Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Booberman — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 20:00:57 GMT

Wow...hard to believe people everywhere at any given time...suffer in so many similar ways~

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Paul — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 20:17:16 GMT

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Emma Sullivan — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 20:35:09 GMT

Communism is a terrible injustice even when you have a booming economy. Humans were born to be free. I pray that China and Cuba may taste true freedom with no fear of oppresion during my lifetime. God bless the Thomas Jeffersons of the modern world.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

pat — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 20:43:41 GMT

Too bad people died, but the Chinese Communist Party might have got it right: had the students succeeded, China might have descended into chaos, or worse, civil war, and there would not have been the Chinese economic miracle that we have witnessed today.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

ariel — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 20:46:20 GMT

The man standing in front of the tank and the driver
of that first tank has given China its greatest moment
in modern history.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

W. Pan, NJ — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 20:57:19 GMT

"The former student activist didn’t say anything in response. He just nodded."

Must be the combination of unspeakable pain within and fear of retribution from the government.

That's typical for a Chinese generation who lived through that unforgettable time.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

thebob.bob — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:00:37 GMT

I will never forget the tears and shock on the faces of Chinese exchange students in the USA when they read faxes and watched video of what happened in Tienanmen Square. They cried because the country they so clearly loved and were devoted to changed, in that moment, from a benevolent father to an abusive parent. While many had every intention of returning home to help China modernize, many chose to never return.

It will take decades for China to come to terms with what happened. Turkey still denies the Armenian massacre, revisionist Japanese still consider themselves the victims of WWII, Russia bloody history is still denied and Americans took a century to deal with the moral failures with respect to Native Americans and Slavery. Time.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Camille, NYC — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:07:07 GMT

The resilience of the human spirit is incredible. It is inspiring to see, time and again, people risk everything to stand up and declare "our voices will be heard". What is more powerful is that Tiananmen Square made that message heard loud and clear without the sounds. We were lucky to find three persons still on Twitter from China who were willing to go on the record on our blog (www.pmaward.org/blog). Even though they answered our questions at great risk, they believed it more important to help get the truth out there than ensure their personal safety. Their courage today, along with the courage of so many others, helps ensure that those deaths 20 years ago were not in vain.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Ulan, San Jose, Ca. — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:08:46 GMT

Students were used for so-called "pro-democracy leaders" personal political ambitious gambling. Just listen to what one of those "leaders", whose name was Chai Ling (not sure if she had her name changed into an American one or English one), she told people before so-called "crackdown" she "is looking forward to" a bloodshed massacre against students and Beijing residents, and she would rather save her own life, according to the documentary "Tiananmen". What a bold, shameless, selfish statement! I bet most of those "leaders" had the same opinion, as most of them ran much faster than other students, and even further, beyond the territory of China. No wonder they didn't know what really happened at that night. Did they really hope all the students follow their lead? Of course not. Even imagining that would have U.S. INS running into a big problem. That was what those "leaders" exactly did: at that critical moment, they only took care of themselves. For domocracy? For Chinese people? No, not even close!

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

JOANNE DAVIDSON 2766 KNOB CHURCH RD HENRY, VA. 24102 — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:10:05 GMT

I HAVE BEEN TOLD STORIES ALL MY LIFE IN TIL MY DAD DIED ABOUT HIS BROTHER AND -D- DAY. HOW HE WAS ONE OF THE FIRST AT THE LANDING. HE TOLD OF ALL THE DEATHS AROUND, AND PRAYED TO MAKE IT BACK HOME. THANK GOD HE DID. I WAS SO PROUD OF THOSE STORIES BY MY UNCLE CHARLES SOWERS.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

TrueFreedom — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:27:55 GMT

Leftists? I have one thing to say to Paul...Dick Cheney. Enough said to the ignorant baffoons of the GOP in this country who spew lies. Nothing is more unAmerican or in the pursuit of Freedom than torturing someone. And that means ANYONE! Leftists?
"You" people continue to dig your own graves.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

MMcCroskey — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:30:23 GMT

I have one important piece of perspective you need to keep in mind while condemning China of this . . . that protest went on for 6 weeks before the crackdown those 2 June days . . . 6 WEEKS.

Think about that one please, and then ask yourself how that contrasts to our govenment handling of Waco, Ruby Ridge and Kent State.

And does anyone want to comment on just WHY such a "brutal" and "repressive" government didn't order those tanks to just flatten those protesters? Why did that tank keep moving around that guy. Why wasn't he just shot? That's what they do everyday in China to protesters, right?

Perspective . . . it really would be nice to see.

And it might just be why the Chinese government feels justified in blocking Western reports on the Anniversary. I don't advocate censorship, it would be better for the Chinese to present their side, but then again, they are new to the "world news" game (but that too is changing fast).

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Tina Stallings — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:31:59 GMT

Sacrifice. Freedom. Profound gratitude. Responsibility. Ownership. Generosity. Grace. Growth. Freedom.

One Vote. Duly, and questionably, elected officials who do not uphold the oath they take to the constitution of the United Stated of America. Unbridled legislation for socialism. Limited free speech. Limited assembly. Limited press. Limited freedom of religion. Friend of the ACLU. Citizen slaves.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Steve — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:33:38 GMT

Even in China,freedom is never free.
Only fools believe that freedom can never be lost through legislation or other means. The ruthless acts of other governments can never be justification for acts by our own government that erode our constitutional freedoms. The Chinese students were brave. I hope all of us who enjoy living without communism don't ever forget them.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Many — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:43:45 GMT

American are under control of their government. The banking crisis is proof of that. Those "crazy" conspriacy theorists aren't too far off about the control everyone is under. Grown men claim to have FRAT parties two times a year out at Bohemian GRove, and these crazy people suspect they are burning real people, sacrificing them to satan. Now that's crazy!!! What happened to power to the people? American people are not listened to anymore. Their voices are confined to internet blogs & comment sections while the media broadcast the rich & powerful message. My father died defending the freedom of this country, only to get spat upon by a government that is taking more & more control everyday. Their day of reckoning is coming. And it won't be too soon!

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

John Doe, Seattle, Wash. — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:48:33 GMT

Not to mention Mao's great leap forward.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Loretta Schweitzer, Spencer, IA — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:54:00 GMT

This was a tragedy that didn't have to happen. The US (Sec. of State James Baker and President George HW Bush) sold these kids out because of US business interests in China. It was a dreadful tragedy and the US backed the Chinese government the whole way, starting with a secret meeting with James Baker that Mr. Baker lied about to the US public on national television. (This Week on Sunday morning)

Shame on the administration at that time. The slaughter of those kids by the then (and now) evil regeme is on your hands.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Allen - Omaha, NE — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:57:02 GMT

Whenever I see this picture of the young Chinese student standing in front of that tank it reminds me that freedom is indeed a condition desired by all human beings. For some this thirst for freedom drives them to do what that young man did back in 1989. He dared to face the Peoples Republic Of China's enormous military might. The ruthlessness of the PRofC towrds its own people that transpired shortly after this photo was taken was in tune with how all communist countries behave when faced with a real challenge. In our country the loony left should take note of what true oppression is and cease trying to create a case that under the Bush administration there had been systematic coercion and subversion of our freedoms. For those people I say study this picture of this brave young man and ask yourself the following question: Would our looney leftists have had the courage to face up to a real, vicious, deadly government that was to slaughter thousands in Tianamen Square ? Somehow I think not? - Paul
--------------------------
Paul, I doubt this momment was displayed for you to roll it into loonie-left stories. The measure of trajedy experienced that day and beyond doesn't make all other things o.k., simply because they are less tragic. If your government was to imprison 3 of your relatives doesn't make it something to appreciate simply because another government imprisons 25 relatives of it's citizens.
That momment is beyond politics, it is human.
Hell, you're so 'ultra' head on off to North K and stand down their tanks. See you on the news in a couple days.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

lucy chen — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:59:20 GMT

u barely see chinese ppl doing any protesting now days altho there r so many issues that ppl are complaining about.why so?ppl r afraid of getting killed or being thrown into the prison,it could be the whole family got into trouble like that.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Matt San Diego, Ca — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:00:49 GMT

Paul get over it, Bush was a terrible president who limited SEVERAL of our constitutional freedoms and it was our judicial checks/balances that eventually returned MOST of them to us. McCain was a great candidate but had no chance of winning thanks to the mistakes of Bush....and last time I checked liberals serve in our military too, and are just as ardent patriots and protectors of freedom as you bible thumping crazy conservatives. That's the "theory" of evolution right? Haha. The fact is Paul, freedom IS a universal thirst regardless of political affiliation...you lost get over it...the next election will be around shortly.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

jimmyjet — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:16:09 GMT

Adrienne Mong: Do your reporting! What ever happened to the man that stood in front of the column of tanks?

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Steven, Los Angeles, CA — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:38:29 GMT

First, I want to wish the surviors the best in every possible way. Secondly, I want to address Paul's comment regarding the Looney Leftists. Political belief is different from activism. There are activism when politics swing toward any of these political state such as monarchy, communism, democracy, socialism, nationalism, feudalism, fascism. So to sit here and accuse people particular belief for lack of patriotism is simply LUDICRIOUS. In fact, it should be CLEAR to readers that the contrarians who went against the Bush administration were EQUALLY patriototic toward their belief for the Constitution, as people who followed the Bush administration.

Americans follow the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, those are things we pledge our Allegence to. It is not the mere figure heads of States, nor parties. So excuse me for my mispellings, and my abtuse statement. However, I am deeply offended by Paul's statement.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Frank — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:42:06 GMT

Funny I have a different impression than most westerners on the photo posted above, I saw a synmpathetic tank driver trying very hard to avoid running over someone challenging him. Rare kind of army. Try asking the palestinian to stand infront of Israelis tank and see what will happen.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Frank — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:42:07 GMT

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

william — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:44:13 GMT

I was a freshman in college when the Tiananmen happened and clearly remember that events. I don't condemn what the government did, however I remember students of my class stating that China should open up politically like Russia (remember Russia just went thru glasnost and perestroka). I differed in my opinion and 20 years later history has proven its point - Russia is a mere shadow of itself both economically and militarily, compare with China an economically vibrant economy and a central cog in the world economy. I think ultimately China will continue to improve on its human rights and freedoms, however we must remember that it took us a hundred years to abolish slavery and another hundred years to achieve equal human rights. All told almost 200 hundred years since the American Revolution - how can we expect China with a population of over 1 billion to change its political structure in less than 60 years since the establishment of the PRC. In time things will change, but we must be patient, trying to enforce our timetable on China would just lead to mistrust and conflict. Look how far China has advanced in 20 years after the events of Tiananmen, China will continue to advance in the coming years both politically and economically.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Sean Cahill — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:44:18 GMT

Hey Paul, I think the "looney leftists" would have stood up to oppression. We did when we voted in Obama and ended the conservative strangle hold on the Constitution. Don't tell me Paul, you think torture is valid. I am sure the radical Islamics would love to hear that.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Bill Hong — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:52:19 GMT

It is ironical very few if any in the west truly understands the real cause behind the Tiananmen massacre. Contrary to what journalists led them to believe, it was not the struggle between the CCP and the common people. Instead, it was an internal power struggle between Deng Xiaoping and then party secretary general Zhao Ziyang. Zhao was unhappy about the paramount leader status of Deng and encouraged the student movement to over throw Deng. By supporting the students at various stages of the movement, he gave them the wrong impression that Deng is the evil hand behind everything, and they should target Deng. Thus, enboldened by Zhao, students held on to the square and kept society on halt indefinitely before Deng finally lost his patience. By ordering the troops to clear the demonstrators by force, he was to say he was in absolute charge and nothing should divide the party. It was a great error and tragedy to use lethal arms against the people, none denies that. But if people could understand the background a little better, it helps to get a more realistic picture of history, instead of absolute black and white narrative, which some people always accuse other people to do without realizing they themselves think exactly the same way.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

JJ — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:54:28 GMT

Note to President Obama:

Don't let what happened in China happen in the U.S. Keep freedom of speech ALIVE! Our founding fathers championed the idea, brave Americans have died for it. Let people continue to speak their mind and dissent.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

don — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:55:18 GMT

all power corrupt, communist or democracy it dosen't matter, may god help us all...

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Robert Simon,Sparta,TN — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:57:22 GMT

China will be free some day...All tyrannies come down...even the one that Obama and company are trying to errect here....

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Dave N — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:58:50 GMT

Communist countries like Vietnam, North Korea, and China routinely oppress freedom of religion, speech, and human rights that we Americans take for granted. I have Vietnamese friends who have relatives imprisoned by the communist government for speaking just the word democracy, or openly praying.
God bless America.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

lee castillo grand prairie tx — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:59:29 GMT

whatever happened to the little chineese man holding back the column of tanks?

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

boy OK OK — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:12:01 GMT

I just don't understand why people like to bring fire again to this issues. The Chinese government also don't like to have this incident. Their decision also based on their goal at that time for unity of china. It's similar saying like "my religion are better than yours".
These kind of issues can always bring small spark of fire that resulted bigger fire. Let it be, The chinese government already learn their lesson too.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

R. O'Brien, Lowell, MA — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:17:01 GMT

The link to this article, "Tell us your D-Day Stories" is a total misnomer. D-Day has always referred to June 6, 1944 when the allies invaded France durinng WW II. WHile Tienemann was a critical juncture in Chinese "human rights", D-Day was pivitol to our way of life that allowed Tienemann to occur.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

John Carroll, Los Angeles, CA — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:19:41 GMT

One of these days, enough Chinese citizens are going to stand up to their government and demand the right to determine events for themselves. It is unlikely to happen when the majority of citizens are fixated on more mundane concerns, such as how to feed their children at night.

Today, the Chinese revel in the newfound power that economic growth has brought them. Eventually, however, they will be comfortable with that power, and they will start to ask why their error-prone government should have an unquestioned right to rule them.

Democratic governments are error-prone, too, but the people at least feel like they have some input into the process. Chinese citizens will want that, and when they do, their government will be powerless to stop them.

Governments are always a minority when compared to the population as a whole. That isn't a problem when the population is poor and distracted. It is a problem when the population is prosperous and accustomed to making economic decisions for themselves.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Allen SF — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:25:12 GMT

Yes, We shall overcome. We will never forget those who got killed by the Conmmunist for demanding very basic human right. God bless China. Let hope and do what ever we can to get rid of communiest - they are evil!

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Ivan Johnson, Concord, NH — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:29:10 GMT

Why don't you print the complete letter, rather than the redacted version, featured on the cover of a news magazine where the Red Chinese protestor praised the USA for our "right to keep and bear arms?" He knew freedom comes at a price.
The magazine edited that line out....

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

L. Max Silver — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:34:36 GMT

Who will stand in front of Obama's tank as it rumbles relentlessy towards Communism?

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Peter S. Sroka, Guangzhou, Chinaq — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:36:07 GMT

Teaching at a private university here in China, I'm not surprised that the students are sheep who follow their government line without question; nor is it surprising the faculty are absolute loyalists of the Communist Party of China, which is a name only. I point out to the precious few students who are open to listening to me in private conversations that China hasn't the foggiest idea of Marx, Marxism or of the who and the what that Karl Marx was. Communism baloney. China remains what it always has been, ie, a dynastic state which is and shall continue to be a nation of sheep. The CPC is another name of yet another dynasty which is a (young and nervous) dynasty in business suits. Tianenmen only demonstrated the fact.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Alex Lowe — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:37:11 GMT

Paul: Godd**n right we would have the courage. Hop in a tank and find out.

- Looney Leftist

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

CJ, Trenton, Michigan — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:40:29 GMT

The article did not mention the 100's of students that were mowed down by the Chineeze Gov't. China's present prosperity came on the backs of it's workers who had substandard pay, and no freedom of reproduction, religion, or thought. Now that the US is entering a communist state we will suffer the same loss of freedom because communism cannot tolerate those who refuse to think like the state.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Josh, pittsburgh, PA — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:51:01 GMT

I am glad that June 4 movement occurred. The Commies learned quite a bit from this event. Without this event, you may see more political reform by now. The system right they adapt in china is working quite well. Why change?

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

joe blow, vancouver, canada — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 23:53:08 GMT

with PAT's logic below regarding being glad oppressive government's stay in control, the USA wouldn't be as it is today, peasants would remain minions, and slave rebellions that overthrew slave owners, ALL would never have happened. Yes people need to strive for liberty - even if fence sitters who think its best not to defy corrupt regimes will not themselves participate, but benefit by such uprising's successes.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Chris, Cookeville, Tn — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:43 GMT

the chinese man in this picture is part of that country's 'loony left' as it stood up for its rights. i mean i could use quips like the 'ridiculously religious right' too, i guess. i mean you're pretty much calling half our nation loony, when your 'people' invaded another country for no reason. that seems more loony than wanting health care. :)

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Oliver Cromwell, pasadena md — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:01:29 GMT

Communism does suck yet socialism is what the U.S. Democrats seem to embrace......

Maybe in 10 years we will have our own Times Square to remember....

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Choedaman - Boston, MA — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:02:23 GMT

I think Paul is forgetting his history. Let's remember that it was President Bush who - in 1989 - coddled the communist Chinese government a mere three days after this massacre by sending Jim Baker on a covert mission to Beijing to assure the comunist leadership that nothing would be done to permanently harm Sino-US relations. It was also President Nixon, another Republican, who led the United States onto the dark path of alliance with Red China. The US should never have recognized the PRC and allowed it to have a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. The US should always have supported Taiwan (ROC) as the legitimate government of China. Our diplomatic recognition of the PRC has done nothing but sent American manufacturing jobs there, downgraded the qulaity of our consumer goods, addicted our government to cheap Chinese credit, and led to deplorable environmental contamination on the Asian mainland. The US should treat the PRC in the same way that it treats Cuba - cut off relations and starve them into submission.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Douglas, Sacramento, CA — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:11:47 GMT

I was in China when it happen. The Chinese government and the foreign media over stated the truth to their favor. The trooper moved in to disperse the protesters. The protesters actually start attacking the troops. The troops, without any anti-riot training started firing their limited live ammo. After that it was chaos, many protesters died, then the protesters killed many troops after they ran out of ammo, then reinforcement troops killed more protectors... It was madness. How many really died? No one really knows. In the end, the incident did make the Chinese government more aware of the people, and started (slowly) cooperating with the people. The Chinese government has a much more welcome side now then it did before. The central government is much more open in stead of trying to covering things up, like the recent infant milk incident.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Rick Hern — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:26:31 GMT

Paul,
Yes the leftest in the 70's would be brave enough to face a government that was oppressive...And actually it was ours...Much like the Replublican Bush administration of recent defeat people were protesting how the government was treating its' citizens...In the 60's and 70's our oppressive government slaughtered thousands (over 55,000) of its's citizens in a war that proved nothing...We sacrificed all those people to fight the far left communist...yes there were far right radicals like you back then in favor of continuing the war to fight communism...
You Replublicans need to stop the BS by distorting what really happens...
On campuses in the USA during the 70's the protesters were considered radicals (far left - also deemed too liberal)...I am not sure what history books you read or news channels you watch (Thank God we didn't have FOX NEWS back then to distort the news so Republicans would feel in the majority)...Imagine what they could have done with the news worthy silent majority as their mentors...
Why must you and your fellow Republicans always resort to calling people who want to change our government for the good as "Far left communist"...That may have worked in the McCarthy era...it was proven wrong then and still is wrong...

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

PC, Brooklyn, NY — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:39:28 GMT

When I hear the Tiananmen protester say, "We are all idealists" makes me cringe. George Bush was an idealist and want to get rid of the world of Islamofascists and guess what happened. China flourished because the current leaders in China are pragmatists and realists.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

wong keat wai, — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:43:13 GMT

Just a lessons that the Chinese public has to learn.. That freedom must be within the confines of the rule of law and the respect of the existence of the state.. That law and order takes precedent over chaos and anarchies.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Wang Min — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:44:21 GMT

The point that the tank didn't crush the man blocking its way clearly indicated that the People's Liberation Army showed great restraint. As one who was a young student and who participated in that national protest, I now think that the students at that time did the right thing, and the government took the right action. They both made right decisions. I can assure you, not many who took part in the demonstrations would like to talk about it any longer, except for a bunch of so-called freedom fighters who exiled to the west, and those biased western media, including MSNBC.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Dan McMillen — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:11:00 GMT

OK, I usually don't comment on these pages, but "pat" really got my attention. I lived and worked in Tianjin for a couple years and this persons idea that the government may of got it right is outrageous! Seems our forefathers also committed acts that would be considered anarchist in nature and even treasonist. Is this different because they are Chinese? A government shooting and killing unarmed civilians in peaceful protest is a proper response? So Kent State in 1970 was OK too?

Think before you write!

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

R O Edmonds WASH — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:18:24 GMT

I really wonder when people will see the real hero of that famous tank picture?? Really Why do people always say the man standing there is the hero?? Is it not the tank driver who did not run him over??? the tank captian that did not abuse his power and flatten him? Wow, why do people only see one side. mmm sounds familar......Te tank driver... the real hero.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Old Druid, Hilo, HI — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:26:50 GMT

We still live in interesting times...

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Dave Straight, Windsor, California — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:37:26 GMT

One can only stand in awe of the physical and moral courage of the Chinese citizens who stood up to the thugs of Beijing in the 1980's.

Contrary to what some people think, leftists have often stood up against tyranny - in WWII, for example, leftists were leaders in the resistance against Nazi Germany. Tyranny is tyranny - ideology is just window-dressing. Jacobo Timmermann, a Jewish Argentinian persecuted by the fascist government there, said "When you're being tortured, the ideology of your torturer doesn't matter."

I offer praise to everyone who risks their life and well-being to stand up against tyranny and demand the freedom that all of us are entitled to. May we never forget the heroes of Tiananmen.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

allen,shenzhen, guangdong — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:39:28 GMT

The students did the great thing,however the top authorities did the right thing too,at that time, no choice, it is the feasible way to cope with that situation. mutual understanding and continuous improvement is the only possible way for China.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Nathan, Detroit, MI — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:39:41 GMT

Smaller versions of this (not as many people here) happened in the U.S. in the 20th century. People here disband pretty quickly when the SWAT teams and National Guard come to "restore order". They usually disband pretty quickly in China, too. On that day, for whatever reason, some people showed some extreme courage and paid the ultimate price.

The ironic thing is that grand displays of force only subjugate the population for a short period of time. If a government wants to hold onto power for an extended period of time, it needs to be more intelligent about PR and make the people think that they are in charge of the government, not vice versa. If the U.S. government had massacred a huge number of students in front of rolling video 20 years ago, they would now hold a memorial about it to appease the population, like an abusive husband bringing home flowers the day after a harsh beating.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

John, Beijing — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:40:23 GMT

Chinese government did the right thing! Without the crackdown, there would have not been a prosperous and strong China that we Chinese are proud of. The Chinese government has brought billions of people from starvation to prosperity--an accomplishment no one has ever done before. This is an example that we must follow. Eliminate those terrorists (brainwashed, naive students) for the sake of security,prosperity and strength of all Chinese.
Crackdown is as effective as torture in the case of terrorists.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

TTPP,sb.,UK — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:48:33 GMT

Since I'm a Chinese,I don't know what to say.But I know many youth in Chian may know very little about this event due to the information-blocked and the true-twisted by the Chinese government.And I think many foreign governments may ever do this.So was the polity,the demcocracy awalys is an weaon.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Justice Rights — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 02:04:00 GMT

mistake no means for ever, but a lession. Then how about those betrayers from their motherland?

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

David,china — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 02:04:40 GMT

It is important to pursuing the freedom,but most importance is what our living conditions will be.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Dan, CA — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 02:13:09 GMT

Out here in California, the Chinese immigrants are saying living in the U.S. is no different than living in China. In fact many of them go to live for extended times. Pretty scary when you think of it. Is it that many of our newest immigrants don't realize the difference between the two countries, or they don't care, or there really isn't a difference. I don't like any of the choices.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Alauai Palei — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 02:25:52 GMT

I think this young chinese man stand for his right eventhough the mighty of the CCP army stop him from seeking for his freedom.Anyway I think those guys write their names throughout the history of the world.May god bless those freedom fighter.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

H.Chen — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 02:30:41 GMT

I was in Beijing in that historic time. My friend Mr. Huiqun Lee (a generalist) was killed by PLA as he was too naive to make photo in that darkest night of China. A single bullet shot at his face. 20 years ago since then, mate...
Let us no forget those people who sacrificed their own lives for Democracy of China !

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Jerry G, San Diego, CA — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 02:39:18 GMT

I know We will continue to remember the details of this tragic event for many years to come, just as we continue to remember the massacre of George Armstrong Custer at the Little Big Horn. But who remembers the countless massacres of Native Americans at the hand Custer and other American troops. All nations have their history of shame... The U.S., the Japanese, European's, African's... China has just more recently lived through theirs. I pray that we can help them to get past it, and that it will only be a paragraph in their history books, instead of the annual spectacle that it has become.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Steven, Los Angeles, CA — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 02:54:02 GMT

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

James Benson — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 03:07:46 GMT

I was in China studying at Fujian Teachers University in Fuzhou,Fujian Province along with 10 other Americans. I will never forget June 3rd 1989. From our 10th story balcony we could see the entire soccer field light up with students holding candles, we tuned in Radio Taiwan and still were able to receive the Voice of America and BBC throughout the night, we listend to every bloody detail. The next day we marched 10 thousand strong, then met up with Fu Da U, and another 10 thousand, then to Mao Square and the government building. Soldiers with AK 47's bayonettes fixed surounded the place, the pushing started, the communists up on the walls photographing all of us. It was sureal... I really believed Jao Zi Yang would save the day, but Li Peng, Deng Xiao Ping and the whole lot of those ruthless mas murders prevailed. I haven't been back to China since. One day, maybe. God Bless you students from 1989 where ever you are!!!

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

visa Lin — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 03:30:28 GMT

In response to Pat: Does freedom equal economic success? Economy is a mask. Inside china, people are so miserable and cruel to one another without any values today with Money as their only goal.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Y.Leung, Burnaby, British Columbia — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 03:33:05 GMT

Although I'm a chinese, I feel what those University student did was stupid.
better freedom and economic can not be gain over night, and standing infront of a tank to get roll over to death is what I call stupid, specially when you can't gain anything if you are dead.
And if we look over here in Canada or US, I really don't see how much better we are while having more freedom. Infact, there's really no true freedom. It's only a word that makes us feels better. Each government have their own problem, what is the point to keep looking back? Why not try working better towards the future? past is a lesson, not something we can argue about anymore, so we should use these lessons to see how to make today and tomorrow better. I really dislike how people bring the history back out and started talking garbage about it. These people to me are very hopeless and have done almost nothing good to the society.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Maria L - Miami, FL — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 03:37:17 GMT

We were in China last year - the tour guide had been recently beat up by govt officials because he didnt have the right tour guide license(translation: paid a large percentage of his wages to the govt). He was so thirsty for Western info that is still blocked. The young people have never heard of Facebook. Every single tour guide told us they had learned about Tiananmen from grandparents and parents. They all talked about how they thirst for freedom and would give up some of the economic prosperity to be truly free.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Dennis, MAss — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 04:05:56 GMT

"We shall overcome" Great! That is our great influences on the rest of the world--the young generations. This is the way to win a war without
a penny from our taxpayers!

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Thomas Lee Boles, Saint Paul, MN — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 04:45:31 GMT

When the Party sets out to build a "People's Republic," advertises the result as such, and then does stuff like this, then obviously the Party is a fraud.

The communists took over in China about thirty years after the Russian Revolutio. I wonder whether some more walls will come down about 2020, or will the Chinese take longer to realize the regime is all smoke and mirrors?

As for Bush and "systematic subversion of our freedoms," what do you call a war based on disinformation?

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Kerry L — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 04:48:05 GMT

There was no way China can be turned into chao's. No single gun was allowed in people's hang and not any party was allowed to form. There never has any good explainsion of killing students.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Su Dongbo — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 04:51:55 GMT

Tiananmen has nothing to do with communism. Many countries as well as China have no history of western style democracy. It's economic hardship and hyper inflation during that time that caused social dissactisfaction and unrest. Why the tank commander didn't just rolled over the foolish man? A couple of hundred casualties is a small price to pay in a country of over 1.3 billion. Remember thousands of people die every year to natural and industrial accidents in China alone. Why it is a worse crime killing your people verses killing innocent people in other countries? Small price to pay for chaos and the lifes of millions of people. The prosperity following rash student revolt surely vindicates the actions that were necessary to bring about stability and reforms that we are witnessing today in a better China.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

sheng ，G ,C — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 04:55:46 GMT

i am chinese and i am also a collage student.even my classmate and i know little about the TAM. But one thing i can confirm that we can tall about it in our dormitory not in the public.that mean something our goverment did was not properly. i hope our goverment can face the fact bravely,which mean we will have a more liberal goverment

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Dean A. Nash, Shenzhen, China — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 04:55:53 GMT

Uneducated people are never truly free. That's why it must be education first.

Disagree? Check out Venezuela. Or Palestine. Democracy (and Democratic institutions) without education is like giving a child a loaded handgun.

If you feel so strongly about helping the Chinese, why not come here and do so? That's what I do.

By the way, I'm in good company, as Milton Freeman didn't believe in 'Democracy' either. http://ruzikejiao.com/index.php/2009/05/10/i-dont-believe-in-democracy/

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 04:57:21 GMT

I don't know why China fold all the information about this event. We Chinese have the right to know the truth!

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Zeph Phillips Costa Mesa, CA — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 05:04:06 GMT

Message to Paul. Your comments started out exactly right by stating that "freedom is indeed a condition desired by all human beings" and I couldn't agree with you more. However it then descended into some sort of diametrically opposed partisan rant against the "looney left". That looney left stood against King George's better armed and disciplined army and the the conservative Royalists in the colonies to free us from the tyranny of colonial England. The looney left stood on a hillside protesting an unjust, illegal war that was killing my brothers in arms by the thousands, resulting in four young people being gunned down at Kent State. There are many other instances where the looney left paid the ultimate sacrifice for love of their country. Patriotism is not measured by a political stance, but by what is in one's heart. Stick with your opening heartfelt comment on "all human beings" and stop trying to divide us - we have enough enemies out there who are trying to do just that.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

rob — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 05:05:31 GMT

fear the ones that curtail freedoms werever they hail from. the death nell of our own democracy shall start off as a needed fix to a troublsome problem, a percieved threat to harmony or similar idea, but it will morph into a beast that cant be stopped, then we are forced to choose between the ways of our forefathers or a new path one that will continue to erode our constituition and the very essence of our beings, inparticular are attacks on the 1st and 2nd ammendments. beware that we lose the means to hold our elected representatives accountable, or at least keep them fearing an armed and ready populice, willing to do the right thing if need be to right a sinking ship and return this country to the right path. thanks for reading and god bless america!!

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

frank — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 05:07:16 GMT

Until someone come to China and experience it, it is difficult to understand the unique situation that they have here. Over the last century, student movements, revolutions, civil wars, wars are not uncommon in the world. However, the important issue here is that we all must learn from these historic events and ensure that none of these will ever repeat itself.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Jaspreet, Indi — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 06:38:45 GMT

BTW, what happened to that young activist who stood in front of the tank ?

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Gennifer,Niagara Falls,Ontario — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 08:28:10 GMT

Although Mr.Rong thinks that the protests did not achieve what they intended,he may not see the greater picture.During this time my generation (gen X),were fired with a lasting desire to make the world a better place for EVERYONE!These demonstrations still provoke many discussions,and further drive our everyday actions,to achieve these ends.As a Canadian,we expect that everyone should be free,and have the right to live in peace,and determine their own destiny.
Further more,these actions have encouraged closer relationships between different cultural backgrounds,and better understanding as to where our efforts should be directed.
I personally admire,respect, and support anyone with the courage and the will, to try to effect positive change.The actions,and words of these people will continue to inspire future generations.It is not over yet!!!!!!
I must express my most heartfelt thanks to anyone who participated.
And YES,WE REMEMBER,and still support you,and everyone else who struggles for basic human rights.
Again,thank you!!!
Gennifer

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Gennifer,Niagara Falls,Ontario — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 08:30:10 GMT

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Sue, Boston, Mass. — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 09:23:30 GMT

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Kwami Gundersson, Koln, Germany — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 09:59:01 GMT

Dear Paul,

Have you seen pictures of "Bloody Sunday" in Alabama on March 7, 1965? Alabama state troopers wearing gas masks beating peaceful protestors who wanted their right to vote in the US democracy. Please don't turn your recollection of Tiananmen into a Bush era talking point. Oppression can be found in every system, as it is absolutely found in your "freedom" loving democracy. BTW so-called "leftist" are committing acts of civil disobedience regularly just as children faced dogs, beatings and pressure hoses in the '60's. The acts of courage you refuse to see exist.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Rajib,Delhi,India — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 10:20:46 GMT

Oneday in Great China Democracy will prevail.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

John, Naples, Italy — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 11:16:04 GMT

Did this journalist just happen to forget the fact that thousands died in this event, or was this euphemistic article written by the Chinese government?! I agree with the comment that the Chinese government was under intense pressure to prevent chaos or revolution (imagine 1 billion people rioting or devolving into chaos); but let's not gloss over the sad fact that possibly thousands of people who hoped for a better life perished at the hands of their own government during this event. It's like the elephant in this article's room.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Karl, Southborough, MA — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:03:44 GMT

I have a large framed print of the Tiananmen "Tank Man" on the wall of my home office. It is an every day reminder to me of the heroic efforts of the oppressed, as they confront overwhelming tyranny.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

TrooperRecon 101st Hopkinsville, KY — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:09:32 GMT

Its gut wrenching when you see the picture of Peng Rong, his t-shirt with the words "We Shall Overcome"..knowing the United States, its histoty, our democracy, inspired these people. Hey, freedom is not free, more often than not it is paid for in blood.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Hugh Stevens — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:19:13 GMT

China has multi-cultures, each city, each village has its own culture and they dispise the others, my mother use to say proudly that she does not have any "cantonese friends" because she is from Beijin but lived in Hong Kong for 20 years. How can a country unite under such mindset ? Westerners just do not understand or realize other countries, such as China which has a four thousand year of mindset to change overnite.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Woodz, SZ — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:40:31 GMT

glad to see this article in China. Many of the same topics were censored and blocked by government.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

WA — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 13:26:03 GMT

I am married to a Chinese girl whom was there in the square on the fateful day. Luckily, she survived. We have ben together for "5 years" here living in the EU, and she, till this very writing, will not discuss nor tell me anything of the evnts of the fateful "showdown as it were", bewten the PRC army and the brave demonstraters whom started the movement. When I ask her over and over about it till this very day, her eyes glaze over it seems to me, and she quietly says, "nothing to speak of anymore, all my friend sare "gone", and I WELL KNOW, what she meqans by "GONE". By the way one thing I can tell you that I do not think aynone else knows or they may know, is: the NAME of the young man in front of the Tank, "My wife knew him", and THAT, "she has told only myself to this day"...I would like to share it in full, however, I feel I owe it to her not to give his full name, BUT, I will tell you his first name is: Chan.

Long Live T-Square's Honorable Students and Supporters Memories and Brave Deeds.

WA

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

johnson marris, oakland, ca — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 13:36:32 GMT

Hope the West continues to help Chinese people to move to democracy and freedom, instead of insulting Chinese people by disrupting the Olympic - what a shame for the West, or dividing China by supporting Dalai lama - the king of the slave owners.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Robert,hangzhou — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 13:52:10 GMT

Today's china is not the china 20 years ago.I think Some day in the furture china's government will look back this issue and will give his people a real fact,maybe not now,but we are waiting!

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Jeff Long, Ewa Beach, HI — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:20:38 GMT

In listening to the "looney left" "facist right" debate above, I have become disillusioned with the "us vs. them" commentary. No one has a monopoly on patriotism. It is unfortunate that our two party political system (which Washington advised against) has divided us into two camps. Two parties can't possibly include all of the political beliefs in our country. But people align themselves to the party that includes their own personal views. As a result our country has been divided into two camps who demonize each other. Look at the democrats and how they use "class warfare" to their advantage (at the polls)--pitting the working poor against big business and anyone else who has become successful financially. Look at the Republicans (particularly the talk show hosts) who demonize anything the democrats try to do as un-American and undemocratic. I'm tired of it. We need to be smarter than those who try to manipulate us for their own personal power. Either party, when they get into power, ends up just being a bunch of individuals who are more interested in being re-elected rather than in the greater good. It's all about power, unfortunately.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Thomas Mihalik - Sun City West Arizona — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:25:51 GMT

Amazing Stuff, Makes me think of the true value of FREEDOM.... In the USA, we lose more and more freedoms all the time; people don't seem to care about that; but I do.

I'm a purple hearted veteran (Wounded In Action - for those that don't know...); and to me it seems really odd that I can carry an automatic weapon for the govvernment; but can't carry a hand gun for personal protection in parts of the Country.

Rules are made by draft dodgers like Bill Clinton; who needed a Presidential Pardon by Carter to run for President....

azmud

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

mubarak sulaimon,Agege,Lagos — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:13:03 GMT

I dont know the reason why some people like to create problem to the nation,Teaching at a private university here in China, I'm not surprised that the students are sheep who follow their government line without question; nor is it surprising the faculty are absolute loyalists of the Communist Party of China, which is a name only. I point out to the precious few students who are open to listening to me in private conversations that China hasn't the foggiest idea of Marx, Marxism or of the who and the what that Karl Marx was. Communism baloney. China remains what it always has been, ie, a dynastic state which is and shall continue to be a nation of sheep. The CPC is another name of yet another dynasty which is a (young and nervous) dynasty in business suits. Tianenmen only demonstrated the fact.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Jim Williams — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:17:20 GMT

This is an interesting debate - but filled with divergent opinions. What comes to mind when I see that photo, is that no government, no matter how oppresive, can sustain it's principles and policies without the backing of, and the will of the people. The tank could have moved forward, and this day would be another example of a "government's" atrocities upon its people. Sometimes, change happens because one person has the courage to say, "no."

This happened in Poland with profound effect. Given where the US is headed, with the aging radical generation now demanding more government ownership and enforcement of societal norms, I fear our nation's future is dependent on a hero of a generation as yet unborn, to stand up and say, "ENOUGH!"

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

R. Daniel-Johnsonkroman — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:40:36 GMT

To Paul: You wrote, "In our country the loony left should take note of what true oppression is and cease trying to create a case that under the Bush administration there had been systematic coercion and subversion of our freedoms. For those people I say study this picture of this brave young man and ask yourself the following question: Would our looney leftists have had the courage to face up to a real, vicious, deadly government that was to slaughter thousands in Tianamen Square ? Somehow I think not?"

You suggest that looney leftists should "cease" questioning the Bush administration's actions. Did these young people in Tiananmen Square in 1989 cease questioning? "Somehow, I think not" - If the People cease questioning and pursuing "freedom, equality, and fraternity," your right to have this website and to state your opinion would cease.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Seattle, WA — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:57:28 GMT

In the spring of 1989, I was a 13-year old American student on a 3-week global studies trip to China. Just a month before the massacre, I stood in Tian An Men square - we saw the troops, talked to the students. It was shocking to see how reticent citizens were to talk about their government or problems in their country. Sadly, it seems very little has changed. The 'communist' argument is a red herring - as others have mentioned, China is only nominally communist. It is a capitalist country with a command and control regime that US citizens cannot fathom. Read the comments from the university professor. Those that view our country as following a path toward socialism needs to talk less and travel more!!

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

W. Pan, NJ — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:27:09 GMT

Those who claim China's recent economic development proved its government's use of force in Tiananman was justified are actually saying that money is more important than human life.

In fact, China was already on track of economic and political reform when Tiananman incident occurred. If the government listened to the students and millions of people who supported them, China would have developed in a faster and healthier pace. Chinese people would be much richer and happier today.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

fries — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:07:03 GMT

PC, Brooklyn, NY: Remember he said they were idealists because that's what they had been taught. Maybe when he was a student they didn't have so many of the campaigns as under Mao, but they must have known about the messages of all the jargon and the political exercises that earlier generations lived through. This time the difference was people, not only students, adopted that populist mentality and style to hold the party to its own ideals. Chinese people were taught year after year that black cat/white cat pragmatism was wrong, they didn't just choose to be sickeningly idealistic on their own.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

fries! — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:12:16 GMT

John, Beijing: "Crackdown is as effective as torture in the case of terrorists." Actually, it looks like crackdowns are even more effective than torture if you compare the result in China to the U.S. I think we have something to learn from China here!

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Matt — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:23:47 GMT

Honestly, I think that Tiananmen has been overshaddowed by lesser moments in history, mainly because it's too strong a story for the everyman to cope with.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Jim F. Witter, Arkansas — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:25:42 GMT

Thinking back on the original event and reading the comments posted above, I am reminded of a two part story which I call Goats on a Bridge. In the 1st part two goats meet in the middle of a narrow bridge and neither will back up to let the other across. Eventually they fight, lock horns, and both fall off to be swept away by the river. In the 2nd version, they meet in the middle and eventually agree to attempting to slip by each other. As they are about to lose their balance and fall, they lock horns and hold each other on the bridge, slip by each other, unlock horns and reach the other side of the river safely.
The obvious question which comes to mind is: which better serves to ensure survival of the human species, conflict or co-operation? In my thinking it is co-operation. Is this idealism, realism, leftism, rightism or just common sense? Can we accept that we have differences, yet still work together to improve our existence. Please at least take the time to think about it. Best Wishes to all, Jim F.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

S Pascal Beran — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 21:50:31 GMT

I was an organizer and activist after the Tian an men square massacre working to help the students escape and to continue protests here. Helping and meeting the students was one of the most amazing and wonderful events that I have ever been through. It was gut renching to experience their pain, but the vision, vitality, and idealism they expressed with such intelligence and insistance was a tidal wave of 'positivity' and hope and love not only for the future of their country, but also for the world.
This event was not just about China, but about the core of humanity- about rights and truths and freedoms. It is wonderful that these people continue to speak about what they came up with together. Do you know they formed their own University of Democracy and taught outside, discussing the history of truth and democracy and freedom until all hours of the night? They were incredibly brilliant students and the brightness of their ideals shown beyond any boundries of culture or nationality. They weren't aiming for regime change per se- but a whole new paradigm, and they were on the verge of succeeding. In my book, the seeds have ever been planted and it is no mistake that the movement they originated will never be forgotten, but has connected deeply to the roots of our collective souls. I believe, as I have been inspired to by them, that it will reemerge again and again getting stronger and wiser each time until...

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

J. Pan — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 02:01:05 GMT

I left China as a young kid shortly after the Tiananmen incident. There was a strong memory in my head that none of the students died except for the military people who were the heroes. This information was engraved into my head with the help of Chinese media and school teachers. Not until 6 years later when my US high school teacher taught me what really happened back in 1989. I clearly remembered how upset I was after being told that many students have died and the military were the bad guys. As a student who didn’t speak much in class, I got very upset at the teacher for making false statements and spoke out to the class, “that’s wrong; none of the student died and this is all a lie!” Until that day, I finally realized that I have been brainwashed while growing up and begin to really understand what true human right really was. As an adult, it makes me laugh whenever I think about it. The fact is there are lies within every government, I still love China till this day and really admire their ability to manage billions of people from 56 different ethnic backgrounds. I believe chaos will occur when things change too fast especially in such a big country, but it still does not give them permission to kill those hot blooded students.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

edward mangan beijing china — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 02:16:07 GMT

I have friends in the Major US media that reported from Tianamen on June 3rd and June 4th. I was there today. So what's this about the media being barred? More western propaganda.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

edward mangan beijing china — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 02:20:31 GMT

I was on Tianamen Square today. Many of these western biased reports are false. Tianamen was filled with families of chinese tourists yesterday as it is almost everyday of the year. It was a beautiful day.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

bull, Longment, colorado — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 03:48:26 GMT

Interesting comparisons:
1> 20 years ago, a few powerful people in the Chinese government ordered army to crush peaceful demonstrations by millions ordinary citizens. At least hundreds were brutally killed. Today, the Chinese government still refuses to let the world know the death toll. No one has been punished for the massacre.

6 years ago, a few powerful people in the US government used made-up 'facts' to invade Iraq that has nothing to do with the 9-11. Thousands of Americans and perhaps much more Iraqis have lost their lives. Today, the US government still refuses to reveal the death toll of Iraqis. No one has been punished for starting the unjustified war.

2> The government controlled schools don't teach students the truth of 6.4. Today, young Chinese know little about what happened in Beijing 20 years ago.

Many people and some schools in the US want to stop teaching evolution. They only want kids to believe the Earth is a few thousand years old and everything is created by a single God.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

JC — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:01:39 GMT

digging up the past and dwelling on the past....

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Jim, Sugar Land,TX — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 19:32:24 GMT

Look at what happened to the soviet union when it broke up. The chinese government had to stop Tianamen at that time or China would have dissolved into chaos and anarchy. In due time it will evolve. Patience is a virtue in this. "Freedom" is generally something that young idealists clamor for. How much freedom? Most people would be happy with a decent living governed by rule of law.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

wc — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 03:00:30 GMT

6/4/89 is an event that had past many years, It was sad that life (both Citizen and soldiers) were lost in Beijing, 6/4 could be marked as the teenage growing pain of China in political reform, right or wrong, history will tell in the near future. However, the important to point out that both the Chinese Government and the Chinese people have learnt from event and had moved forward on the Chinese reform. Now, after 30 years of the reform and changes, one can see China have been transformed from a poor, isolated country in 70s and 80s to the 3rd or 4th world economy body after US, Japan and Germany today. Today, Chinese people are enjoying a much better life and today Chinese is more relax and has as many freedom as anyone in the western world, believe or not. Again there is a lot of room for China to continue to improve. It is sad that western media fail to see this process? The same process had taken US 300 years to achieve. Some media continue to use extreme bias viewpoint to just making political attack. May be, A productive question to ask is for all, What have the government, the students and the media had done right in June 4? what need to be improve for all? How can we work together to form a better SYSTEM for dialog, communication, Thus, to continue to improve to achieve a better free, fair society for all to live. Notice, That is, believe, best interest for the Students, citizens and the Chinese Government. No need to demonize any side.

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

zhao — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 04:36:14 GMT

feel sad about the died of student and youth, but that might be the right price we paid for majority people's better life today in china as a whole.
history will tell....

Tiananmen protester: ‘We were all idealists’

Paul NY NY — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 08:41:38 GMT

I will answer for Adrienne, who works tirelessly to provide excellent communication on what is happening, esp in a country that does not particularly like information being shared. In response to what happened to the man in front of the tanks "The man, calling for an end to the violence against pro-democracy demonstrators, was pulled away by bystanders, and the tanks continued on their way." hopefully this helps and you can concentrate on what has been shared rather than condemn such a hardworking woman because you think she left something out :(