‘The new New York is Beijing’

RR, Washington, DC — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:29:54 GMT

Beijing may indeed be dynamic, but it glaringly lacks the one thing that made New York--and indeed, the United States--what they have been and still are: freedom. Things may seem perfectly fine in today's China--unless, of course, you care about Tibet, or Darfur, or want to practice Falun Gong, and surf the Internet uncensored, etc., etc., etc. I'll still take Manhattan any day!

‘The new New York is Beijing’

jh, nyc — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:30:04 GMT

There's still quite a lot to be excited about right here in New York. Oh, and they let us vote and say what we like, too. That tends to make things much more pleasant. Please don't compare our life here to that of the people in Beijing, just because they now have ziplights and some expensive foreign-designed architecture. Did I forget to say we can breathe the air without getting emphysema?

‘The new New York is Beijing’

Fred Applegate — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:34:14 GMT

WHY,? Beijing? United States of America,There shall we look. Time has changed but looking abroad is not the answer. We as a nation of domanance need at crucial times.What happened to our most innerfeelings of being a strong nation with the most growth in all aspects,exspecially INFOSTRUCTURE! We need to get back to BASICS.13-15% easily not our current2-3% What is wrong with this picture? Has our New Generation lost our ethics completely? REMEMBER, New York is new york! Beijing is Beijing When we look for change look within!, or Move change your cloths,darken your hair, and learn your new language! Sincerly, Disgruntled!

‘The new New York is Beijing’

Aly, Gainesville, Fl — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:50:18 GMT

I was in Beijing last year in the weeks leading up to the Olympics. While it is true that the city is a vibrant, and bustling metropolis (reminds me of Chicago, actually), there are so many issues still to address. There were walls and flowers installed to hide ghettos, there were beggars in the streets with acid burns, missing limbs, malnourished, and hollow eyed. Soldiers were everywhere, in uniform and plainclothes. In Tienamen Square, we were warned of spies for the government, and the very real possibility of detainment for those who spoke of what truly occured there. For those lucky enough to be on their way up, it is a wonderful city, with business, cultural, and historical aspects. However, let us not forget all the problems that are hiding just below the shiny surface.

‘The new New York is Beijing’

Russell, Fairfax, VA — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:07:13 GMT

I think an argument could be made for Shanghai, or even Hong Kong, but not for Beijing.

‘The new New York is Beijing’

Albert Einstein — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:07:14 GMT

If she thinks it is so great, let her make one peice of art that questions the Chinese government. THEN we will see how great Beijing truly is. I doubt it would ge through the censors.

Even this stupid process of writing this message had to deal with a censor. What the hell have we become?

‘The new New York is Beijing’

Terry, Maryland — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:29:18 GMT

New York is finished...it's a has-been city. Have they rebuilt the site where the Twin Towers stood? What about the 'Moynihan' train station? NYC is suffocated by its own liberalism, decadence, egotism and tribal outlook.

‘The new New York is Beijing’

Fat Tony — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:39:30 GMT

Man...the freedom issue aside..RR different places have different norms. If everywhere was like us we would have nothing to appreciate. jh, NYC you said you can breathe air here without getting emphysema but is that really true? I'm sure Beijing is polluted but so is NY. and fred i got a headache trying to make out the spelling and grammer errors although i must say after deciphering your words i still didn't get the point. But to get to my point you can't compare to cities like this that are different as night and day. You can say Beijing is the New York of China that would make more sense to me.

‘The new New York is Beijing’

William Lunkhoff, Wichita, Kansas — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:42:11 GMT

What made New York into a global powerhouse wasn't art or fancy architecture. Those are features that were made possible due to the fact New York became the premier economic center in the world, built first upon trade, financial prowess, and communications.

Want to own a company in Beijing? Sorry, the government there has to own a majority stake. Want to start a news center? Sorry, the government there will censor it more thoroughly than classified CIA reports.

Add to that the noxious smog is so thick you can't see more than a couple blocks in front of you and the people surrounding the cities (who make up the lion's share of China's population), including Beijing, are kept dirt poor and exploited for the enrichment of an urban elite.

It will be a LONG time before comparing Beijing to New York, London, Berling, etc. isn't a fantasy.

‘The new New York is Beijing’

Joe, Dallas, TX — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:18:24 GMT

Why do I remain convinced then that Tianamen Square is entirely different than Times Square?

‘The new New York is Beijing’

David, Clinton, WA — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:22:44 GMT

Well...it seems we are all wallowing in Nationalism.

Let us not forget, in this country, certain religious groups are still murdering people who think women should not be allowed to choose, certain religious groups are still telling us who can marry who, certain religious groups are still working very hard to insure that people that are not exactly like them are not allowed the same rights certain religious groups reserve for themselves.

One in every ten Americans are in prison or jail right now...that's 10% of our population!

We have homeless, wounded, and uncared for people everywhere in this country. True, we don't hide them behind walls and flowers; we just ignore them. We just pretend that we don't even see them. We just dump them from hospital to hospital.

For a nation with a superior moral attitude, we have killed more people at the pointed ends of our ignorance and violence than any nation in the history of man, including Hitler. Really...do the math, check the records.

So, I think we should put away our petty egos and actually work to make real change here...if you think you can stop the certain religious groups' drive to enslave us, or at least celebrate the good fortune of other nations that stand a chance of having a bright future.

‘The new New York is Beijing’

Sam — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:41:38 GMT

After having been to China on business, I can tell you with 100% accuracy that China is NOT a friend of the West. This whole "Beijing is the new New York" is a sham. The Chinese government is drunk on money. They hunger for the benefits of capitalism, but certainly won't allow the freedom or responsibility that should go along with it. They'll do what it takes to attract the cashflow, but believe me, they'll crack down on any kind of expression that doesn't fit with their ideology. Beijing...the Chinese can keep it.

‘The new New York is Beijing’

Bob, LA — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:51:03 GMT

Narrow minded comments and it states that they will only approve "directly related to the blog". Hmmm. Beijing is a fantastic, vibrant, growing city with loads to offer its' residents, visitors, and the world. Yes there are some beggars, you saying NY doesn't have some?? Lol. I saw fewer in one month there than on any one morning heading to work in LA. And not the dangerous crack-head crazy-dude kind like we have here in good ol' USA! Funny you need to point that issue out as if that defines Beijing. I have spent a considerable amount of time in China and not once have I or anyone I know there experienced any lack of freedom. These comments skillfully regurgitate what has been driven into you by media that you blindly follow along with nightly at 6 7 8 9 and 10 o'clock. Enough already with your touchy-feely cries for Falun Gong and the homeless. Propaganda is so cool. ROFL. There are needy people all over the world and if you choose to give to them, fine, that is your right. But those small 1 percenters as I like to call them (special interest groups and bandwagon idealisms for the liberals to desperately cling to) are not the majority of what comprises a city, country, people or race, or government, or world. The majority of people (who are worth their weight in salt) in cities like NY, LA, BJ, are decent people with jobs and families and friends, hobbies and interests... LIVES. This article seems to just be advertising that Beijing is an interesting place that is coming of age, and no idea why someone feels the need to point out walls and flowers covering ghettos and acid burn homeless people. Awesome... as if that is all there is to it, and as if your own cities don't have the same crap. Hilarious. Every major city has problems and great things. This is a pro-Beijing article, it never asked your opinion on emphysma? Surf the internet uncensored? Really? That is what you base the quality and totality of life on? That democracy and freedom at all costs is the sole quantifying value of life? No other set of ideals or government can be right and work for its' own people? Racisists? Mind-numbingly media-blinded about the big bad Communist beast. Lol. Get over yourselves. It's funny that you needed to comment on such an article (positive) about things you probably know very very very little about.

‘The new New York is Beijing’

RJL, Huntsville, Alabama — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:27:26 GMT

I made my first trip to Beijing in 1994, my last in 2008, with several other visits distributed between those years. The change I've witnessed has been truly transformational I think, and I've been completely astounded by the pace of modernization. When I first visited, Beijing was still dark and drab, but the spirit of the people and the surging desire for change and progress could be felt even then. It's amazing to contemplate the infrastructure development and modernization that has occurred within little more than a decade, and I also feel the same sense of cutting edge engagement in the city's people and culture as the author of this story. New York is New York and always will be a very special city, but Beijing is a an up-and-comer and deserving of attention. As for me, I'll be visiting again in the fall and intend to savour and enjoy every moment.

‘The new New York is Beijing’

scott, florence, alabama — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:35:48 GMT

David, sounds like you should move to China since this country is so bad. You won't find all of these certain religious groups trying to enslave you there.

‘The new New York is Beijing’

Mike, Round Rock, Texas — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:41:50 GMT

David, according to Wikipedia, "the United States has the highest documented incarceration rate, and total documented prison population in the world. As of year-end 2007, a record 7.2 million people were behind bars, on probation or on parole. Of the total, 2.3 million were incarcerated." 2.3 million are too many, but much closer to 1% than 10%. I don't mind your comparison, but please be more accurate.

‘The new New York is Beijing’

Sean, Los Angeles — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:46:11 GMT

RR and the other nationalists here: I'd like to think you're right, but then stuff like that incident yesterday in San Diego happens (Congressional challenger's peaceful political rally smashed up by cops who back the incumbent, complete with a hovering helicopter gunship.. apparently in response to a complaint that the candidate spoke too loudly when giving her speech). There's probably somebody in Canada or Australia that can take the moral high ground on this "freedom" thing of which you speak, but not us. Not anymore. Yeah, our country is a lot more "free" than China is and more people in China are deprived of fundamental rights than are in the US, but "marginally freer" or "marginally more democratic" just doesn't hack it when you're trying to make the argument that Beijing is enslaved while we're free, back and white.

Rather than arguing the semantics of "freedom" we should probably be focused on fixing up our own house to the point that semantics aren't the only that that pepple like you can rest your arguments are.

‘The new New York is Beijing’

Albert Einstein — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:47:47 GMT

Hey Bob,
Are you saying that the Chinese Gov is not in total control?
"I have spent a considerable amount of time in China and not once have I or anyone I know there experienced any lack of freedom"

No lack of freedom. Dude, buy a newspaper.

‘The new New York is Beijing’

Weix, HI — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:08:12 GMT

I can only see rumors and lies flying here, arrogance and jealous as well. I see peoples here live in their very own "reality," and dare not open their eyes to find out the truth.

‘The new New York is Beijing’

F. THOMAS CAIN — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:10:49 GMT

BEIJING IS INDEED THE FUTURE, NEW YORK IS THE PAST. NY IS SPIRALING DOWNWARD DUE TO ITS UNSUSTAINABLE COSTS, TAXES AND CRUMBLING INFRASTRUCTURE. NY HA BECOME A FILTHY CRIME RIDDEN CITY THAT HAS MORE WEALTHY AND LONG TIME RESIDENTS LEAVING FOR GREENER PASTURES THAN EVER BEFORE!

‘The new New York is Beijing’

Steve, Seattle — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:21:34 GMT

"Why do I remain convinced then that Tianamen Square is entirely different than Times Square?"

It is different. Tiananmem doesn't have Bubba Gump Shrimp next to Madame Tussaud's next to a crack house. I also felt completely safe walking through it.

‘The new New York is Beijing’

Ron from NJ — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:51:35 GMT

I would love to take a census on the people who comment on china if they have ever even BEEN to China, learned it's history and government policies, really know what they are talking about instead of spouting cries of "Communism!!, Free Rights!" that are written by American journalists who haven't set foot oustide the good ol' USA. Manifest Destiny was 100+ years ago, to think that another country might POSSIBLY have a better city or be the center of world dominate power scares Americans to their very core.

‘The new New York is Beijing’

Kelly, Little Rock, Arkansas — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:52:42 GMT

I recently returned from living in China for 2 years. The people there are the happiest I have ever encountered ANYWHERE in the world. Please don't swallow all the BS that our government is contantly spewing our way.

‘The new New York is Beijing’

Larry , Pomona, CA — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:02:16 GMT

No, 10% of our population is NOT in jail or prison.
No, the US has NOT killed more people than any other country in History.
Where do you get this tripe?

‘The new New York is Beijing’

Bob, Mansfield, Mass. — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:08:52 GMT

When people from all over the world move freely and in vast numbers to Beijing like they have and still do to places like New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Rome, then you call Beijing the new New York. That's still a long way off.

‘The new New York is Beijing’

Chris — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:22:19 GMT

I lived in Beijing for several years. The place is a dump. Lots of people, sure, but a dump.

‘The new New York is Beijing’

Don Wrap — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:26:22 GMT

Great - the west has coddled and educated the next generation of its competitors, exemplified by the Chinese immigrants who are going back having been nurtured on our dime. NY still rules the world, but we will have to fight hard to keep ahead.

‘The new New York is Beijing’

TDH, Ab, Cda — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:49:28 GMT

Hey "David in Clinton",

A quick google and I've checked the math. I think your sweeping comment about Americans causing more death than any nation is history, is incorrect. A quick google and here you go:
http://users.erols.com/mwhite28/warstat0.htm#20worst

‘The new New York is Beijing’

john doe, melbourne, australia — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:20:03 GMT

it's about time china had their day. the u.s. is falling apart and they're soon going to have to start being subservient to the chinese.

‘The new New York is Beijing’

Dan, Beijing — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:01:23 GMT

Author is right on.

I've been living in Beijing for 4 years. The comments here represent all phases one goes through as they visit or spend some time here. But in the last four months, I've seen what the author is talking about. It's definitely a visceral thing that can't be realized from looking at the "look at me" architecture or simply visiting some galleries at 798. It's come from spending time with friends who are connected to various movements like the electronic music scene or a friend whose exporting 70s era Chinese shoes to France as a new fashion trend. In other words, China is on the brink of saying "hey, we aren't copying anymore...this is our culture with all it's quirks and funkiness". The epicenter of this for China is Beijing. Shanghai, despite it's vibrancy as an international city is devoid of these unique culture movements - they just copy of NYC / HK.

Where I think some of the critical comments are coming from is a myopic / NY-centric view of what culture. Yes, China has some crappy issues with free expression but in a way, this movement is favorably colored by these constraints.

‘The new New York is Beijing’

Cam, Boise, — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:37:36 GMT

I googled "tank man" in Beijing last month. Guess what? I saw plenty of pictures. Censorship happens, but it's not as bad as you think. Open your mind, before you open you mouth people!

‘The new New York is Beijing’

Ahmed Kazikian — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:50:03 GMT

So, we have to choose between Beijing and New York then? No other great cities on Earth? No Moscow, Dubai, Mumbai, Rio, Istanbul? No Paris, London, Madrid, Rome? No Chicago, Toronto? Really?
Since when do we have to make a choice? Travel and enjoy all the world has to offer.

‘The new New York is Beijing’

Robert Goodwynn — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:59:49 GMT

Without freedom, Beijing will never be the next New York.

‘The new New York is Beijing’

Keith (NY) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 02:06:16 GMT

Nobody is going to Beijing when compared to Rome, London, Tokyo, New York. The vast majority of tourists in Beijing/Shanghai are Chinese (Cantonese and Taiwanese are the biggest "foreign" tourists). And that won't change as long freedom can't ring there. You can just feel the lack of freedom in that city. Freedom can never be left out of any discussion of a great city. It's like lacking water or oxygen. All this "China is the next America" is a joke. No offense to Chinese people but their leaders are closer to Mao, Stalin, Castro than they are to Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln. A Barack Obama could never happen in China. Go to China and you will not be impressed with a ton of things is the honest truth. They've even bulldozed over a lot of their cool old neighborhoods and put in malls and crappy stuff like that. They actually went out of their way to hide or bull doze the coolest thing about Beijing...cool neighborhoods you could never see anywhere but China. If they ever embrace freedom? Look out cause they'd shine for 3 straight centuries at least.

‘The new New York is Beijing’

Michael, Melbourne — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 02:12:26 GMT

David, one out of ten Americans are not in prison. The figure is more like one in one hundred. Now, 1% is nothing to brag about, but it is a far cry from the 10% that you are quoting. So please, "do the math and check the records".

‘The new New York is Beijing’

Jeff, Houston, TX — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 03:10:12 GMT

Really, David, 30 million Americans are in prison right now? While your 10% figure may be true of African-American males - and if so this is truly an unacceptable number - do you really believe that 10% of the US population is currently behind bars? If so, please please please cite your sources or stop filling legitimate discussion forums with your nonsense.

‘The new New York is Beijing’

Occam's Tool — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 03:14:49 GMT

Sorry, sucker, US is best. Cheapest to live, easiest to work, most open to new ideas, and not about to suffer a catastrophic demographic crash (remember the one-child laws? They're about to bite with a vengeance.)

‘The new New York is Beijing’

lol rofl — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 03:16:39 GMT

i agree with that dude Bob up there^

‘The new New York is Beijing’

Jeff, Houston, TX — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 03:22:00 GMT

The US is certainly not perfect, but the China apologists on this board apparently do not see the big picture. These individuals who levy thinly veiled attacks on admittedly conservative institutions in this country like the Catholic Church and Orthodox Judaisim - calling them murderers no less due to the actions of a handful of lunatic fringe individuals - will in the same post defend the overarchingly oppressive government of Communist China? Probably the same individuals who have vowed to never spend money in "oppressive" places like Texas or Georgia. Please, by all means go live in "vibrant" Beijing. Just be sure to step over your unavoidable hypocracy as you walk out the door.

‘The new New York is Beijing’

Paddy Allan, Beijing, China — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:05:33 GMT

I have lived in Beijing since 1992 and have seen lots of changes. And I mean lots. It is a great place to live. Of course, home is always home (USA), but for a second home, this is nice. PS: most Chinese people I meet (I speak Chinese) support the government, at least they do for now.

‘The new New York is Beijing’

randy gonzales ,santa ana california — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:37:31 GMT

if you went every whare that was perfect you go no whare .for nowhare is perfect. every people have thier ways all contries are not the same. it might be great if you were white and they stoled someones native land. thats on you .life is only what you make of it .if your scared or strong ,thats you .sometimes we got to try something new .look over the fence ,climb the other mountain to see whats over the fence .not care of the type o's.i love the orient and all of asia the weman are beatiful and the wise men are verry wise .they like to fight and our a strong people.i would love to one day visit sush a beautiful land .it's the adventurer .you can die here there any whare it's the chance of life being clever and linin to the fullest.ones neeeds to be wise to truelly travel not just fortunate.i live here in the us i am in charge of nothing but my vote .what douse that count when wallstreets on hand outs by the goverment .the rish get risher and poor sometimes get rish .the rish when die people care more about the will they leave behind when the poor die the love he has shows in his family he leaves behind .wealth is for the poor of heart ,judgemment and mind .being your self in any inviroment and working for your dailly pay that is the backbone of any cuntry.it's the cuntry's desire to do as it will .only time will tell if it fails or re emerges .you can be great but if expect everyone to be great ,you be ignorant .if someone is dirty clean him up or walk away .that is your choice .but do not mock a strong nation when yours is in a shambles . to mack a cuntry that lends you money to talk shit on friend that loans you money .when will we learn .yes you can speak freely ,but to those that are ambasadors a fool speach is that it's like a adolf hittler speach .free to curropted the world on idealogical beleafs .china i know is old ,strong and wise and ready for the future.we should all be better friends with sush a strong power.

‘The new New York is Beijing’

Professor, Denver, Colorado — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 04:40:00 GMT

My only American born daughter, four years old, lives in Beijing currently, but is bi-hemispherical. As her father, I would not allow this if Beijing were not a safe, wonderful, cultural, city.

‘The new New York is Beijing’

JT, Beijing — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:23:31 GMT

I am a NewYorker living in Beijing for the past 4 years. Watching the election coverage out of Iran, I can't help but wonder how Iranians have access to YouTube, Twitter, CNN and BBC and I dont???? Beijing is the new NewYork? Sounds flashy but if repressing freedom is what NY signifies then I have no idea what the Statue of Liberty stands for.

‘The new New York is Beijing’

Dr. Interfool, Somewhere in the Milky way on a nearly destroyed planet — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 06:40:05 GMT

Bigger picture, folks. It's just a tiny planet we live on near the edge of a small backwater galaxy. NY, Bejing, they are just places where over-evolved monkeys strive to make their meaningless lives matter. OMG, making a big deal about wine and cuisine. Don't we have bigger fish to fry like global hunger and wars and the destruction of our shared environment?
The day we all drop national boundaries and learn to live together and stop destroying our only home (our shared planet) is the day when the human race will become worth saving...

‘The new New York is Beijing’

RT, Mequon WE — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:51:20 GMT

The Chinese cities have momentum , following
the Japanese, and the Indian cities
in energy All this is
part of the Asian dynamic which General Motors
might now be catching on to, but
Americans are blithely unaware of.
Get ready for more surprises.
Tawian will be part of the mainland
as repayment for US debt.

‘The new New York is Beijing’

Paul Revere, Boston, MA — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:10:22 GMT

I live and work in China. Can't really agree with the author. I am prohibited from owning an American made motorcycle here. Harley's have a 100% import tariff so a $8,000 Sportster sells for $16,000. There is no such thing as American art where I am....plenty of Chinese art however and Chinese culture exhibits. Prohibited from driving a car or getting a Chinese Drivers License. Prohibited from buying American food. Breathing filthy air most of the time. Don't even think about drinking the water. Prohibited from accessing several internet sites like youtube.com and others showing videos of a free world. Prohibited from opening my American Restaurant without the Chinese Government owning 50% and imposing a 100% tariff on imported American food. Very rare where I live to find a Western toilet. Porcelain holes in the ground so get used to squatting. 99.9% don't speak English but the good news is I haven't met anyone who speaks Spanish. The human waste fertilizes the crops year round. Summertime in Asia? Oh yeah...you'll remember the smell. The people are very interesting and we get along with most of them. They have a strong sense of national pride but some really despise the fact that we are the 'overpaid' Americans working just for the money and tax breaks. Ya think? Not sure about all this article has to say but Beijing being the new New York City is about as accurate as my math without a calculator. I will emphasize that every city is different and every province a little different in the way they do business but I have been to and visited Beijing and simply disagree with the author. Want the facts? Talk to an ExPat.

‘The new New York is Beijing’

John Doe, seattle, wash — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:45:48 GMT

oh yes, the US is the source of all things free -- just try to speak out against the IRS and see how 'free' you really are. Get rid of the foreign bankers (aka, Federal Reserve) and maybe your elected officials will be able to represent you again.

‘The new New York is Beijing’

Kevin, New York — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:57:35 GMT

1) Given its size (and yes, I mean given its size) New York is actually pretty clean. It's nothing next to Beijing's smog

2) Yes, America has problems. No one denies that nothing can be perfect, and there can never be perfect freedom. But, the difference is that we are working toward perfect freedom with our ideal that we should, everyday, come closer to achieving it. Is it a struggle? Yes, with different ideas as to how freedom should be achieved and how we define "freedom," it's not an easy path. But at least we know that our government comprises of representatives of people, where everybody gets a vote (and yes, I know that there are still barriers to voting rights - but look at all the barriers we have conquered, and are conquering, and will conquer). We are moving forward.

Beijing, on the other hand, is moving backwards - a government crackdown daily.

‘The new New York is Beijing’

Lee, Japan — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:25:57 GMT

I used to live in Beijing, I'll tell you one thing it has that New York doesn't: 500 API days. Yep, that's 500 on the air pollution index. That is hazardous even to the completely healthy. In Beijing the API RARELY gets below 100 (which is still hazardous to people with conditions, the old, and the very young).

‘The new New York is Beijing’

lila twilight St Pete FL — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:25:32 GMT

I would suggest that everyone look at where you live. Anyone can twist words on anything to what they want it to be. I would suggest if one thinks Beijing is so great,without oppression ,why don't you go live there and then I would like to hear your views. I still think whatever problems(which is a fact of life) we have here and everywhere this is still the greatest place on earth to be. Just ask someone that has come from a communist government, it's really awesome to listen to. Let's just say that Beijing is becoming a greater city than it was, nice place to visit just wouldn't want to live there.
Lila T

‘The new New York is Beijing’

michael, california — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:45:12 GMT

The problem really isn't with the Chinese people. The problem is that there's 1.3 billion of them and they want what we have, and we'll use any excuse we can find to deny them.

The sheer size of China makes it unlovable. It has the power to take over the world, and since we (as Westerners) currently control the world, that makes China a nation to hate and fear. It wouldn't make the slightest difference whether they take over with money or take over with guns. They are taking over and there's nothing we can do to stop them and we know it and it makes us furious.

It's true that it is hypocritical to condemn countries like China and Iran while accepting the actions of the United States and Israel, but the world's not fair, and until very recently it was unfair in our favor. And we liked it that way.

‘The new New York is Beijing’

Mike Chan — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:33:56 GMT

All Chinese success are overshadowed by thier brutal actions in Tibet. Freedom and Democracy are the halls marks of a successful society

‘The new New York is Beijing’

Jeffrey Imm, Washington DC — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:29:28 GMT

Here's another comment of mine that the NBC censors won't post: July 1, 2009: "Chinese Pastor And Wife Sentenced To One Year Labor Camp" - for "engaging in illegal religious activities"
http://www.bosnewslife.com/8132-news-alert-chinese-pastor-and-wife-sentenced-to-one-year-labor-camp

Proud of yourself, NBC censors? Since such comments aren't "fit" for NBC's website, don't you wonder what is next? When you are unwilling to stand up for freedom, don't you wonder when eventually it will be YOU that is censored?

Oh that's right, you already are - in Beijing - you know, the "new New York"....