to get richer everyday i hope that with the new president obama things should change and take bussiness out of China...where are the human rights of the chinese people?

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Chris, Nagoya, Japan — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 09:06:28 GMT

Im an American and I have lived in China for 7 years and I think that its a little more complicated then the one side this story portrays. Many of these "homes" are nothing more then bricks stacked together on dirt floors. In America these people would have been evicted for building code violations or some other regulation. Progress in China will have a price. In America we are trying to manage millions of people and look how difficult that can be, in China they are trying to manage billions of people with thousands of years of history. Thats not to say that situations like this should be tolerated and I feel for many of the victims. Hopefully the Chinese government will work harder to appease every individual rather then beat or threaten them into submission.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Chad, Tulsa, OK — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 09:42:34 GMT

Corruption in China? Human rights abuses... people...this is still called Communism! Government controls everything, abuses everything and everyone... citizens control nothing. It is amazing that people are still surprised at China's government and the way it treats its people since it became communist. The US isn't perfect but it is still the best system available in the history of the world. China has over a billion people, if it really didn't want to be Communist, the people would rise up as painful as that would be. I guess it isn't worth it for them as it was to our founding fathers.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Private Voice, Alexandria Va. — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 10:18:26 GMT

I do feel sorry for these people, however are we not facing problems related to housing? Daily I read of evictions of fmalies right here in in America, check the housing reports. Many of us feel like small fish in a huge ocean of government control. I'm sorry but our own countrymen/women are facing troubled times, just check your local listings for "Homes to be Auctioned".

Battling against a Beijing demolition

robert mccormack, white plains, ny — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 11:00:37 GMT

anyone who doesn't believe the current situation in China is bad is a fool. I lived in Russia for five years and the chinese are flocking to Russia for a better life. Russia a better Life? They lack hospital. medicine,schools and Russia gives them more freedom. If they don't work in one of the big cities..no money.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Stephen Townshend, Edinburgh, UK — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 12:19:44 GMT

Everyone seems to have forgotten that China is a COMMUNIST country! Of course their people are oppressed. Westerners support the communist Chinese regime by buying megatons of cheap goods from that country. Turn over just about any item in any Western store and you will see a "Made in China" label on the bottom of it. By buying their goods we support Chinese communism. And America boycotts tiny little Cuba because they are communist but happily buys from communist China with its 1.2 billion people. What a joke!

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Bonnie Jones, Van Wert, OH — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 12:37:44 GMT

This summer, a month before the Olympics, I visited Beijing with a tour group. We visited much of this beautiful city which was making preparations for their spotlight in the world view. We were taken to a home in one of the hutongs of Beijing for lunch one day and were amazed at how happy the family seemed. Obviously, we were sheltered from knowledge about how many of the hutong families were suffering as is the family in this story. Thank you for letting us know the REAL STORY.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

dale b, — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 12:43:18 GMT

This is an example of a Communist Government. They do not need to explain anything to the people because the Chinese government in reality owns everything. If you live in a free country, be very very happy. Just the arrival of a Chinese government official in neighboring Taiwan caused the existing "government" to tear down all Taiwanese flags around his Hotel, the confiscation of all Taiwanese flags from native protesters and the imprisonment of 7 protesting opposition politicians. You had better believe the poor guy in this article.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Tom, (US Citizen), Handan, China — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 12:50:41 GMT

Does anyone remember when the World Trade Center in NYC was built? As a native New Yorker I seem t recall that the Port Authority of New York took the land by Eminent Domain and that thousands were displaced... and many left homeless. Economics!!

No different in China than the USA.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Gerry — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 13:12:10 GMT

We americans are so self righteous with our "We are better than they are" mentality. If we were half as critical of our own government. I know first hand that with imminent domain, and local government in concert with institutions and corporations can take your home in the name of urban renewal and more tax dollars, jobs etc. Columbia university in new york city is an example of this. Also ther has been countless shopping malls and apartment buildings built in new york citys 5 boros with the eviction of residence to accomidate this. Sure theres finanical compensation for this but the Question is did these people really want to live somewhere else. The deal is We pay you what think is a fair price and you will take it or be evictrd without compensation. So in conclusion to you liberal Columbia professers and students who like to take up the "poor chinese" cause. You are part of the same problem HIPOCRITES!!!

Battling against a Beijing demolition

H.A. VON DER AU — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 13:24:28 GMT

Everyone seems to be forgetting this (China) is a communist country. They don't care about individual rights it's all about the ppl as a whole. It's a Godless me first regime that hope fully will one day be toppled or just ware out like Russia. Then maybe real freedom as we know it will exist (but not likely).

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Derek Saint John, KS — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 13:30:20 GMT

The evils of tyrrany are rarely seen, but by him who resists it............how true. Too bad the chinese don't have the right to bear arms.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Pablo T, Shanghai, China — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 13:44:48 GMT

There is another side to this story. I live in China and know that this type of housing -- in many cases -- should be torn down. Many of these Hutongs are more like Shanty Towns, not historic buildings that should be preserved.

Yes, Dong Jiqin should be compensated, his wife probably shouldn't have been arrested and she should have access to lawyers and her family. Yes, there should be a transparent legal process that decides these types of cases. These are the biggest problems with the way the Chinese government handles these -- the problem isn't that these homes are being torn down -- they should be in many cases.

Should this guy be able to hold up needed construction projects just because he doesn't want to move out of his hovel?

Battling against a Beijing demolition

ozzyboy — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 13:49:25 GMT

Bruce, you are going to get change alright. But,it is not the kind of change you think! Dennis, Injustice Souter ruled against homeowners in Connecticut, I think, and took their property for a shopping center because the taxes the center paid would be greater than the homeowner so it was for the "good of all." Sounds very socialist to me. I'm sorry for the family in this piece but we can see it coming here with the new "spread the wealth" and take your ownings from you mentality. Do what you need to do now before January when you start losing your rights to survive on your level. The gov't will take care of all your needs just like China is taking care of Dong.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Diane, Michigan — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 14:01:22 GMT

No mention of hundreds of people in texas. Too bad the construction companies bought the newspapers to keep this out of print. Too bad americans don't have common sense that says "Hey they want to build a massive highway, where is it going to be?"

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Ramnik Busa, Jamnagar, India — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 14:25:45 GMT

Who is basically responsible for the repression ?
The chinese themselves. Practically, it is the universal law "survival of fittest". Why should anyone
worry untill and unless the Chinese themselves do
so, and or collectively act - let it be just a collective cry.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Steve Bossler, Hummelstown,Pa. — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 14:28:15 GMT

When a governments power grows and grows and overshadows its people...what can the people do?
There is the peaceful way...trying to appeal in a legal way through the laws...which many times is too
costly for the common man...and those governments know it...using it to their advantage.Then there is the way of demonstrating...hoping someone
wakes up...sees the injustice and helps you.Or...
left with the final choice...to band together and fight back...risking everything you have if you lose.
What weapons do you use against a government with an army who doesn't care about its people? Who do you ask for help against something so big? How do you keep hope in your heart and soul...that someday these things won't be?
George Washington faced these questions...made some hard decisions...and a free nation was born..."of the people".Great effort and sacrifice was made to declare our independence and put our freedom into writing.The big questions are...What do we do to prevent "our own government" from getting too big again and start pushing us around?And...what do we do when other weaker people cry out and ask us for help?
The only way to defeat such governments...without outside help...is to stick together and become stronger...and if necessary...arm yourself.
That raises another controversial subject doesn't it?

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Michael REDDING , CA. — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 14:41:45 GMT

In real estate principles the increased value of urban land is termed "highest and best use". I wonder if corporate Capitalism is cheapening the value of the Family in China like it has these past 30 years in America??

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Zhanfeng Li,Dalian,China — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 15:14:20 GMT

The stories are one-sided .this is not the real china.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

robert goodheart — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 15:29:32 GMT

well welcome to the world of commie pinkos no freedom
of any thing.but with the melt down china is going to
lose business back to united states due to the cost of
no more cheap monies.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

ozzyboy — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 15:39:00 GMT

Battling against a Beijing demolition

hugh, Los Angeles,CA — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 15:44:50 GMT

Do not forget-all of these (200 years) old housing in China were not well maintained like the west, they have retrofited sewer lines and running water, an eye sore for the local people and a greedy occupants that demands compensation. Western reporters are just too biased to report the other side of the story.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Clayton Salt Lake City Utah — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 15:57:26 GMT

To James from China and Dennis from Pittsburgh

First to James:

I have spent half of the last three years living in Tianjin, China (one of the places with Olympic events, a forty minute train ride from Beijing) and am married to a woman from China. The reason the article seems one sided is because there are never any responses from the other side. If officials are questioned in the matter, which they rarely are and even more rarely are reported being questioned, their response is that it is government business and the few dissenters are unpatriotic anarchists. But that you would ever hear about something like this in the Chinese press is laughably implausible. The only people with access to this kind of information are those that know how to hide behind proxies on the internet. But most fear even doing that they will still be arrested and dissappear without a trace. It is still a country that by and large lives in fear of their government.

To Dennis

While I agree that the US has it's problems in this regard, the difference is that as a US citizen you can have your day in court. There is no option in China for those that want to fight against their land being taken. "Imminent domain" is available to those willing to pay the right licence, greased with the highest bribe. Drive down the waterfront in Tianjin at night and you will see that 95% of the cars parked has government id privelege tags (and are all german sport or luxury cars). And these are fifty dollar a plate restaurants in a city where the average income is $200 a month. The money to pay for this comes from corruption.

And often the people are compensated for their homes. They are given whatever the contractor wishes to pay for their allotment. But a handful of families are paid enough to each buy themselves a 600 square foot apartments in place of their own courtyard homes that have been in their families for generations. And according to my wife, because the price of property has been going up so fast in Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai and other large cities, by the time the families get money for their condemned homes, they are often unable to buy anything even closeley equivilent to what they were promised orginally.

This is contractors cheating handfuls of families out of a less than a hundred thousand dollars, and in turn building sixteen story high rises which will go for tens of millions. Without any oversight what so ever.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

B. McCann, Toronto, Canada — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 16:10:22 GMT

James from Pittsburgh said that this was one-sided reporting causing him to doubt the truth. Having spent years in China I can attest to the truth - this is just the tip of the iceburg. It is in the culture of the people who have suppressed for ages, i.e., they don't complain enough, and when they do, they are severely punished. If you haven't been there, then, you have no idea. A tourist trip to Beijing will not help you to understand (Beijing isn't China).

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Ed myszkier, Brighton, Mich. — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 17:19:56 GMT

Well I fell sorry for this man, But as he LIVES there and trying to change things and being aware of the PAST, they did'nt prepare themselves for the out come that they have known. Slavery is known all over the world, just ask any True Person of Religious Faith, we KNOW.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Jason, Champaign, IL — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 17:32:10 GMT

For the past 5-6 years I have had the opportunity to work closely with the CSSA here at the local university, and have befriended hundreds of Chinese students. This story represents a common conversational theme, especially with Chinese people who's family is rooted in either China's government or law enforcement agencies. Many of the Chinese students are sympathetic with people like Dong; however, what's so alarming is the common and shared belief among these people that "Sometimes people must suffer for China's progress". I would say that this attitude would be a close approximation of "the other side of the story".

Battling against a Beijing demolition

EAB, Toronto, ON — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 17:39:53 GMT

Maybe it's one sided because there's mno other legitimate side. The truth often hurts. As for others
in the neighborhood, there's homelessness, prison,
death; few of these have any voice. I wonder how the
prisoners in Tibet are doing? The "Great Helmsman"
once said power comes from the end of a gun. They
certainly don't have a second ammendment. Remember
why the Brits marched on Concord?...to disarm the
farmer's militia; it proved unwise. Do you blame the
farmers for shooting back. On that not I would
guess there's a great deal more unrest in China than
is being exposed; and i bet the imbalance is on the side of the corrupt leaders. But desperate people may literally have nothing left to lose. Too bad they learned nothing from the revolution.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

JIM KING WICHITA FALLS TEX — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 18:58:54 GMT

THE GOOD OLE U S OF A HAS ON HANDCUFFS REGARDING ISSUES OF THIS TYPE. THE UNITED STATES IS SO FAR IN DEBT AND FINANCIALLY WELDED TO CHINA, NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN OR PROPOSED.
JK-TEXAS

Battling against a Beijing demolition

R. Burke, Va — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 19:10:57 GMT

Bruce - The right to bear arms would make no difference, just as it is useless against evictions and eminent domain here in the US. An individual resisting government actions with a gun, whether justified or not, is futile and will only get you killed.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Michael Lane, ID — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 20:01:38 GMT

Heck, Eminent Domain can be used by pretty nearly every city in the US to take your property, and often all they have to demonstrate is that it would be "good for the community" - which might put your property tax on the scales versus the tax-generation of a Target. They can, in fact, even do so when earmarking the land for sale to a private concern. The only actual difference I can see is the eerie incarceration of his wife for 200+ days for being a thorn in the government's side.
Oh, wait. Gitmo.
I'm beginning to hope we can recover the moral high-ground here, soon. I'm tired of being embarrassed by my country.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Dave Mortimer, East Brunswick, New Jersey — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 20:31:35 GMT

I believe this is one sided. However I do know that Beijing has areas that WILL NOT be developed. I feel sorry for the man and his wife. I have been to Beijing and I have seen these areas and I believe they SHOULD be preserved. It reflects of a China past. Still I find it hard to believe Mr. Dong has not seen his wife in so many days. I am wondering why at the very least why won't he be allowed to visit his wife. China has embraced capitalism why not demmocracy?

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Laura Federico — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 20:32:03 GMT

Again we see that the repressive government of our own country over the past 8 years has had a global impact. As individuals we may lament the plight of people like Ni and Dong Yulan, but haven't we been allowing it, in effect? Our last President thumbed his nose at the U.N. and spurned international cooperation efforts in so many ways that, of course, we eventually were in no position to exert influence over other countries' mistreatment of their citizens. Now that we have new leadership, it's possible we can once again step up and be a force for freedom across the globe. That thought gives me hope. But thinking about how many people, like this Chinese couple and their daughter, have suffered while we as a nation have stood idly by wrenches my heart.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Saamantha Lee — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 20:48:15 GMT

To Malcom;interesting how you find a way to twist the comments made by Barack about progress in China...my professor returned from China last year with reports of whole villages demolished and their residents placed in high rises with little amenities...more like cement projects in the sky. What that does to a citizen's morale is devastating. These people have precious little but their family homes, hovel-like though they may be.You must be one of the wealthy elite who fear any progress by minorities and the poor

Battling against a Beijing demolition

JOHN E. LEACH — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 20:56:16 GMT

ITS TIME FOR AMERICANS TO OPEN UP THER HEARTS, LOTS OF PEOPLE WOULD HELD GET THESE TWO PEOPLE OF CHINA IF THEY WANTED BUT I WOULD GUESS THE WOULD RARTHER STAY AND FIGHT A THE GOVERNMENT, A LOSING BATTLE. THE ONLY ANSWER IS FOR DONG TO ACCEPT THE PRIVAT HELP OF RICH AMERICAN SPONSER TO LIBERATE HIM AND HIS WIFE FROM CHINA. THIS PRESENTS PROBLEMS SINCE GETTING OUT OF CHINA IS A LOT DIFFERENT THAN VISITING. INSTEAD OF WASTING TIME FIGHTING A NO WIN PROBLEM SOMETIME IT IS BETTER TO JUST LEAVE. THE DECISION IF FOR DONG AND HIS WIFE.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Tam Tran — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 22:08:13 GMT

Corrupted government officials are not only existed
in China, they are plenty in Vietnam, their Communist ally!

"Dan Oan", as they were called by the Vietnamese, are the homeless,landless owners who were forced to sell or given up their properties to the corrupted local Vietnamese Communist Party (VCP) officials, who will resell the stolen properties to the foreign investors to build golf courses, casinos, hotels, new housing peojects or factories. Dan Oan, who lost their homes now are forming as the groups to protest at the local goverment offices daily, they also set up their tents to stay for months to protest at the parks across the goverment haeadquarters in Hanoi and HCM City, demanding the return of their Properties or Fair Compensation For These Lost Properties but heard no responses from the Vietnamese Communist Party high level officials.

Yes, We can change America and help Vietnam and China to change too, Mr. President Elected Barack H. Obama!

If we do not help them to change, someday in this century the Chinese Communists will come to America and redistribute or take away our homes and land like they did to their own 1.3 billion people due to corruption and over-population.

http://vietcyber.com/forums/showthread.php?t=123887

Battling against a Beijing demolition

ginny — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 22:32:07 GMT

China has well over a billion people..and thats with a one child policy. There are aslo one hundred million unemployed people. China has a GDP per person of a couple of hundred dollars per year even with unstoppable growth of 10% and more.

I don't defend this..but China has opened up a million times since the 1970's and gone from communism to capitalism. Has anyone wondered how they managed to do that so quickly?

Wait and see how long it takes for Obama to sort out the US unemployment problem and financial disasters that are growing daily....and the US has only 300 million people. The people of China will prevail

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Michael Hays — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 22:41:02 GMT

These people that live in the courtyards are the same family's that the red army moved in and took away from the owners that had money. These people have lived for free since. Now China is getting rid of the slums that were caused by this. The houses have no bath rooms and the power is split from what was a one owner home.The original owners some were killed some forced out so the uneducated followers of Charmian Mow could live for free. At this time teachers, the educated, the rich were killed are beaten.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

KMF — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 22:46:50 GMT

Bruce...USA needs drastic change??? How presumptious...not to say things can't be improved here, but drastic change??? What exactly should we be changing to???

Battling against a Beijing demolition

JDF — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 22:49:45 GMT

All of you bleeding hearts who were sucked into the hysteria of the Olympics and how wonderful China was -- oh, don't you remember how Americans returned from the Olympics giddy and gleefully sang its praises? Please -- you make me evacuate myself. You really don't have a clue. China will always be Red China, no matter how you slice it -- oppressive, repressive, brutal, and the #1 country in the world when it comes to lack of human and civil rights. Shame on you for even thinking Communist China would or could change.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

JSG, Maplewood,NJ. — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:49:19 GMT

On searching in Beijing for the old "hutongs",which are neighborhoods created around crafts many centuries ago, I found only a few have been "preserved" as showplaces for tourists. The residents now live mostly in stark,high-rise appartment buildings built speedily in the surrounding areas of Beijing, which are complety bereft of any greenery, and very dusty. The question of recompensation for property, and even rights, are
still to be decided in Communist China.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

JSG, Maplewood,NJ. — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 01:01:11 GMT

On searing for "hutongs", which were neighborhoods built around crafts and artisans many centuries ago in Beijing, I found only a few "preserved" for tourists as show-places. The residents now live in high-rise appartment buildings built in the surrounding areas of Beijing, which are dusty, and completely bereft of greenery.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

George W. — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 01:03:17 GMT

It's funny how American's critisize a "one sided story" yet they completely overlook how their own President Bush shafted them for the last 8 years, putting hundreds of thousands of Americans out of their homes. Freedom in America? Did you forget about the Patriot Act? Did you forget about how America perpetrated 9-11, and blamed it on innocent Arabs? Where were the weapons of mass destruction? It's OK for America to kill innocent civilians as long as it was a mistake right? Please, open your eyes people.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Nanson Hwa, Chula Vista, California — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 01:39:46 GMT

What the Chinese citizen is experiencing in fighting public officials and private developers is the same kind of struggle for property owners here in America. We just call it eminent domain which is a rubber stamp process to justify government action and further the interest of developers and construction contractors.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Mathew, Port Moresby — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 01:46:28 GMT

Whom do we trust? Dong's side of the story or the government. How can this be solved?

Battling against a Beijing demolition

cliff Gains — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 03:03:15 GMT

Realy Obama may not realize that big american coperations are involved building these factories .To have the poor chineese peasants work for them for peanuts and ship the finished products to industrilised countries for huge profits.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Paul Sosa, Zhengzhou, PRC — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 03:23:00 GMT

As an american living, working, and studying in China since 08/07. I have heard first hand accounts of corruption in my friends Chinese provincial capital investment company.I have also heard about the religious persecution of those who don't go along with the government religious ideology. This should be expected from a country that does not believe in moral absolutes. This government is led by an anything is acceptable rule. Not a rule by the masses.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

MVS, Houston, Texas — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 03:57:21 GMT

I lived in Laos five years ago and traveled to China frequently. This kind of stripping of rights without notice or recourse is incredibly common. What is hard to understand as an American (until you actually experience it) is that there is no transparency in the law (indeed, no dissemination of the law - laws are not published or provided, and people remain in constant ignorance of rules, regulations, ordinances, laws, decrees). There is almost certainly no concept of "eminent domain" (or reimbursement for taking of land/property) and there is no right to due process, a fair trial, or any of the other niceties that come with having a Constitution. Despite its modern architecture and increasingly modern technological advancements, China was and is still a third-world nation that has built its new prosperity on the backs of its people's suffering and repression; and its willingness to pollute its own cities, rivers, and environment.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Doug Inkster — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 04:34:53 GMT

Didn't I read about developers using street gangs to help empty out tenements in New York by assaulting elderly just a few years back?

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Tom, Denver ,Colorado — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 05:23:45 GMT

It is in the hands of the people of china. There are so many people of them, if they rallied together to stand up for there rights, they could bring about the change they need. They need to unite and rise up against there oppressive government to demand the rights they deserve, it may be the only way.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Gene, Montana — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 06:37:22 GMT

I am a student from China and here's my two cents:

Compulsory evictions do happen, in fact it happened once to my parents' store. Usually the evicted people get compensations. My parents got $10,000 (a lot of money in 2004) even though they did not own the store; and free rides to transport their goods. My city (Kunming) is tearing down over 30 square miles of villages surrounded by the city, and the farmers were compensated lots of money (for some, over a million dollars).

So as bad as the government is, they do not want resentment to become too intense and too popular.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Susana, Peru — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:41:59 GMT

It's not a surprise this happens in China... Democracy is the only valid political system

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Kurt Kurtley, SC — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:30:15 GMT

Has everyone such short memories that they have forgotten the "Eminent Domain" case in New London, CT in the last two years that is doing the same thing to legitimate neighborhoods in the US? Are we all so blind to "Human Rights" violations in China that we ignore and support the same things at home as "Due Process"? C'mon people!

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Texas lady — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:53:22 GMT

"There, but for the grace of God go I"

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Leslie Bales, Houston Texas — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 13:11:38 GMT

How is this story any different that what played and is playing out all over the U.S.A. with government lead renewal districts? The San Francisco Redevelopment Agency destroyed the Filmore District. Please read the article in MSnbc "Trouble urban renewal efforts in S.F." www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27630914/. The same scenerio happen here in Houston, Texas, Chicago, Atlanta, New York. I myself have been harassed, threatened with jail, nearly arrested because I won't sell my home to a city sponsered developer. It has been very expensive to fight them and very stressful. We should say this is not OK anywhere in the world including the U.S.A. But in America there in no outrage when this happens to one segment of our society.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Big V — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 14:44:02 GMT

When a government becomes so powerful and corrupt, and it's people powerless to defend themselves from it, this is what happens. The people of the USA need to emain vigilant to protect their indidual rights and freedoms from a government that is becoming ever stronger. Erosion of rights that have been fought for and paid for in blood can happen insidiously over time. God bless the USA, built on rights of the INDIVIDUAL. Why do you think an invasion of this country hasn't happened? Because the populace is more heavily armed than anywhere else on the planet. Even if we were invaded, any force would face hundreds of millions of armed resistance. The same is true if our own government became the opressor.

Battling against a Beijing demolition

James, Pittsburgh, PA — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:01:10 GMT

LMAO, I am from China, i'm a naturalized citizen of US. I communicate regularly with my relatives in China. getting the stories from other side means more than just talking to government officials. one thing about China is there is no privacy. Everyone is in everyone else's business. It's the social normal. If you wanted to know the truth about someone, you talk to their neighbors. It's the perhaps the most objective and complete angle you can get on someone and their situation. That is what a good and objective journalists do. I never see any of that in the articles I have read. Just words from someone who have vested interest in appear to be a victim. besides, no corrupt official or businessman is dumb enough to do something like that in Beijing(as they say in China, under the feet of the emperor).

Battling against a Beijing demolition

Topher, Hong Kong — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:02:27 GMT

I’m assuming people have small minds to understand that china is home to 1/3 of the world’s population, 10% of land in China is actually farmable. Forget that what china is doing is not the best for individuals but for the people. These are small cases in such a broad subject. I think China is doing a fantastic job, I hope though that China can settle differences with India to work together, same with Russia because Amerika is showing more signs of an empire then that of any other nation. I’m afraid to see what happens in a few years to see Obama get assassinated by a white person. It will cause race riots and people forget that in 2001 your government passed the patriot act and under that act, Habeas corpus is null and void if the government decides that it is a national emergency meaning they can deport/round up/Kill anyone they please...Amerikans forget that the reason they have the 5th amendment is for the protection of not from foreign invaders but that of their own government. I’m scared for the USA, under the blind eyes the money, the care, and the respect of the people are being taken away. While Amerikans are so free they do not realize what is being done to them. 700 billions dollars could have given every Amerikan 2 million dollar...talk about a stimulus package there...but instead you give it to companies, leaving the people still in debt. The best change for Amerika is education....soon the world is will be under one Financial system....Europe fought a war over 60 years ago to stop the creation of a unified central government under one constitution and one currency...well boys and girls the European Union was created...and soon Europe will be under one constitution....ohh how history is being brought forth....