Behind the scenes at the '17 Big' ... sort of

Don Cartwright, Indianapolis, IN — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 14:59:51 GMT

I just returned from 6 weeks in China, (Chongqing) and found it at least as open as the U.S. In many ways the polititians are MORE open than the U.S. How close can you get to the President of the U.S.?? In fact, I am considering moving to China.... They say what they mean, and DO what they say!

Behind the scenes at the '17 Big' ... sort of

brian watts waco,tx — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 15:15:35 GMT

gee, a communist dictatioship with chinese characteristics is still a chinese communist dictatorship. wonder if their was any lead paint on the walls! go dalai lama & free tibet!

Behind the scenes at the '17 Big' ... sort of

AUNT MILLIE — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 18:13:02 GMT

many Americans died fighting being told that communism was evil, which it is.So tell me how we should label those who side with these evils whether it be politicians or corporations. I will tell you, TRAITORS. Nuremburg type tribunals are in order to cull out these traitors and their cronies.

Behind the scenes at the '17 Big' ... sort of

Anita C. Lee, Albuquerque, NM — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 02:16:47 GMT

Adrienne, this report takes me back to my time in China in the early 80's. I laughed out loud at the "mei you" memories. Along with that we often heard the phrase "the man with the key is in Shanghai" when we wanted to purchase something in one of the glass cases in the shops. Thanks for the memory jog.

Behind the scenes at the '17 Big' ... sort of

Dean A. Nash, ShenZhen, China — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 03:01:43 GMT

"...there was one notable change this time."

China is changing every day, becoming freer and more open. Don't be surprised, those of us who have lived here for some significant time (or have visited numerous times over a similar period of time) can easily attest to the great progress China has made, not just on human rights, but in all areas of her development.

As for the reference of a 'unanimous' vote, perhaps my perspective can help to broaden other Westerners understanding of just how that is possible (besides the fact that China isn't a Democracy.)

During my more than five years here, I still don't know of a single Chinese who disagrees with the direction that the country is moving. Many will disagree with the pace (too fast, too slow, etc...), but there really is near total agreement that the country is on the right path.

And by the way, if that path had a name, it would be greater personal freedom.

Behind the scenes at the '17 Big' ... sort of

William J. Pink — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 03:35:48 GMT

Anyone walking the streets of China will see religion practiced openly. So what if it isn't Christian. China is a Monocracy where the people actually rule by their actions or non-actions. If a decision is good the people carry it out without hesitation. If a decision is bad no one complies. The spectacle has a Western flavor and probably is more self-assuring for the delegates themselves then the people they represent. If the US does not spoil the party at the Olympics in 2008, the world will stand with its mouth open and in ah. One who has been there.

Behind the scenes at the '17 Big' ... sort of

William Pearson — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 07:29:48 GMT

Hurray for the new principle of free speach! and the modernized version of democracy!

"You can only be heard if we approve your singing our song"!

Behind the scenes at the '17 Big' ... sort of

Liu Qun Li, Nanchang, Jiangxi provonce — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 08:16:35 GMT

It is a new epoch for China. It will only take another 25 years to terminate China's cold hungry age!!

Behind the scenes at the '17 Big' ... sort of

Marie Davenport, FL — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 10:40:53 GMT

Does anyone have a clue as to what business the delegates acted on at this staged conference meeting?
There must be a special in-house cabinet/committee that discusses and makes decisions that the body politic rubber stamps. After all, this is communist China and they don't operate in the open like
we do. They know what they know and don't you wish we knew, too? Doesn't seem like anything knew was learned. Wasted trip? Good propaganda? Great photo ops? Youn bet. Expensive? Wanna bet?

Behind the scenes at the '17 Big' ... sort of

Kent Brown , Titusville, Florida — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 11:10:45 GMT

I believe that the Chinese are still our enemies. Their record for gestapo treatment of political and religious leaders not approved by the communist party is evidence enough. Their control of major global manufacturing markets will have major negitive impact on USA's middle class. Why did we sell the store to them? At every turm they are somewhere behind our enemies. The friends of our enemies are our enemies.

Behind the scenes at the '17 Big' ... sort of

Wang Da Fu — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 13:02:47 GMT

Thanks, after being in China for 6 years, just in time to be witness to two of these extravaganza's, I find them quite amusing, and as many that know about them, also do not know about them and couldn't care less. The Chinese people in general find no relevance to these meetings and their daily lives. I could agree, so life will continue with Socialism with Chinese characteristics, Communism with Chinese characteristics, Capitalism with Chinese characteristics, and most unfortunately the upcoming Olympics with Chinese characteristics.

Behind the scenes at the '17 Big' ... sort of

mircea volo , colleyville tx — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 14:46:12 GMT

it use to be like this in Romania too. Days after the last Communist congress the president was shot and the cage was opened . The same will happen in China sooner or later.

Behind the scenes at the '17 Big' ... sort of

J.D — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 15:23:07 GMT

Gee, Most of the people in Tibet and well-educated people will not understand what you are talking about, an ignorant dude from Texas.

Behind the scenes at the '17 Big' ... sort of

Gary G — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 15:24:44 GMT

I see some comments from folks that spent time in China. I also spent 4 years over there working and living. They are people just like us, wanting to provide for their families. I know many Chinese "Christians" that worship openly. Their daily lives are pretty much the same as here in America. The culture is a little different, but for the most part life goes on as usual. Forget the governments and look at the people.

Behind the scenes at the '17 Big' ... sort of

adam — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 15:32:33 GMT

USA is a democracy? Just what weed are you smoking? There is nothing democratic about the Bush-Cheney Admin. Illegal wiretapping, suspension of habeas corpus, torture, imprisonment without due process, gerrymandering electoral districts, taking the nation to war on lies (is there a bigger issue than War and peace for a sovereign nation ?) , corruption, cronyism. Evidently, there are still around 24% of Americans who support this lawless, lying Bush admin, who would have thought neanderthals are still alive and well.

Behind the scenes at the '17 Big' ... sort of

Corneliu, Salem, OR — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 15:34:12 GMT

How stupid of these people that see in China a real change. Only one who lived under the oppresive communist rule know the reality. There can be no human rightsunless there is real freedom in everything, including freedom of speech, of relifion, of movement, freedom to assamble, and freedom to exprees yourself even against the ruling party. I know. I lived most of my life in Romania under communism. China has a long way to go. It is too bad that they take advantage of us (USA) and run such a big trade deficit.

Behind the scenes at the '17 Big' ... sort of

Jerry Bentrum — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 15:34:13 GMT

My oh my how soon we forget the atrocities. Human rights, Tainted toys, so what if the delegates dress in loud off colored clothing. China is still China. A Communist country in every fashion of the word. Should the world simply play dumb and talk about how "fun" it was to attend this stage play?

Behind the scenes at the '17 Big' ... sort of

Ranger hall — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 15:41:48 GMT

Chinas Politicians are no different from ours, Ours stage most of there meetings and only show us what they want. Most of there Deals are behind closed Doors. We only hear what they want us to Hear.
And China is not a Country to Threaten, We found this out in Korea. And OUR bright Politicians and Generals got a lot of Americans Killed and Maimed,, Dam does this sound like whats going on NOW.

Behind the scenes at the '17 Big' ... sort of

Ranger Hall — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 15:47:37 GMT

Well so much for COMMUNISM, I understand that OUR Brains in IRAQ want to start GOVERMENT OWNED Companys so people can have Jobs. Are we teaching them Democracy. ???? ONLY as our Brains say its Democracy.

Behind the scenes at the '17 Big' ... sort of

fred allison, corona, ca — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 15:48:55 GMT

Yaddi, Yaddi, Yaddi....And the band played on. What a farce. The above comments that congratulate the "growing freedom" here are living in in a fool's paradise. This is the gang that keeps in power the mass murderer general of Burma, the initiator of genocide and exporter of terrorist nukes in North Korea, the little hitler of Teheran...and on and on....not to mention their own gulags.....this is a horrible government where there is NO freedom. PERIOD. Move there if you want....just stay.

Behind the scenes at the '17 Big' ... sort of

vicki spleas milwaukee wisconsin — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 15:59:39 GMT

why are americans running to china. they are going there because of the all mighty dollar. farmers getting paid $5 a day to be in a movie. forshame.

Behind the scenes at the '17 Big' ... sort of

Jim Davis, Tulsa, Oklahoma — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 16:06:14 GMT

It's sad that the USA land of freedom has so many of it's own people in prison for idealogical differences- that we must look at China to sooth our own guilt about our blood stained political system- our people need these distractions to forget how betrayed we are.

Behind the scenes at the '17 Big' ... sort of

Let Freedom Ring — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 16:06:25 GMT

People in China still aren't free. They monitor what they see on TV they are not allowed "western movies" Did you see the Lisa Ling special on China how she snuck in with doctors to get a look at the real life in China. If your family is not part of the political party, they are very poor and not taken care of. They bless their leader and thank him for everything and he is the one sufficating them. People are not free in speech cannot own a computor.There are a few who have protested, some have petitioned the government; but they never win, and some have been physically scarred in the process such as one man featured on the tape who is covered in burn scars. The man held a sign that said Human Rights were more important than life.how can people say they want to live there! I say people like you Don Cartwright go ahead move over there, let's see how long you will last. You open your mouth to say your opion yuo will be sent to a prison camp or could be killed for talking bad about the gov.
Maybe there is something the Chinese can teach Americans RESPECT! People in this country seem to have lost it for good.